Live Music Now Scotland, the organisation that enables the power of live music to reach people at the heart of communities, presents an exciting programme of concerts in partnership with Edinburgh community health initiative, Health All Round.
Live Music Now Scotland Director Carol Main MBE says “Live Music Now Scotland musicians are used to playing in unusual venues, but this is the first time in the organisation’s history that they have performed on a canal boat!”
“As a music charity committed to opening up the health and social benefits of live music, especially for those who would otherwise not have access to such opportunity, Live Music Now Scotland performances prove time after time that music decreases anxiety, brings positive wellbeing and enhances mood. We are delighted to team up with the Edinburgh community group Health All Round and the barge All Aboard for this new project which not only brings live music to the canal community but gives fairly paid performing opportunities to the best of Scotland’s up and coming traditional talent.
“Evidence shows that people with poorer health, people from areas of economic deprivation and older people, have less opportunity and are less likely to access greenspace than those who do not have health conditions and those who are financially secure,” says Pete McDougall, Go For Green Co-ordinator at Health All Round. “This partnership with Live Music Now Scotland enables Health All Round to work with people suffering loneliness and social isolation in a new and exciting way which is proving very appealing to our service users.”
The community canal boat All Aboard, a space that aims to nurture community cohesion and wellbeing, is moored at the Polwarth Pontoon, on the Union Canal. The custom-built boat was purchased and launched last year by social innovation charity People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church. The barge is intended to serve as a safe space in which to explore the canal, find new experiences and socialise, while surrounded by nature.
The following community concerts will take place on All Aboard over the summer:
Mon 1st Aug Megan MacDonald and Calum McIlroy – accordion and guitar duo
Mon 8th Aug Siannie Moodie – clarsach player
Mon 22nd Aug Penny James and Matt Tighe – fiddle duo
Mon 29th Aug Sally Simpson and Catriona Hawksworth – fiddle and piano duo
Mon 19th Sep Roo & Neil – fiddle and accordion duo
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 