Here's a throwback to CYA's very own gig LAST YEAR!
Last year (30th March 2019) CYA hosted our very own gig. The CYA Gig was created as a part pf our #CYASaturdays campaign that challenges the statistic that 1 in 3 young disabled people spend less than an hour outside on a Saturday.
The team decided to explore what barriers were holding people with disabilities and additional needs back from going to gigs and concerts.
We realised that there were a few factors that prevented people with disabilities from feeling included in events like gigs. After feeling inspired to create a gig that was both accessible and enjoyable to EVERYONE the CYA team set about making some big pans and set about looking at what we could do differently to create an environment where everyone could enjoy their time equally.
we looked at the problems some people faced and issues such as: wheelchair access, fear of the unknown, large crowds and high volumes as well as difficulties finding a quieter area quickly if anyone felt overwhelmed.
After months of planning the team had everything needed to create the perfect gig: Location, performers and not forgetting two great MCs to get everyone in the party spirit!
Our gig took place at The Tin - a local music and arts venue.
Our gig was hosted by our very own double act - Rishard and Richard, who spoke with the crowd about the purpose of our event and the plan to give the audience an idea of what to expect throughout the evening.
Rishard and Richard keeping the audience entertained!
Some of the CYA team wore our trademark yellow t-shirts and were around to offer support and reassurance to anyone who may be feeling unsure or anxious at any point during the event.
Trademark Yellow!
Our event hosted 3 acts who were all equally as passionate about what we wanted to achieve with our gig as we were.
Our acts all donated their time for free. Here was our brilliant line up:
Our very own Lily Hayes...
Lily sang some of their own original songs as well as a beautiful cover - they made the CYA team incredibly proud!
The Duck Thieves...
The Duck Thieves are a Coventry based band. Their crazy on (and off) stage antics never fail to get a crowd going with crazy outfits and extremely energetic dancing. The Duck Thieves write music about life experiences and hitting back at negativity within society - they performed one of CYA's personal favourites "Why Should I Look Like Everybody Else?".
Izeidi Izeidi...
Izeidi Izeidi are a brother and sister act who grew up in Coventry, they write and perform Alternative R&B and Soul music.
CYA and everyone involved were amazed by the success of the event which, after lots of sharing online and help from our supporters became a complete SELL OUT with over 100 people joining us for the night.
Don't mess with our door staff!
The event ended with some of the audience (including CYA) joining the artists on stage for one big singalong finale!
Finale Finish!
After the event the team reflected on the success of the event as well as some lovely feedback from we received from people that came along. CYA members said that they "loved the diversity of the audience and how everyone was involved". Another member said "It was amazing - I got to the front in my chair". An audience also mentioned that she loved seeing her son being able to go to an event like this "Just like any other 14 year old"
We're extremely thankful for all of those who supported us and came along to make our gig not just a success but a memory that a lot of us will treasure.
Until next time... Cya!
Written by Joey on behalf of the CYA team.
Links to featured Artists:
The Tin:
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