My Arts Journey #13pForTheArts

When I was a young single mum living in a small house, struggling to hold down a job and make ends meet, the Arts believed in me and gave me a chance.  A job, a life, non-judgmental colleagues and a new view on what NI is about.  Now I believe in myself, my ability, that my opinion is valid, that I am valued, important, creative and trustworthy. Is this worth 13p?  

Starting out as a shy person with no confidence in my ability, I have managed an Arts Centre, worked on nine Festivals in various guises, managed three theatre companies, produced 2 theatre shows, rehearsed readings and a musical.  I am a Chairperson of a company, Director of a charity, have a Full Time job and 2 Part Time jobs.  The belief the Arts had in me made me able to do this. Is this worth 13p?

My kids are open minded, confident, integrated and able to hold their own in adult conversations. They are liberal without being judgmental of traditional viewpoints. They are understanding, balanced and will defend those who are deemed different, weak, alone or difficult.  They do not see colour, gender, ability, sex or difference. They see people.  If they had grown up without the impact of the Arts on their characters, they would not be like this. Is this worth 13p?

Suffering from Post Natal depression and suicidal, I saw a show which made me rethink my journey, my past, my importance, my reasons to live.  I did not take an overdose. Is this worth 13p?

The Arts is not just about jobs, events, tourism, entertainment and education. It's about what makes us people - our well-being, creativity and ability to innovate; our mental health, opinions and ability to understand others; our enthusiasm, our want to learn and our sense of pride.  Please don't be short sighted.

Sign the petition here to support the #13pForTheArts campaign.
https://www.change.org/p/northern-ireland-executive-no-more-cuts-to-the-arts         

Tom Doughty at the Black Box 30 October at 8pm

Fresh from gigs at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank and the Liverpool Music Festival, Tom Doughty is performing a one off gig in Belfast to raise money for Arts Care, before playing the International Guitar Festival of Great Britain. 

In a world where music and musicians are rigorously categorised for marketing purposes, Tom Doughty presents a challenge... 

How do you pigeonhole someone who has played, studied and shared stages with US blues guitar master Woody Mann; Australian classical guitar maestro Craig Ogden; Indian slide guitar genius Debashish Bhattacharya; and UK pedal steel King BJ Cole?

A solo artist, half a duo, with a band or indeed as 2014 saw in Qatar Opera House, a soloist in a unique orchestra, Tom ignores boundaries.

A performance by Tom Doughty seamlessly blends all these influences with his own improvisational style to create a unique experience for the listener. A 1920s blues classic might be followed by a new take on a Marvin Gaye number; a hauntingly evocative original instrumental gives way to Cole Porter, the Beatles, or Randy Newman. An instantly recognisable slide guitar style, passionate vocals and a relaxed, wryly humorous line in stage patter take the audience on a unique musical journey, echoing the diversity of the family record collection that made such an impression on the young Doughty.

“Just the right amount of laidbackness” – John Renbourn

A self taught guitarist from the age of seven, Tom Doughty had literally to reinvent a way to play guitar after a serious injury in 1974 left him with limited use of his hands. Frustrated at hearing music in his mind which he could not physically produce on his instrument, Tom’s tenacity and creativity helped him discover a route back to being a musician. His sensitivity of touch allows him to pull every ounce of emotion from the instrument, as if he has somehow become one with the guitar.

“Tom Doughty is possessed of a deep musical soul” – Bob Brozman

With numerous radio and TV appearances and four critically acclaimed CDs to his name, Tom’s reputation as a musician, singer, songwriter, teacher, writer and workshop leader is international. He performs regularly in the UK and Europe at clubs, concert halls and festivals, and has toured the USA and Canada and the middle East.

“Possesses a level of communication with his audience that is by no means limited to his guitar playing... it feels like a large collection of friends have called round to Tom’s place for a chat and some songs” – Review, Acoustic magazine

So forget preconceptions and put labels and marketing hype aside; Tom Doughty plays and sings real, organic music that comes from the soul.

30th October at 8pm, Black Box Belfast
Tickets for the event can be purchased online by clicking HERE.

All proceeds to Arts Care. Please consider making a small contribution to this worthwhile charity.
To make a donation and for more information, please see:
https://www.justgiving.com/slideguitarworkshop