Major Music Project & Dave Hosts…

Images: The sweet flees
Taken by Luca Ryland aged 7

This time last week I was getting ready to teach my usual Thursday classes at Colchester Institute before heading to the Waiting Room.

My students were about to set up and play two nights of live music as part of their Major Music Project at the college. Those taking part in the Extended Diploma in Music and are charged with task of putting on an event which they organise and run by themselves. Whilst this project can often result in panic, frustration and ultimately another night of covers ‘down the pub’, this time it was different.

When I arrived, my students were already there and milling around enjoying the laid back and welcoming atmosphere of the place. To be greeted with the phrase ‘…this place looks well alright…’ is praise indeed. I agree with the guys.

The Waiting Room is more than ‘well alright’ It provided a great outlet for live music, that really focused (at least my) attention on the creative spirit and hard work of the young musicians in creating and performing the music. It is open and honest as a place, without any of the uncomfortable try hard and contrived hipness that many London venues of this nature love to intimidate and confuse you with.

The Thursday gig was great. The people that came to hear it really listened to the bands and were treated to some subtle and original music making. What more do you want for an entry fee of £0? Friday was a different feel entirely and by the time that the place filled up by about 9pm, people were straight up getting into it. Dave Hosts played great music and again was about as accommodating and friendly as you would want from anybody really. By the time the last band and finished blowing out the PA (true story) he lit the touch paper with some Booker T and that was that.

I left thinking how good it is to have people that want to come together in this way and can then be bothered to do so (rare). Not much standing around and looking at your phone here. If you want a good night out in Colchester but don’t know what to do look no further. If you are the type of person that loves to dance but either feels too awkward or can’t find the right playlist.

I will see you there in the near future!