‘Unplugged’ concert aims to raise money for mental health causes

SOME of the Island’s top guitarists and songwriters will be aiming to raise money for two Manx mental health causes early in the new year.

Unplugged: A Celebration of the Acoustic Guitar and Other Instruments is the name of a concert which will take place at the Erin Arts Centre, Victoria Square, Port Erin, Isle of Man, on Saturday, February 22 2014 starting at 7.30pm.

It will feature the talents of singer/songwriters and guitarists Matt Creer and Chris Gray as well as roots musician Pete Woodman and guitar tutor – and concert organiser – John Gregory.

There will also be special guests including harmonica player Tim Cass.

Tickets are £10 and money raised will go towards a guitar tuition group John will be running for people who have mental health problems plus Manx mental health charity the Service Users’ Network.

Music fans can expect a mixture of music styles while Chris and Matt will be performing sets containing their own songs.

John said: “This will be a very special concert in a wonderful venue. It follows on from two previous concerts which I held at the Centenary Centre in Peel in 2009 and 2011 called RADIUS, Raising Awareness of Depressive Illness and Uniting Against Stigma. I am glad Chris, Matt, Pete and Tim – among others – have agreed to perform as they are all excellent at what they do.

”Tickets to the concert would make a wonderful Christmas present for guitar players and music lovers.”

Tickets are available by ringing John on 204320 or by emailing him at bluejohnmedia@hotmail.co.uk  They are also available to book online at www.etickets.im/jg

The guitar tuition group the concert will raise funds for will take place at the Archibald Knox pub meeting room, Onchan, every Tuesday, from 4pm to 5pm, starting on Tuesday, January 14. There will be a suggested donation of £2 for people attending. Anyone who wants further information can contact John on the above phone number and email address.

The Service Users’ Network was set up in 2001 and is run by and for users of the Mental Health Service. It was registered as a Manx charity in 2002. For more details about the charity visit www.manxsun.im

Unplugged concert poster