Friday 6 July 2012

The Art-tree Foundation festival


Everyone loves a festival.
So on Saturday 30th June 2012, The Art-tree Foundation, in collaboration with local band Analogue Haze, organised a day of music, drink, and festivities. With the aim of creating links with local musicians, raising awareness, and raising some funds, the day and evening was a huge success.
Art-tree Foundation director Melissa Fielding kicked off the evening with an acoustic set, and was joined for a few songs by her brother Simon, who accompanied her on drums.
Following, were Derbyshire based band My Menagerie, including Art-tree’s own Simon Fielding, graphic designer Ryan Benniston, and fellow band members Holly White and Josh Rogers. The band entertained us with their own material, encompassing a vast array of instruments, which included the ukelele, melodica, and banjo. 
MOCHA followed My Menagerie, bringing up the beat with some great rock classics, and getting the crowd singing and dancing. 
Afterwards, Spartan 5 took to the stage and entertained the crowd with their soulful and lively set.
Finally, it was time for Analogue Haze, who turned the event up a few notches with their array of 80s covers, including Spandau Ballet’s ‘Gold’ and Soft Cell’s classic, ‘Tainted Love’. Frontman Darren Stafford was passionate and energetic, providing vocals for a lively and dynamic set. 
Analogue Haze keyboard player Kev Sharp was the organisational brains behind the whole musical operation, from securing a venue, to finalising the line-up. He and Analogue Haze worked incredibly hard throughout the entire run up to event, and during the festival, it wouldn’t have happened without them. The Art-tree Foundation would like to express their thanks and gratitude, not only for their organisation, but also for their fantastic set.
It is the aim of The Art-tree Foundation to keep on creating links with musicians and artists, both locally and internationally; this festival was the perfect opportunity to forge important connections with creative people in the region.
Thank you to the staff at The Swan in the Rushes pub, who were brilliant throughout the whole day, and kept up with the audience’s incessant need for beer and chips! Thanks also to the landlord Austin, for his support.
We hope to continue working with the above musicians, check our website and facebook for future gigs and festivals!
The Art-tree Foundation C.I.C


 Melissa Fielding, 2012

 My Menagerie, 2012

 My Menagerie, 2012

 MOCHA, 2012

 MOCHA, 2012

 Spartan 5, 2012


Analogue Haze, 2012

All photographs copyright The Art-tree Foundation C.I.C 2012