With music from local performers at the heart of the forthcoming Rec Festival, Sarah Nalden of HI Friends catches up with some of the musicians set to entertain lucky festival goers…
It’s not every day you get to experience festival vibes right here on the doorstep – without the fuss of travelling, uncomfortable tents or long queues of cars snaking off site.
Celebrating 100 years of the recreation ground, a fun-packed four days of events will run from Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 June. From Histon’s own singer-songwriter Carla Gray and the feel-good tones of local choir, The Impingtones, to the rock stylings of Pony and show tunes from Naomi Rogers and the Park Primary school choir – a wide range of musical tastes is catered for.
Introducing: Carla Gray
Carla penned her first song in her teens; sparking a lifelong love of songwriting. Her inspiration over the years has been drawn from personal experience, people she’s met, conversations, places she’s visited, and phrases that simply got stuck in her head.
For Carla, her songwriting starts with either a melody first with lyrics following, or she’ll have lyrics, title or idea in her head and will build the music around that.
I find Carla midway through the process of songwriting: “I was writing a song for a friend who was attempting 100,000 keepie-uppies in 24 hours to raise money for a children’s charity” she shares. “I wanted to create something motivational to encourage him. When he was reaching the final stages, I played the song for him to give him an extra boost!” Carla’s wide-ranging repertoire includes covers too, singing everything from Lady Gaga to Little Richard.
Showstopping moments
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring moment of Carla’s singing career was when she sang in front of a 15,000-strong crowd in Wales. “Walking out to that many people and feeling the energy from the audience was an incredible experience”, she reflects.
I ask what she and fellow musicians, the Rendition Function Band have in store for us at the Centenary Festival Party Night on Friday 26 June. “We’ll be bringing a lively mix of well-known covers from across the decades”, she shares. “Expect plenty of familiar songs, a few opportunities for a sing-along, and lots of smiles along the way!”
Taking inspiration from the likes of Bryan Adams, Shania Twain and Bon Jovi, Carla can’t wait to get on stage and really connect with an audience, just like her idols. I may just dust off my air guitar and head to the Rec marquee for a sing-along too.
The Impingtones: On song and on the Rec
The Impingtones have come a long way since their debut 10 years ago when they performed to an encouraging audience of family and friends. Two of the original choir members, Sarah Strickland and Sue Lee, remember learning their first songs Stay with Me by Sam Smith and Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, and have many fond memories of performances over the last decade.
Sue remembers a comical incident at The Boot when ice that had formed on the marquee roof slowly melted and dripped all over them while they were singing. Like troopers, they all carried on singing. She jokes, “after all, the show must go on!”
Another memorable performance for Sarah was a concert last year at the Bramley Court Care Home, because of how wonderfully enthusiastic the residents were.
Striking a chord with mental wellbeing
The Impingtones choir is very much about the enjoyment of singing in a relaxed atmosphere. Sarah explains that when she first came to practice 10 years ago, she could “hardly sing for grinning so much!”
Firm advocates for singing to help mental wellbeing, Sue explains how coming to choir can help with momentarily switching off from your personal life. “Those who have experienced bereavement”, she shares “have said coming to choir and having a regular activity they enjoy, really supports their mental wellbeing”.
The Impingtones’ 10th anniversary choral concert on Sunday 28 June, is part of the Rec celebration’s grand finale.
Completing the line-up
Other musical events during the Centenary festival include powerhouse soprano singer Naomi Rogers performing songs from musicals at the Summer Tea Party; Graffiti Classics – dubbed the world’s most hilarious comedy-cabaret string quartet, who’ve performed for royalty, presidents and on Disney cruise ships; and popular local indie rock band Pony playing crowd pleasers at Saturday night’s Fanzone event prior to the screening of the World Cup England v Panama match.
Full details of all events marking 100 years of the Rec can be found at the HI Friends website. Tickets are available now for all events and can be booked via the HI Friends events pages.
READ ALSO: Myles more fun than the average event – come together and celebrate with your (HI) friends this June! | HI HUB; Festivities and fond farewells as Feast Week approaches | HI HUB
[Event date corrected to Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 June]
