<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b08fd696-7373-45d9-9495-eea16767ac19}{92}" paraid="319147216" xml:lang="EN-GB">Local attractions have teamed up with respected local music producers and artists to bring a night of entertainment and competition to our seaside town&nbsp;this June. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{4d5513ac-8cf5-4cdf-86d3-bc9f1c56e88f}{35}" paraid="147456716" xml:lang="EN-GB">Summerfest, a one-night event curated by the Lipinski Brothers in collaboration with the Pier, is set to take place in&nbsp;Weston-super-Mare on Saturday June 30th.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1a60fcbc-6c3c-4dc8-b7e0-e6f97fc9c7ff}{34}" paraid="1396955009" xml:lang="EN-GB">The spectacular show is expected to draw a crowd of two thousand paying customers, and will feature a selection of well-known local performers, including Senna Weeks. Senna, a former FE learner, has performed alongside many high-end professional Blues artists such as Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0e23037e-d485-4bd1-8877-052fc8d78fd0}{96}" paraid="1744643063" xml:lang="EN-GB">As well as the live acts, Summerfest will also include a competition open to Weston College learners. Participating acts must perform two live tracks to a respected panel of local guests, who will review the performance and critique it. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0e23037e-d485-4bd1-8877-052fc8d78fd0}{120}" paraid="2004163860" xml:lang="EN-GB">The successful act will be awarded the opening slot at the prestigious event, as well as a cash prize. Organising the competition, alongside the Lipinski Brothers, is Weston College’s Music Instructor and Technician, Oz. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{72b26892-1ba7-4e32-bb80-e0cfbcfe9b80}{169}" paraid="844507997" xml:lang="EN-GB">Oz told us “This is a great opportunity for our Music learners. The Music Industry is notoriously tough to break into, so having the chance to audition in front of the panel is an invaluable experience. As well as the technical and performance skills, learners will also develop their resilience and determination – crucial transferrable life skills, which will support them in future ventures.” &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{72b26892-1ba7-4e32-bb80-e0cfbcfe9b80}{237}" paraid="1763059597" xml:lang="EN-GB">Summerfest promises to be a highlight event of Weston-super-Mare’s summer season. Lipinski will be headlining centre stage this year at the Grand Pier, supported by a host of wonderfully talented musicians throughout a fun-filled evening of entertainment. With the opportunity for local learners to also take part in the festivities, this truly is an event not to be missed. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0ddcf363-fc82-4dba-ba18-196d3c69d5b7}{105}" paraid="1582794661" xml:lang="EN-GB">Tickets are on sale <a href="https://www.grandpier.co.uk/whatson/summerfest23/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a> now, so be sure to get yours soon and guarantee yourself a place at this exciting event.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1a60fcbc-6c3c-4dc8-b7e0-e6f97fc9c7ff}{85}" paraid="1725762862" xml:lang="EN-GB">To find out more about Music at Weston College, click <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p paraeid="{98d357f7-573f-4277-8f22-3eb122347f16}{167}" paraid="799000823">Alex Lipinski is a former Weston College student who has built a vast and impressive career from humble beginnings on the West Country club circuit, to huge audiences across the pond in New York. He recently paid us a visit to deliver a talk about his experiences in the music industry to our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Music Performance and Production</a> learners. Students also had the opportunity to interview the talented musician and watch him perform live.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{98d357f7-573f-4277-8f22-3eb122347f16}{224}" paraid="1058920877">Alex grew up in a musical family being influenced by 60s Rock and Roll music such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Kinks. Alex had a love for writing music and began his journey performing his songs in clubs, bars and for family occasions. The interest in his music has grown greatly, particularly after his recent successful shows at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theborderline/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">The Borderline.</a> His track ‘Lonesome Train’ was also recently selected by BBC 6 presenter, Tom Robison, as one of his tracks of the week.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{28}" paraid="113798404">He advised to the students is to have their own identity as an artist, writing from the heart and not being too influenced by chart music. Alex expressed originality and creativity is key amongst such a competitive industry, stating:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{42}" paraid="175395576">“The main thing is honesty when writing music...being honest with yourself and thinking what do you want to write about? Who are you as a person or as an artist? What do you want to say? Often people see what’s number 1 in the charts and think ‘ok I’m going to write a song like that because that will be successful.’ It doesn’t really work like that; you can tell that doesn’t mean anything. Having your own identity as a writer and an artist is more valuable than anything.”&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{60}" paraid="382261608">He also gave the students some tips on the best way to get their music out onto the scene and to not be disheartened or discouraged when they do not get the responses they expected right away.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{84}" paraid="1526609559">Overall, the learners thoroughly enjoyed his visit and hearing from someone who was exactly in their position before going on to achieve success in the industry. Thank you, Alex, for inspiring the next generation of artists!&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{104}" paraid="1924067386">Find out more about our Music Performance and Production course <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The legendary <a href="https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/">Glastonbury Festival</a> creator Michael Eavis recently visited Weston College where he was honoured with having the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… Department</a>’s performance suite named after him.</p>

<p>Michael started the famous festival in 1970 from his dairy farm in Pilton, Somerset. With a history of huge headliners including David Bowie, Beyonce and Stormzy, the festival now has over 200,000 attendees each year making it one of the biggest festivals in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After visiting the popular <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/glastonbury-creator-michael-eavis-opens-c… Arts Summer Show in July 2021</a>, Michael was inspired to see the incredible pool of talent in the artwork and performances on display at the College’s art festival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To honour Michael and his outstanding contributions to the live music industry, it was decided by Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, Dr Paul Phillips CBE, to name the College’s main music performance space “The Michael Eavis Performance Suite”.&nbsp;<br />
This learning facility is at the heart of the Music Department. Here the students host countless live gigs with a full digital mixing desk and professional lighting rig to emulate an industry standard music venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On arrival to Loxton Campus, to unveil the brass plaque for the facility’s new name, Michael Eavis first went on a tour around the campus. Here he admired the fantastic Fashion and amazing Art and Design work that decorates the campus’s vibrant corridors. Visiting various classes along the way, Michael stepped into the Media Department’s TV studio where he became a contestant on a mock live broadcast of Deal or No Deal, hosted by the students.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Glastonbury creator then had a look around the College’s <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… music facilities</a>. Michael sat in on several student performances taking place in the multiple practice spaces and even sat in on a recording session in the College’s professional digital recording studio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The College’s Music department sits within the newly formed <a href="www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs"&gt;“Career Excellence Hubs”</a>. These hubs are endorsed by employers and enable students to access outstanding career-boosting opportunities such as performing for Michael Eavis and having guest talks from festival stage managers thanks to industry connections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michael Eavis added: “The sky’s the limit for music performers, it really is. It’s been fantastic here today, I’ve really enjoyed it. Lots of music, incredible fashion and lovely artwork too.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>After this, Michael visited the newly named suite where lunch was served to a delightful display of music from the Level 3 learners. After a fantastic festive performance from music student Daisy Dennett and her band, the he was presented with a blue glass vase from the Principal to thank Michael for all that he has done and continues to do to raise the aspirations of musicians across the world.</p>

<p>Michael continued: “To have the Music Performance Suite named after me is a great honour for me and a great privilege. Thank-you very much”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “Michael is an exemplar to us all. To our Music students and staff in Music Performance and Production, he is their hero, and we are so glad to have Michael here today to thank him for all he has done for the live music sector.</p>