Tonic Music were on tour with Bare Jams! Read the reflections from our programmes coordinator, Jeordie Shenton, about us attending their recent show in Cambridge.
These days a Tonic Music stand is a familiar sight at gigs in my home region of East Anglia, this time accompanying Bare Jams at one of the coolest grassroots music venues in the area, The Portland Arms in Cambridge.
As you walk into The Portland Arms, it appears to be a traditional English pub (which it is!), but at the back is a venue that has previously hosted some of the biggest names in rock, indie, punk, hip hop and even comedy. This particular show is promoted by Green Mind Gigs, and it is great to talk to them outside the legendary box office, situated in the covered alleyway between the pub and venue.
Tonic Music certainly has new friends in Bare Jams (all six members), who performed a wonderful 2-hour set, along with support act Eden Lole. Both artists gave shout outs to Tonic Music, highlighting the importance of talking about mental health. Bare Jams were also selling their latest album, months before it was available on streaming services, which is a key reminder to support artists at shows when you can, by purchasing their (physical) records and merch.
All the Cambridge gig-goers we met were so generous with their time, granting Geoff (Tonic trustee) and I many heart-warming conversations. There was interest in participating in the programmes, volunteering with the team, and fundraising for us.
Bare Jams lead singer, Ollie Coombes said on stage:
"Mental health affects everyone in the music industry, from the people who create music to the lighting and sound guys. So please, talk to Tonic Music and educate yourselves about how they can help."
Prior to this, opening act Eden Lole said on stage:
"No matter how hard it is to talk about, there’s always going to be someone who wants to listen, and it will feel a tiny bit better if you talk. So please talk to each other and the wonderful charities out there, like Tonic Music."
Thank you to everyone who gave donations, we were delighted to see so many Cambridge gig-goers leaving with Tonic Rider and Never Mind the Stigma pin badges on their jackets. The Portland Arms team were absolutely wonderful hosts, thank you for all the support. Of course, a big thank you goes to the Bare Jams crew for inviting us on tour.
