News

Rowley Projects Night

• 12th Jul 2010

One of the first 'cause' songs was Mrs McGrath, an Irish folk song taking an anti-war stance in the time of the Napoleonic wars. This is not the only time music and some form of political cause have gone hand in hand, though the term, political action, usually means humanitarian aid. Be it a huge concert like Live Aid, a union boycott of apartheid South Africa. Recently there has not been much in mass organisation apart from the recent single released by Jay-Z and Nick Cave. Even the War Child album is but a distant memory. The Love Music Hate Racism or the Rock In Rio music festivals are the only ongoing campaign involving music. These events are usually under the auspices of someone like U2’s Bono or Bob Geldof and other charm offensives can sometimes get things done to highlight disaster areas.

When it comes to denouncing major corporations as well, there is little hesitation. Take the recent disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, a whole plethora of artists came out to attack the not so jolly green giant. A few magazines, The Economist and Rolling Stone leading the way, have laid the blame at Barrack Obama’s door though hardly surprising given their dislike of government.

However, it is not done for sales. Most people do not like overtly political music. It is something that is understandable with 24/7 media coverage it would be surprising that people have not heard about the latest catastrophe, similar to that of Uganda, Uzbekistan, the perennial droughts in Africa and the numerous places where land mines are still ubiquitous. The reason musicians do these things is because they care, they want to get something done about a desperate situation and because all too sadly it takes a famous name to bring attention to those who are less fortunate than anyone reading this article. Coldplay’s Chris Martin helped launch the action to Make Trade Fair.

It is not all about the headlines though. Very often, in fact, all too often it is about those who are neglected by what is essentially tomorrow’s fish and chip paper. Newspapers will very often take what is likely to be the biggest selling news stories. Hardly surprising with their falling revenues.

However, this is something that can change. The Heaton Mersey Community Hall plays host to various events of an informal nature. This event is no exception, though the act of kindness takes pride of place over and above any musical ensemble. MC Jo is the force behind the event and has organised it on behalf of Rowley Projects.

The first to take to the stage Rory Snape, does this like a duck to water. A comedian not long in the trade, he is able to ply his classic and humorous taste. “What is the difference between a teabag and the England football team? A teabag stays in the cup longer”. An exponent of comic timing he leaves while ahead to questions of why, rather than when.

Still now is not the time for talking. With that in mind, Beat Fiction takes over proceedings. Their music is not the music of the rip-roaring American hardcore and straight edge scene. Their music is more like a home log fire. A crowd enjoying the calming spirit gently passing over them lap the self composed numbers subtly interspersed with retro classics as if they were shots of simmering milk. The Leicester based band ask for very little in return. They would rather be loved and this they are. It is not an open and passionate love, but a quite appreciative cherishing. It is obvious why they are chosen to lead where others will only follow.

To stop the dwelling there is now fun and games centre on an open dance floor and the bounce of the floorboards allows the singing and swaying to the tunes of yesteryear. The selector airs Abba and a whole bellyful of madness is let loose.

Continuing with this madness, the next group of ragged trouser philanthropists, The Dilliants take the slightly dimmed limelight. To start with they are not as manic as the interlude, but then people get tired. They are refreshing though as they pull out all the stops and a mass hopes this is no flash in the plan. Recycling more golden oldies, these are more dedications rather than hats off. No-one is able to outshine anyone else; they are first and last among equals.

William Morris said in The Day Is A Coming “Come join the battle where no man can fail/He who fadeth, dieth and his deed shall still prevail”. No-one faded or died.

The Rowley Project is similar to all those good causes that have been mentioned many times before. Simplicity is a virtue and they are focused on helping the Nyandiwa community in Western Kenya. The idea behind this night is to help those people increase their educational opportunities. This is not educational opportunities in the sense of a scholarship to a top university, a place on a vocational course or apprenticeship, but to have a building built so they are free from the elements of the weather with their textbooks.

Founded, by Steven and Angela Rowley are local Stockport resident, in 2000 and is helping with various other projects, including health care improvements and to get clean drinking water in to the community. However, Rowley Projects is not just preaching to the converted. They are involving local schools, spreading the consciousness of the idea, that helping people should not just be left to be the responsibility of the rich, the famous and talented, but is something everyone can contribute to.