23/05/2025
Here's that guy, who used to run Freedom Community Festival, when he was The Manager at The Park Cafe .
I wonder what's going on now, in The Lipson community ? (BOBBY)
Jonathan Spurling β Singer / Guitar player/ Freedom Community Festival Organiser
WHEN AND WHERE WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PERFORMED LIVE?
The last time I performed was in September 20th at the Union Street party, this was with some fellow musician's who support me when needed. I also helped organize an online and limited live audience event at the B-Bar, for Freedom Community Festival in late September. This gave a number of solo acts a chance to perform, and was well received.
The video can be found on Freedom festival: Facebook. A bit shaky in places, but the sound is great.
HOW HAS LOCKDOWN AFFECTED YOU AS A MUSICIAN?
I only do community events so do not rely on it for income
WHAT DOES PLAYING MUSIC IN THE REAL WORLD IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE MEAN TO YOU?
I have cut down on what I do these days, so it has not really affected me as it would a working musician.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND WERE ANY OF THEM SHAPED OR STOPPED BY THE CURRENT CRISIS?
The weekly music session I do at Onward House community centre has had to stop for now. This was a follow on project from a mental health day service that got closed. I used to be a paid worker for the charity that ran it "Rethink", and I also used to work for Plymouth Mind, now called Devon Mind. I enjoy this group and do hope we are able to start back at some point very soon.
DOES IT FEEL LIKE MUSICIANS ARE BEING CENSORED BY A CLUMSY SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT VALUE THE CULTURAL IMPORTANCE OF LIVE MUSIC?
I think music and other art forms are not always valued
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND WHY LIVE MUSIC IS SO IMPORTANT IN ADDRESSING THAT FOR BOTH PERFORMERS AND THOSE ATTENDING SHOWS?
Music is part of everyday life and has many aspects that can affect people in a variety of ways and it is important for good mental health.
DO YOU PLAN TO RETURN TO PLAYING LIVE MUSIC WHEN THAT IS SIMPLER, AND ARE THERE ANY VENUES/FESTIVALS/EVENTS YOU REALLY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING AGAIN ?
Certainly when it is possible would be happy to be able to play.
WHO HAVE YOU MISSED WATCHING PERFORMING LIVE AS A FAN?
I have watched quite a lot of online live, but main one was the Who doing the Teenager cancer trust gig. Also Freya Ridings, who is a young and up an coming artist that I know. She played on an acoustic stage that I used to run at a private family festival about 5 to 6 years back.
https://www.facebook.com/freedomcommunityfestival
