Photo Blog Post - Comic Relief

I’ve run out of written words this week so I thought I’d somewhat appropriately do a photo blog post for a change. It gives me the opportunity to shout about another one of my local heroes, photographer John Steel. I’ve known John since 2015. We met when I was playing at a wedding fayre in the village, and we’ve collaborated on several projects since. Working with giant John is always a pleasure. His photos are vivacious with a generous dash of fun and he captures rare moments, emotions and personalities. His style is unique, imaginative and artistic - if you like pretty posed portraits, then he’s probably not for you. If you like poetic, poignant, memorable (I ran out of p-words) images, he’s your man. Think brides jumping out of windows, newlyweds bouncing around on space hoppers, men sipping tea up a hill, and even a harpist with her harp on a boggy moor, and you’re there. Despite his stature, he’s discreet and professional, and he offers a personalised service to suit your requirements. Talk to him about skateboards and offer him a brew (milk, no sugar) and you’ll make him a very happy man. His creative work is fabulous and you can check it out by clicking on these buttons:

I asked John if he’d take a few photos of the goings on at Sainsbury’s on Red Nose Day and he was willing to help out. Let me know what you think of the results:

Manager Gina

Using her mobile as a microphone, and Grant from Wedding Fayres Yorkshire making a live video recording of the incredible pie eating contest

Pie face

Manager Ryan

Those lovely Sainsbury’s Local ladies

With an unsuspecting customer

Bizarre and slightly surreal

You don’t see this kind of action every day at your local shop

Just one more wafer thin squirt of cream…

Selling scratch cards for a good cause

Well aisle be

Sainsbury’s Local Holmfirth sure know how to give a warm welcome

The final tot up in my fundraising box was £107!

Thanks to everyone who came to support. You’re the stars!!

Make 'em laugh? Comic Relief 2019, Sainsbury's Local Holmfirth

I’m often told my playing makes people cry. I think this is a good thing. In an age where many of us are numb to an environment in which we’re bombarded with stimulation, having the ability to stop people in their tracks with my music can feel liberating and empowering. With music, I can help people slow down and take a few moments out from their day to pause, listen, hear and watch. And maybe feel. Escape. Music is therapeutic. It’s healing. It feeds the soul.

This was my experience last Friday. I was invited to play for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day activities at Sainsbury’s Local in the idyllic town of Holmfirth. I started working there part time in January. It’s a great little supermarket with a lovely team of staff who have welcomed me as one of their own. Although it’s been a steep learning curve, I derive immense pleasure from being able to help customers and I love taking a few moments to engage with them if they have time. The shop gets busy very quickly and by the same token, the quiet lulls in traffic are blissful oases to catch my breath during my shift.

I decided I’d use this opportunity to test out a few pieces I’ve been learning to gauge audience reaction. They went down well so they’re keepers and are coming soon to Soundcloud or a similar platform. Apart from a 30 minute break, I was “on duty” from 11-5. It was a long shift. I had a bit of a slump at 3.30 and HAD to sample just a little bit of the shop’s incredibly appetising array of chocolate. I plumped for 2 bunny shaped goodies which gave me a much needed bouncy boost of energy. I rarely eat very sweet chocolate preferring small amounts of the extra dark stuff. I discussed the merits of veganism with one of my students this week and we both concurred that vegan is all very well but sometimes, you just need a bacon sandwich.

I was delighted and relieved at the positive public reactions on Friday. I didn’t know what to expect and there were some magic moments. One man told me his daughter would be disappointed to have missed my playing. He told me he was Welsh and did I happen to have Calon Lân? As chance would have it. Off we both went, me sing-playing along without a worry in the world. It was reminiscent of carefree times in chapel.

I’ve included a couple of video clips if you want a clearer idea of events on the day. There’s another clip of me playing the theme from Love Story. “For Comic Relief?” I hear you ask. Well, yes. I decided this year that I’m going to play music I love and enjoy playing at promotional events. I mean, if I’m enjoying myself, there’s more chance my audience will, right? Yes, I play all the standard wedding music, the Ed Sheerans and Twilights, the Disneys and the Yourses. Is that the music I listen to at home? No it isn’t, and the customer is king so for weddings, if it can be played on the harp and I can get paid, I’ll play it!

Some of my lovely Aqualadies came to support which was fantastic. I’m surprised they recognised me in my ruddy disguise. A colleague told me I looked like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. “Nice!” I thought to myself. She then reminded me what Julia’s job was in the movie. Anyway I’ve checked and her wig was blonde, so no resemblance whatsoever. Phew. I tried wearing the nose but that together with the wig was a step too far. I’d asked my photographer friend John Steel if he’d come down to take a few of his fab photos, which he did in his own unique quirky invisible giant photographer style. Soon after John turned up, I was pleasantly surprised that Allan and Grant, the men behind ace wedding fayre organisers Wedding Fayres Yorkshire made a special guest appearance. I reckon the three of them were after a bit of pie.

I was touched by the support everyone showed and I have some great content for my website and social media for a while. After the tot up, there was £107 in my box. That definitely made me laugh!

Listen to my Ha-ha-ha-harp!

Me, Rhian Evans Harpist, having a laugh

I’m just a bit excited at having been invited to play at Sainsbury’s Local in Holmfirth for their Comic Relief event. It takes place on the 15th March, times to be confirmed. The main reason for my excitement is that it’s a charity event and I’m really looking forward to playing for an audience that might never have heard a harp or seen one up close before. I’m going to decide on the delicious harp music I’m going to play this weekend, and it will be music on the lighter side which I love, played from the heart as always. As for what to wear, well that’s easy. If you follow me on social media, you’ll have seen that I’m not shy about fancy dress and neither am I ashamed to admit I’ve got a wig collection (2 to date, watch this space…) I’m also willing to accessorise my harp. Anything could happen!

This little Sainsbury’s in the heart of Holmfirth is lovely and I started working there part time in January. The managers and other staff have been so kind and patient with me as I’ve been learning the ropes of a job in which I have no skills or experience other than those I’ve gained from being a musician. They’ve not been much use for working tills or taking a delivery (or doing the blasted lottery) but slowly and surely I’m improving and gaining confidence. The shop has saved my sanity in many ways as I try to keep my harp work closer to home in order to avoid too many motorway journeys. I don’t mind driving but I’m trying reduce my mileage as I approach the big five-0.

Next week, I’m going to contact the local press to see if they’d be interested in featuring the store’s endeavours for Comic Relief. They’ve planned it really well with all sorts of activities going on to raise money for this important charity and I’m really touched they’ve asked me to take part. The red noses, banners and all things Comic Relief are already by the tills. I wonder if they’ll be getting those red noses for cars so that I can put one on my harp. Or maybe my head. Hmmm.

If you’re in Holmfirth on Friday 15th, do pop into Sainsbury’s and donate some money to Comic Relief. And come and say hello and listen to my ha-ha-ha-harp beat!