Monthly Archives: November 2011

*** Tickets now 2-4-1! ***

We are now offering two for one on all single ticket types for this show.

Friday 9th December 2011
Doors and Bistro open at 6.00pm / Starts at 7.30pm
(2 hour show)

Mahalia Jackson is fondly remembered as one of the ‘most influential Gospel singers of all time.’ She was the voice of the American Civil Rights Movement and sang at the rally where Martin Luther King made his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. A film charting her inspirational life is due to be released in 2012.

The evening will see performances from our very own Love and Joy Choir and ‘Queen of House Music’ Kym Mazelle. Kym was one of the early pioneers of Chicago House Music and is probably best known for her version of ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ which was featured on the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s film Romeo and Juliet.

There will be performances, readings, film clips and even sing a longs for the audience. The evening promises to be an extravaganza of Mahalia’s contribution to inspirational music.

*Please note that concession tickets are for: Students, Senior Citizens, Under 16′s. Proof of age / ID may be required on the night. If you are unable when asked, to produce valid ID you will need to purchase a general admission ticket.

On Thursday 10th November 6:30pm Liverpool Lighthouse held a performance of ‘Terriers’ (written by Maurice Bessman, and produced by Miriam Mussa)., a theatre production dealing with gun and gang crime & its impact upon the lives of young people. Designed to excite and engage young people it reflected on the issues and provided opportunities for them to analyse, discuss and consider the messages behind the play.

In order to reach as many young people we offered youth groups/organisations 12 FREE tickets when accompanied by a youth worker.

 

Click here to listen to the interview on Radio Merseyside with Tony Snell from 17th November 2011.

Liverpool Lighthouse’s Harmonize Academy has just received approval by the Department for Education, and is on target to open as an Alternative Provision Free School in September 2012. It is one of only five alternative provision free schools across the country to be given the go-ahead by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

Harmonize Academy will build on the success of the Harmonize project, providing a genuinely alternative secondary education for those for whose mainstream place has broken down. It aims to equip young people with the skills necessary for both successful living and employment.

Dr Modupe Omideyi, CEO of Liverpool Lighthouse, who also chairs the Harmonize Academy board, said: “Over the coming months we will be working with the Department for Education to prepare for our opening. Getting through to this stage reflects the confidence they have in our vision to provide young people aged 13 – 18 with ‘a vision for life’. We have had overwhelming support from students, parents, schools and local authorities and would like to thank all our supporters for the help that they have given in recent months.”

 

Click here to see a PDF with extra information on Harmonize Academy.

Liverpool Lighthouse provided local young people a chance, for one day only, to experience what its like to be a star – in order to raise their aspirations and to help encourage them to keep working hard in order to develop their talents and achieve success in the music industry.

Working with Liverpool One five young people and a boy band (all from north Liverpool) were given the opportunity to perform on the same stage as X factor hero Rebecca Ferguson, who is from Anfield – which is also the base of the gospel arts venue Liverpool Lighthouse.

The performances took place on a Stage in Liverpool One from 3pm, building up to the switch on of the Christmas lights and a performance by Rebecca Ferguson at 6pm on Wednesday 9th November.

Harmonize Youth Connect Manager Matt Moreton said “When Liverpool One approached us to provide acts for the turning on of the Christmas lights we were very happy to give some of our most talented young people this opportunity. These young people come from mixed backgrounds, some having been excluded from main stream education, but they all have a passion for music, and it has helped inspire them to make positive choices in their lives.”

One of the performers on the day was Callum McKenna (18). Callum was excluded from his school when he was 15, because he reacted to being bullied because of his weight. After a year out of school he joined Harmonize and attended for 2 years. The fitness and dance sessions helped him lose 2 stone in weight and his confidence and self-esteem improved dramatically. Since attending Callum has taken part in 8 performances, recorded 3 albums and has written and performed his own songs and raps. Callum gained 3 GCSE equivalent qualifications. Callum says of Harmonize: “It changed my life.”

Liverpool Lighthouses Harmonize programme uses music, urban arts and personal development to engage with young people excluded from, or at risk of exclusion from school. The learners work towards 5 GCSE level qualifications: Performance skills, Music Technology, Technical theatre, English and Maths. They develop confidence and self esteem through performance and the support and care of the staff.

Natalie Green (18) is another performer who has been involved in Liverpool Lighthouse since the age of 14. Natalie volunteers regularly in the evening and weekend “Youth Connect” activities having formed “Green Street” a free street dance crew based at Liverpool Lighthouse for 13-18 year olds. Natalie says “Youth Connect has helped me progress and given me opportunities to work with young people and teach them dance. I love it and encourage anyone who has a passion for dance, singing or any other arts to get involved – it can change your life!”

For more information please contact Matt Moreton on 0151 476 2342 or email youthconnect@ljmgroup.org.uk