RASPO wins band on the road at Notting Hill Carnival, CultureMix Centre hosts a range of events including a packed Black History Month Programme, and the new Jazzrobeat Collective launches.
In 2024 we maintained our focus on developing young people’s creativity through major projects at the heart of our work whilst remaining adaptable in the sector.
RASPO (Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra) continues to flourish as a prime activity delivering seven six-week beginner courses and four free taster workshops for more than 1000 people to have a go at playing steel pans.
Our Education Programme saw eleven schools hosting curriculum music lessons and clubs on steel pans culminating in Theale Primary, The Winchcombe and The Willows schools taking part in the Steel Band Festival at Theale with a guest steel band from Cove School and a RASPO performance.
RASPO tutors delivered steel band workshops for the Music Teachers Association, The Berkshire Music Hub Schools Conference, at a number of schools including Garth Hill School and for corporate team building events at Verizon and Fieldfisher. More
The orchestra performed for private parties, weddings and business events with highlights at the Pride of Reading Awards launch, the EMCCAN – East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network‘s Regional Costume Show at Nottingham’s Albert Hall with The Voice UK 2022 semi finalist Triniboi Joocie, and in the parade of floats at London Notting Hill Carnival winning Sunday’s Family Day steel band on the road competition.
RASPO performed at the second CultureMix Arts Black History Month Festival in October which featured a packed programme of cultural activity including soca dance, taster workshops in steel pan, jazz and reggae and free events for under 16s.
RASPO’s performance schedule culminated in the Christmas Lights Switch On event and the Calypso & Carols fundraising concert in Broad Street.
Carnival of the World once again triumphs as a highlight event for Reading with a live culture stage and the Broad Street Parade of spectacular carnival costumes courtesy of Mahogany Arts. Delivered with Arts Council England funding in partnership with Reading Environmental Development Agency. More
The Jazzrobeat Collective is a newly created youth jazz, reggae and afrobeat group for young musicians aged 12 to 17. Workshops led by Jamie Howell and Ruel Richardson develop ensemble playing with rehearsals for live performances at Carnival of the World and Readipop Festival. More
For 2024 Reading Reggae Collective artists developed songwriting skills and produced original songs in the studio for release, promotion and performances at the refreshed Reggae Collective events on the first Friday of the month. Reggae nights curated by Kris Kemist from Reality Shock Records featured a host of sound system veterans from Tippa Irie‘s book launch to live appearances with Afrikan Simba, Jah Screechie and Top Cat.
Reggae singer songwriter Jnr Watson performed live at the Fate Sister Festival in London. As part of Black History Month Jnr hosted a free Open Jam Open Mic event with a full live band featuring guitarist Derick Andrews, Calvin Bennion on keys, Barry Dread on bass with Jnr on drums alongside a range of guest musicians. The event showcased Reading Reggae Collective talent performing new and original material.
2025 Reggae Collective Friday tickets.
CultureMix Arts & Music Centre hosted a range of events including Hickies Songwriting Competition Finale, Arts Council England‘s Round table discussion with chief executive Darren Henley CBE for Reading’s cultural organisations. With increased visitors the Centre continues to welcome people from 7 to 85 year olds to share the joys of Caribbean culture. Venue hire.
Customised carbon fibre steel pan sticks are the most popular item sold via our Online Shop followed by folding pan stands, pan cases and of course steel pans. The generated income from sales helps to subsidise free music lessons and cultural activities for young people under sixteen.
Demand for Creative Business Hub services increased with 5 ambitious cultural entrepreneurs supported with guidance on business set up and funding application advice.
Artistic Director Mary Genis accepted an invite from Pax Nindi to judge Hackney Carnival later presenting prizes to the winners at the Award Ceremony in Hackney Town Hall. She also joined the panel of judges for Let’s Sing Choir Competition at the Hexagon Theatre. Mary continues as a trustee on Carnival Village Trust Board the Notting Hill Carnival organiser, and for Reading based arts charity Jelly.
Nathifa Jordan completed the 2024 Festival & Carnival Lab, a 10-week training programme designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to step confidently into senior roles with work placements at UK festivals and carnival. Nathifa continues as a trustee for national charity Youth Music and the East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network (EMCCAN).
With innovation as our focus for 2025 CultureMix Arts plans to continue growth whilst developing positive creative partnerships as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (ACE NPO).
