Macclesfield musician to support multiple charities with fundraising gig
A Macclesfield musician is to raise hundreds of pounds for charity instead of getting paid.
Joel Gardner, who has over 100,000 streams on Spotify, will be doing a fundraising gig for two charities.
"I play all my own folky acoustic stuff, originals. I try to write personal songs that mean something to me. And I hope that translates to other people out there.
"This will be the first ever charity show I have put on.
"Last August, I lost my mum, she had a stroke.
"When it happened, I wanted to do a really really nice gig and do it for charity. Mum was so passionate about nature, birds and wildlife so to raise money for the RSPB is a natural fit.
"She always believed in the power of wildlife. And I also decided to raise funds for the National Autistic Society as my sister is on the autistic spectrum, and my mum spent a lot of time looking after her.
"So it felt like a really positive thing to do and a good way to focus my energy on once I had lost mum.
"Mum was always a massive supporter of my music and would want me to do something like this. And that is the reason why I'd like to do it in such a wonderful venue as St. Michael's."
St. Michael's Church is a natural fit. They host 'Music at Mike's' a weekly concert which has raised money for local charities.
However, Joel's will be extra special as it is a ticketed evening show, taking place on Friday May 19 at 7:30pm.
Joel, who has co-curated a semi-regular live music nights at The Button Warehouse in Macclesfield - some of which have been a sell-out - now he wants to sell out St. Mike's with this charity concert.
If he sells out the gig in the Macclesfield town centre church, he could raise £3000 for the RSPB and National Autistic Society.
"I wanted to pick a bigger venue so we could raise as much money for charity as possible," added Joel.
"We're selling tickets for £12, and there is a capacity of 250.
"We're already raised £700 and we are over a month off, and a lot of those sales will happen in the last few days so I am hoping it will be nearly full or full.
"I wouldn't have picked the venue if I didn't think we could sell it out.
"It is such a personal show for me. It feels like something that is really nice to do.
"And it is an honour to play in such a beautiful and massive church."
Joel, who has played around Europe and the UK, is now trying to nurture Macclesfield as a hub of live music.
"It would be great to get to a point where artists stop off at Macclesfield on tour," he also said.
"Especially as I feel like in general as a town, Macclesfield is on the up.
"You look at the quality of acts Mash are booking and The Button Warehouse getting busier, I think we can get Macclesfield to become a touring spot after Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent.
"Jo Lowes from Party in the Pews is doing a great job of putting Macclesfield on the cultural map as well, in terms of music.
"I am lucky that so many people are twigging on to what I am trying to do, and supporting it.
"I didn't do too much music at school. I was quite a shy and reserved kid but I have found myself through music, when I went to uni it really all came together.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, and indeed those who are coming to the show on May 12.
"I want it to be a really memorable show for the town. I wouldn't have picked St. Michael's as a venue if I didn't think it wouldn't be a special event."
Tickets cost £12, and can be bought on this link.
Kay Hyde, Communications Officer, RSPB, said, "We're thrilled to hear of Joel's fundraising and are hugely grateful to him for his support.
"At a time when nature needs us more than ever, fundraisers across the UK help to support the crucial conservation work of the RSPB and without this vital support, we could not achieve as much as we do. We hope his concert is a sell out and wish him every success with it."
The other charity National Autistic Society were also full of glowing words for Joel.
Hayley Parker, Interim Head of Fundraising and Supporter Relations, said: "We'd like to say a big thank you to Joel for raising money for the National Autistic Society, and using his platform to increase understanding of autism. It's brilliant that he's raised so much money already and we wish him all the best for his gig in May.
"At least one in 100 people are autistic, which means more than 700,000 people in the UK, so a better understanding of autism across society could improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of autistic people. All money raised at Joel's gig will help to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people."
Macclesfield: Once again, get your tickets on THIS LINK.
See Also: Town centre church deemed 'at risk' with crucial repairs required
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