General News
26 August, 2020
Musicians Thrive
A music group that encourages people with a disability to get up on stage and jam with a house band has moved into their new home.
A music group that encourages people with a disability to get up on stage and jam with a house band has moved into their new home.
Thrive at the Grand is an offshoot of Tablelands Music Lovers (TML).
Ann Lowis is the event coordinator of the TML and started Thrive in February 2017 when her son was still in high school after she found it hard to find activities for children with disabilities to do after school.
“I was looking for something where my son could socialise and be part of the community,” she said
“So I approached Tablelands music lovers, and they were 1000 per cent behind the idea.”
Since starting Thrive Ann said they have had numerous events and theme nights like Christmas, Easter and St Patrick’s Day.
“We have a house band and it’s open to anyone with a disability, they can sing, play an instrument, and have some social interaction.”
Originally Thrive started as part of TML at the old Atherton RSL but last week they started in their new venue in the Grand Hotel in Atherton, and now every Thursday they met with volunteer musicians who donate their time to play and jam with participants.
Ann said all the local musicians are happy to donate their time.
“We found that when we have the house band backing them it works a lot better, it’s much better than just putting them on a silent stage, so now we have the backing band,”
“It’s great for breaking down of barriers, they just love getting up and having a jam.”
Thrive meets every Thursday at the Grand Hotel, Main street in Atherton from 1 – 3pm for more information go to www.facebook.com/tmlthegrand/
