New project: On Trust Events

Earlier today I launched a live music initiative that I've been working on for the last few months. Called 'On Trust Events' it is a way of hosting and promoting some of my gigs that will hopefully make them more accessible to more people; chiefly in regard to affordability. It is the case that some of the gigs I play are free-entry but these are almost exclusively covers gigs, and as you may know, for anyone wishing to come along to a sit-and-listen/original-material/proper-gig type gig, there is pretty much always a ticket price to pay, typically something between £8 - £12, depending upon the venue/promoter etc. In the grand scheme of things, these are not high ticket prices. To some, however, they are. To some, spending £10 on a live gig (£20 or more if you're not on your own) is simply not possible, or else it's the equivalent of others spending £100 on a ticket... something which perhaps most of us would at least think twice about doing! The idea behind OT is to take away the potential obstacle of a fixed ticket price and offer the gig on a 'pay as you feel' basis, as some artists sometimes do.

In addition to this, the objective is to hold and promote these gigs in association with community action groups; council-led initiatives and the like in order to ensure that people who might benefit from attending a gig on this basis are aware of the event and - should they wish to come along - will feel encouraged to do so. These shows will be held in community centres, village halls etc... places where everyone will hopefully feel comfortable attending. Those who are able/willing to pay something will be able to do so after the gig as they leave; those who can perhaps pay only a little will be welcome to do so. Those who can afford to pay nothing are welcome to do likewise.

Please take a look at the brand-new website for this venture - www.ontrustevents.co.uk - and do follow us on Facebook and Twitter too. These events will initially run in my home county of County Durham and I look forward to playing them very much. The first event takes place on 26th April at Annfield Plain Community Centre and more will be added over the coming weeks. I'll still be playing 'regular' gigs but this is something I'm keen to get started on and, hopefully, take further afield in due course.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please drop me a line. There is plenty of info available on the website too plus details of the gig in Annfield Plain, near Stanley.

In other, less flamboyant news, I'm now on Instagram so feel free to hook-up with me on there, if you like. (StevePledgerMusic)

There are other bits 'n' pieces in the pipeline too, including an original recording I've been privileged to be part of... more on that soon. Other than that, I'm back out playing a few gigs over the coming weeks, starting with a couple of near-sold out house concerts on 9th/10th March in London and Bracknell respectively. Details for these events and much more beside can be found here on this website.

Thanks for your support and please do check out this new project and its associated social media, namely Facebook and Twitter.

I think that's about it for now then. I look forward to seeing some of you soon at various shows. (full listing here)

Every blessing,

Steve x