By TONE Coffee Shop
With the help of Red Kite’s Starting Blocks fund, we were able to bring our project Run 4 Cover at TONE Coffee Shop to life. This incredible opportunity allowed us to host mentoring sessions and music events that were not only free for High Wycombe residents but also shone a spotlight on our talented local artists.
Our events created multiple employment opportunities, from staffing each event to paying local artists. It also provided a practical focus for our mentees in areas like marketing, graphic design, and sound engineering as they recorded and performed at the events.
We were delighted to host 11 events throughout the year, exceeding our initial plans, with each event attracting around 80 residents.
The feedback from our community has been overwhelmingly positive. One participant said “It was an incredible show, thank you for bringing this into the community. Absolute legend!” while another shared their gratitude, “Thank you once again for putting on a fantastic night!”
It's been a heartwarming experience to see our community come together through these events, and we're grateful to Red Kite for helping to make it all possible.
Who did our project help?
JD, an audience member, found solace in our events during a tough time. His regular attendance blossomed into newfound confidence, leading him to start a music review podcast and write for an independent magazine.
Provoca, a mentee and a local artist, stepped into the spotlight at Tone Coffee Shop. Initially an audience member, Provoca's talent was undeniable. After seizing the open mic opportunities, I offered them a chance to perform their own set and support one of our headline acts. This experience catapulted Provoca into the local music scene, now performing across venues in and beyond our town.
Xavier, a 16-year-old mentee and local DJ, fully embraced our mentorship project. Not only has Xavier performed at many of our events, but they've also started producing their own music, now streaming on various platforms.
These stories reflect the essence of Tone Coffee Shop: a beacon for creativity, connection, and growth in High Wycombe. We're more than just a coffee shop; we're a community hub, encouraging talent and bringing joy to residents. Thank you to Red Kite Housing for your unwavering support.
Head over to TONE coffee shop’s website to see what events they’ve got coming up.
