SY.Gigs - this autumn, Nothing is Ordinary in Shrewsbury

Chris Taylor, Shrewsbury native and founder of SY.Gigs, has evolved his ‘not-for-profit’ alternative music project, turning it into a highly respected and appreciated venture that continues to attract a stellar list of international artists.

After a 40-year career in local government, Chris promoted music and performance events in Shrewsbury for eight years before 'kick-starting’ his real passion, the curation of a distinctive alternative music programme in the heart of his hometown's historic churches.

Music had had a profound impact on Chris's well-being during low periods. This was a key motivation when developing the SY.Gigs concept.

"I have always been prone to depression and anxiety, something I unfortunately developed at a young age," he says. "Nothing helps me more than immersing myself in a focused ‘live’ musical experience. You lose yourself in that moment. It is an opportunity to reset your nervous system, and I want other people to experience that benefit."

Many of the artists who have played to date, or are scheduled to play on the remaining season 2.0 programme have been secured through artist referrals, highlighting the respect that has formed in the music industry for the experience of playing in Shrewsbury as part of the SY.Gigs series.

Season 2.0 has already seen some highlights, with many events selling out.

Harpist Cerys Hafana opened the season in January, followed by Berliner percussionist Bex Burch in February. The Miles Spilbury Trio provided a deep, meditative, improvised new age jazz set in March, before Parisian ambient electronica artist Audrey Carmes conjured a beautiful and beguiling set in April.

In May, Tara Clerkin Trio played a sparkling trip hop set in St Alkmund's, before Group Listening arrived from Cardiff to play a ‘Harold Budd’ inspired set from their new album Walks.

For the last gig before the summer break in July, Greg Foat and Ayo Salawu were joined by Ocean Ivy at St Alkmund's for a sell out show.

In September, New York-based composer and cellist Clarice Jensen transfixed the audience with an emotional and captivating performance that was pulsing, visceral and full of colour.

The final three concerts of 2024 will take place at The Unitarian Church on Shrewsbury's High Street. These autumn shows are branded as ‘Nothing is Ordinary’; a reference to the variety and diversity of the autumn programme. From ancient Korean instruments that build a sparse contemporary ambience, to folktronica, jazz, Afro Samba, Choro, electronica and pop, SY.Gigs continues to push the boundaries.

The final event of Season 2.0 takes place on November 30th, welcoming Fabiano Do Nascimento and Rebelski to Shrewsbury Unitarian Church.

Fabiano Do Nascimento is a guitarist, composer, producer and arranger from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, currently based in Los Angeles and Japan. Fabiano records music and performs on various multi-string / multi-tuning customised nylon string guitars. A contemporary artist who is deeply rooted in Brazilian heritage and is known for his unique sound and compositions that are ever-expansive, borrowing from the traditions of Afro-Samba, Folkoric and Choro while echoing elements of jazz, experimental & electronica.

Rebelski crafts ambient compositions with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of sonic space. Through his music, he embraces the beauty of minimalism, weaving delicate melodies and subtle textures into mesmerising tapestries of sound.

Tickets are available on Skiddle and physically from Glou Glou in Castle Gates and in The Market Hall, an option recently introduced to enable people to buy tickets without paying online booking fees.

Those attending the event in November can expect a special and unique collaborative 'giveaway'... watch this space!