Radical Steps, a school band from Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale, will be performing at Brewery Arts today, supporting Roberto Fonseca.
The band who are fans of the infamous Cuban pianist will be playing in the Brewery Arts garden for free (or The Malt Room should the weather not permit an outdoor show).
“Having listened to loads of pianists, I find Roberto Fonseca stands out, with different things coming in with each bar,” said Gabriel Weber, 17, who plays drums in the band.
After hearing how influenced the school band were by Roberto Fonseca, their teacher and mentor, David Banfield, got in touch with Brewery Arts to help organise the performance.
“The opportunity for them to play at a venue that is not the school hall, and to give the band performance exposure, particularly after lockdown, is super exciting,” said Mr Banfield.
“It was incredible to hear that a Grammy-nominated musician was playing in Kendal, so I got tickets to go and see him, then a few weeks down the line I wondered if it was possible to get the band involved and I made contact from there.”
Radical Steps is made up of 12 students aged 11 to 18 who will be playing a variety of tracks including three composed entirely by the band.
“The best thing about this band is the range of ages. I am leaving school in a year or two, but it is really cool to be able to play with the younger people and to know there are others who are going to be carrying it on,” said Jack Willan, percussionist, whose 18th birthday coincides with the show.
“It’s great and a lot of fun, I love the instruments I play,” said Gabriel Clark, who at 12 years old is one of the youngest members.
Gabriel, a skilled woodworker outside of the band, has become well known for his Bowl for Ukraine project which has attracted national news as well as numerous celebrity endorsements.
Gabriel has raised almost £250,000 so far for Save The Children’s Ukraine appeal by creating a bowl that is due to go to a randomly selected donor.
