"Thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums, mysterious masked choreography with inventive lighting, muscular synchronisation timed to perfection, post-apocalyptic martial imagery & infectious belly laugh humour - all in a spellbinding display of sheer athleticism. Feel the energy & experience the power of this unique performance.

As the most successful touring taiko drum group on this continent, Mugenkyo celebrate their 21st year on the road, creating a contemporary look & sound, fusing the traditional spirit of taiko with a modern stage performance that has captivated audiences everywhere…"

I couldn't have said it better myself! And we're lucky enough to have 16 tickets to go and see their performance in the Northcott Theatre in Exeter, starting at 7:30pm on the 11th October.

Tickets are £18 for people with disability labels, and Support Workers go free. Of course, we can help with lifts and support if you want us to - just get in touch!

Published by Dom Palfreman

My name is Tom Stewart. I am the autism co-trainer and I am in this role because I have autism myself and that makes me an expert. I share my personal experiences of the challenges I’ve had to face. Yesterday we delivered a training workshop. We had a very positive reaction from everybody involved and that’s exactly what we were aiming for. I think the training session was very well organised and ran very smoothly from start to finish.

The point of doing the training events is to educate people about autism and other disability issues.

I personally feel that the whole project is a very positive and effective idea.

Written by Tom Stewart, Published by Dom Palfreman

On the 15th of September, we launched a new monthly pub jam in Crediton with a big party at Sandford Orchards cider factory, which will also be the base for all upcoming pub jams.

We started off with a DJ session where we learnt how to mix two songs into one track, followed by a pub jam where people performed their own songs. Everybody had a great time and it was a fantastic success. Many thanks to Sandford Orchards for having us.

Written by Ross Baines, Published by Dom Palfreman

The Turning Tides Project is very happy to announce it has been awarded a Youth Music Grant to support a two year pilot of a #Inclusive music project called Jam Buddies.

Young people (up to the age of 25) with and without 'learning disability ' or 'autism' labels will be provided with the support and opportunity to develop instrument, song writing and performance skills and to experience how it feels to be a member of a band. ‘Jam Buddies’  will include weekly , 'buddied’ instrument lessons and practise sessions followed by a group jam, so that developing instrument skills and new musical learning can immediately contribute to the creation of original music. Participants will also create to live and recorded performances, learn how to record and edit music and have the opportunity to achieve Arts Awards.

Jam Buddies  will be evaluated by young people and adults with and without ‘learning disability’ or ‘autism’ labels. No previous experience of research or evaluation will be necessary:  support to develop these skills will be provided by The Turning Tides Project.

Jane Williams, Director of The Turning Tides Project said “The Turning Tides Project aims to make equal access to music, the arts and life a reality for people with ‘learning disability’ or ‘autism’ labels. This Youth Music Grant gives us some support to further this aim.” Work to recruit both participants and evaluators for Jam Buddies is now under-way. More information will be available by October with taster Jam Buddies days planned for Dec/Jan. All details will be published on The Turning Tides Project Web site (http://www.theturningtidesproject.org.uk/) and will also be available in other formats.

Music-making is life-changing. Every year, Youth Music provides more than 75,000 young people with the opportunity to make music, helping them to overcome the challenges they face in their lives. Youth Music projects, like Jam Buddies, support young people to develop their creative and social skills, make positive contributions to their community and improve their well-being. To find out more about Youth Music’s mission to give every child the chance to make music visit www.youthmusic.org.uk.

If you’d like to find out more about Jam Buddies and the other opportunities available through The Turning Tides Project visit the web site (http://www.theturningtidesproject.org.uk/), get in touch by email (theturningtidesproject@hotmail.com) or ring 01363 772512.

Written by Jane Williams, Published by Dom Palfreman