Bring your Bongos! Drag along your Djembe! Carry your Cajon!

On Saturday 4 April 2015, Sage Gateshead is hosting its very own ‘Rhythm Relay’ challenge event! Joined by professional percussionists, participants, and drumming enthusiasts from across the North East, our challenge is to keep drumming nonstop for 12 hours, raising money in aid of Sage Gateshead 10th Birthday Appeal. The challenge will take place on Hall One stage, starting at 9am and finishing at 9pm. On the stage will be a 50+ piece custom drum kit provided by a friend of Sage Gateshead, Gary Shaw. Gary, along with some of his talented friends, will be the driving drumming force for this mammoth event. Everyone is welcome to come and watch and anyone who would like to take part is encouraged to bring along their own percussion instruments and join in with the challenge. Multiple drummers have already signed up to take part in the challenge of varying styles and expertise and it is hoped to welcome many more! Either on the day, or in advance. Some participants are being sponsored to take part in the event and donations will be collected during the 12 hours. Everything that is raised for Sage Gateshead’s 10^th Birthday Appeal will go towards building a new endowment to provide long-term sustainable income to help secure musical learning across the region for decades to come. The goal is to raise £4million by July 2015. If Sage Gateshead can achieve this, Arts Council England has offered to match every £1 raised with an extra 50p. Plus, there is the possibility of claiming an additional 25% in Gift Aid from the government on top of this, meaning every £1 donated turns into £1.75. Sage Gateshead (registered charity number as North Music Trust 1087445) exists to give world-class, unforgettable, personal musical experiences to music-lovers of all tastes and at all levels of musical knowledge. Sage Gateshead brinsg the best international musicians to perform in the North East, is home of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Folkworks, supports new and emerging artists and works at grass roots levels in the heart of our community with all ages and abilities. Music is used to increase aspiration and confidence in young people and adults throughout the North East and beyond. The funds raised from Rhythm Relay is helping to continue this work. Ways to get involved: Make a donation towards this challenge. Get sponsored and take part! Come along and enjoy the challenge! The event is free and no tickets are required. For more information about Rhythm Relay or any other 10^th Birthday Appeal fundraising activities, please email [email protected] or call 0191 443 4562. For more information, contact Sage Gateshead Press Office on 0191 443 4567.