And the music WAS for everybody

Michelle Campbell, from Michelle Campbell Publicity launched what will be known as “Music is for Everybody” on the weekend at the recently revamped 33 Chapel Street Studios. With local artists Daniel Jay and Asanda Mqiki supporting the phenomenal Justin Serrao, an absolute stunner of an evening was had by all.

Justin Serrao. Photo: Gillian Newton

“I feel very strongly that music is not only for the elite, music is not only for those who can afford it, top class shows are not only for the major cities in SA, but should be accessible to everyone,” said Michelle Campbell.

Port Elizabeth music lovers who supported the launch have been sending in their positive feedback all weekend and are eagerly waiting for what Campbell has up her sleeve for the next show.

Michelle Campbell Publicity which has hosted world-class shows in PE such as Prime Circle, The Parlotones and more recently Freshlyground, has become synonymous with great events and always with an angle of giving back to the community.

33 Chapel Street Studios is to become home to all of “Music is for Everybody” shows going forward. The newly renovated venue is perfectly situated and offers great facilities for any show. There are two venues to choose from; a 200-300 seater venue downstairs with great acoustics and the roof top garden which will be able to house approx. 600 people for larger shows, boasting a beautiful sea and city-scape view.

“We are going for quality over quantity and our promise to PE is that they will never have to pay more than R200 for a seat or R350 for one of our very much more exclusive shows with A-list artists. The venue is magnificent and we assure our patrons that they will receive world-class entertainment, in a safe and secure environment. The entire area has recently been cleaned up and revamped and the venue even boasts two brand new parking lots right across the road from the entrance,” said Campbell.

Campbell goes on to further promise that PE will not only get up close and personal with all of the artists, but that every show will entertain and offer really good value for money, for a great night out.

“Music is for Everybody” aims to bring down top national acts to perform at 33 Chapel St Studios in a similar structure being used by many venues in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The venue, accommodation, transport are given to the artist and a door split is negotiated between the artists and the venue.

“This method allows us to approach the top national and in some cases international acts, particularly when they are in the area, giving them a great venue to play at with a wonderful cause attached,” said Campbell.

Further to this, the artists also get the benefit of Campbell’s 17 years of PR experience in assisting with the promotion of the shows. It’s a win-win situation and working well everywhere else. In the past, top artists were completely by-passing PE when on national tours or ending up at an unknown venue, with no proper promotion.

“We have been in contact with most of SA’s top artists and many have expressed major excitement over the addition of this concept in PE. So far, we have already started discussions with Dan Patlansky, Karen Zoid, Zebra and Giraffe, The Parlotones new album release and we are working on something very special for April, with many other artists lined up,” said Campbell.

Every show at the venue, will donate a percentage of the proceeds straight back into music education and development. Further to that, all national acts which come down will be asked to give a talk or workshop to those who need it – allowing them to interact with these role models. This way, “Music if for Everybody” will also be grooming PE’s local talent to share the stage and learn from the greats. Members of the public will be encouraged to bring old, unused instruments to any show, in exchange for a free seat.

“Music is for Everybody” will also offer the venue at no charge or costs to local musicians, wishing to stage their own shows. They too will benefit from Campbell’s PR in assisting them with promoting themselves and their events. “Naturally we could not do this without the support of the community, both from an attendance point of view, but also to assist us in spreading the word. Local community based radio station Kingfisher FM grabbed the opportunity to assist us with the promotion of these shows, and we are very grateful for all the support received from them thus far,” said Campbell

Through “Music is for Everybody”, Campbell aims to bring top class entertainment to the Port Elizabeth, but more importantly to give hope to children who need it as well as to promote our own local talent. “Music is for Everybody” aims to teach them how to positively express who they are, where they have come from and more importantly where they are going.

“Music is for Everybody” will also have regular local idols type auditions whereby national musicians and local radio stations will be asked to assist with judging. 10 performers ranging from musos, singers, poets or comics will be chosen each time for grooming, musical or singing lessons, the recording of singles and music videos, PR, social media, brand creation and the opportunity for Michelle Campbell Publicity in assisting them to hold their own shows and in time land record deals and contracts, both nationally as well as internationally.

It doesn’t take much to realise that Michelle Campbell has big things planned for Port Elizabeth’s entertainment industry, so keep your eyes peeled for information on the “Music is for Everybody” Facebook page for regular updates – you don’t want to miss a thing.

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