Join us for a full day of exploring music, instruments, and technology by and for Disabled and Non-Disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent musicians and makers. Prefer to join in virtually? Book an online ticket and join our YouTube livestream.

Details:

Time: 10am to 11pm (approx finish time)
Date: Sunday 24 May (Bank Holiday weekend)
Venue:  Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA OR live stream (performances only)

Tickets:

Please note: this event takes place in 3 parts. Book your tickets now for the instrument building workshop, exploring accessible music tech and DMLab: LIVE. Attend all three events for £5 with an all-day pass – book here.

All proceeds will support Drake Music’s future activities. Free tickets are available for anyone facing financial barriers.

Access:

Check our fully accessible online Access Guide. Please support us by purchasing a ticket if you can. If you have any access requirements, contact Rich Mix (boxoffice@richmix.org.uk) or complete our online form.

Schedule:

10:15: Welcome

A quick welcome and introduction from the Drake Music team.

10:30: Instrument Building Workshop

This workshop will be a hands-on introduction to building accessible musical instruments using touch-based technology, which we regulary use to build new instruments for Disabled musicians.

You’ll need to bring a laptop to participate.

We’ll be using the brand new Spoke Boards to build and see what we can come up with in a morning. We’ll use cardboard, tape, glue and copper tape to build things that have never been seen before. It’s a non-technical workshop for absolute beginners – plenty of cutting and sticking, and no coding skills necessary! Spoke Boards are kindly donated to Drake Music by Spoke.

We’ll be getting into teams of three or four, so bring your family and friends. Each team will need a laptop, but no downloads are necessary. If you have a web browser and USB A port, everything else is taken care of.

Access: BSL interpretation can be booked 2+ weeks in advance.

14:00: Exploring Accessible Music Tech

Hear from makers and musicians from across the UK about unique instruments and technologies. Speakers include instrument maker Cheryl Hui, musician and DMLab Colchester leader Steph Masucci, and DM veteran, Gawain Hewitt.

Presentations run from 14:00 to 16:00. Try out groundbreaking musical instruments for yourself throughout the afternoon, on display until 18:00.

Access: BSL interpreted + Live captions.

19:00: DMLab: LIVE

The night will move from dazzling music by contemporary composers, to immersive electronic soundscapes, ending with a House music set you’ll never forget. Catch captivating performances come courtesy of Clarion Trio, Liza Bec (Roborecorder) and Tim Palm (Live Electronics). Plus, DJ Jeffo from Deaf Rave.

This event will be live-streamed on the Drake Music YouTube channel.

Audience members are invited to try out Woojer haptic vests provided by Deaf Rave. If you are interested and would be happy to give your feedback about the experience on the night, email us info@drakemusic.org.

Access: BSL interpreted + Live captions.

With thanks

To The National Lottery Community Fund who’s support has made this project possible.