On Sunday 15th May, Possibility Screams played loud and clear at the Treehouse in Ayr. Thanks to a bright, relaxed and welcoming venue, ten young performers between the ages of eight and sixteen were able to showcase their incredible talent.
The youngsters, all from across Ayrshire, varied greatly in terms of experience, but all of them made me extremely proud and amazed their audience.
Livi Cameron kicked things off in style with four thoughtful and very original songs, showing real maturity and skill. She reminded me of a young Alanis Morissette - full of angst and with her very own genius.
Evie Hughes followed, singing three beautiful cover versions before taking her courage in both hands to charm us with a very successful acapella version of a Whitney Houston classic.
Our youngest performer, Erica, then took to the stage with an adorable version of a song from the musical Matilda.
Lori Smith enthralled everyone with her powerful, soulful voice. She showed real confidence in opening with her brilliant original songs, before creating a fantastic buzz with two very well known pop covers, alongside her friend Charlotte Rutter.
Charlotte went on to sing a beautiful rendition of her own song, ‘Part of Me’, which held her audience spellbound. Her Adele cover took bravery but she proved herself up to the challenge.
Her sister, Emily Rutter, gave a magnificent performance of her own heartfelt song ‘Unique’ and the frivolous ‘Off you go’, before launching into rousing versions of ‘This is Gospel and ‘Hallelujah’.
We really needed to have some guys on the stage too and thanks to the talented Fergus Miller we were able to bring some Green Day style swag with two original pieces, filled with fresh guitar hooks created by Fergus himself.
Scott Hewitt brought depth and maturity with his song about the refugee crisis, as well as setting the crowd clapping to his ‘Jazz’ piece; before closing with the wonderfully titled song ‘Bridge to Nowhere’.
Fraser Maxwell played his guitar with a passion for two of his own songs and the crowd loved him. He has a real sense of where he wants to go and directs and guides his songs so well for someone so young.
Last, but certainly not least, Rebekah Kirk closed the day. This fifteen year old is already an artist and with her wonderfully individual look and musicality her own songs stood shoulder to shoulder with any cover she played.
It was a fantastic day and these young performers were all truly wonderful and an inspiration to other young people. It was a great opportunity for us to show a supportive Ayrshire public just how much talent and enthusiasm they have and to encourage them on their musical journey.
Thanks again to Conor Kelly and to Buzzworks. Please come and see us on Sunday 29th May at 2.30pm at Murray’s Café, Prestwick, where we’ll bring possibility screaming – most tunefully - to Ayrshire once more!
Shirley Husband