Over the last three months seven women have been busily preparing for ‘Sisters In Song’ at St John’s Hall in Mullumbimby on Saturday. The performances are the grand finale of a music-based program called Kickstarters, guided by Kathryn Jones. The program focuses on setting dreams, aspirations and goals, while being informed and guided by intuition.
‘This is a story abut courage, about standing in the face of the shadow, about stepping up and into dreams,’ said participant Mel Dobra. ‘This is the journey that I and the six other women in my singing group have been faced with over the last three months.
‘We all signed up for Kathryn Jones’s Kickstart mentorship program and have been on a roller-coaster ride of self-discovery, friendship, laughter and tears. The program is designed to get us out of our comfort zones, and sitting in the tension of creating our musical dreams.
To bear one’s soul, to open one’s voice and heart, to stay in key, in pitch and in rhythm all at the same time, I must say is one of the biggest challenges one can take on. But the challenge really isn’t about getting up there and singing. The real challenge is facing all the parts of yourself that aren’t ready to shine. It’s about facing all the years of conditioning that say “You’re not good enough.” It’s about stepping up into the fear and doing it anyway.’
Kathyrn Jones described the program: ‘The mentorship regime these women have been put through is like an intensive, micro uni degree, only they have the extra pressure of learning their craft out in public, with part of their homework being public performances at open mic nights.
‘I have the utmost respect for every one of these women as this is tough work. It really is boot camp for the soul and they have embraced each challenge like true warriors.
According to vocal coach Sasha Michalitsianos, ‘It’s been great watching them all transform so quickly, and of course such an honour to be a part of their transformation. I would recommend anyone coming to see the performance to see how it is possible to make such a scary but rewarding leap into your voice and onto the stage.’
Another participant, Brooke Newberry, believes the program has been ‘a balance of bringing music into my home and has provided relief. I’ve been singing and playing guitar every day since I’ve started the program and I’m looking forward to sharing the benefits at the concert.’
Sisters In Song is on this coming Saturday, November 3, at St John’s Hall, Mullumbimby – matinee at 2pm, evening show at 7pm. Tickets available from The Bookshop, Mullumbimby, Byron Music, Byron Bay, and the Brunswick Heads Visitor Centre.
