On Thursday, 23rd June, we held our 14th Annual ‘Summer Sensations’ music event at TouchBase Glasgow- a superb show! Our last Summer Sensations was back in 2019 before the pandemic, so this was a brilliant way to celebrate being truly back together.

The day took the form of a small, inclusive music festival: a celebration of music at Sense Scotland. The event showcased new work from our Creative Scotland-funded project ‘Sensatronic Lab’ and featuring ‘The Sensatronics’ – a collective group of fellow musicians we support in our services.

The event showcased accessible music and arts technology with new musical compositions and songs by many people whom we support. The performers included Jennifer Miller, a new emerging young musician from our Children & Families Service, singing and BSL signing a few of her favourite songs accompanied by music tutor Dave Stephen. Also featured were Stephen Blyth’s own composition ’Lockdown Song’, a piano medley from Siobhan Kirkwood, and a stunning performance of high energy-contemporary dance from Ian Johnstone to raise the roof of TouchBase Glasgow!

The performances highlighted the wide range of musical styles, achievements and identities of participants including electronica, classic rock and pop, original compositions and improvised multi-sensory music. The event also celebrated all the hard work and achievements of the music and Sensatronic Lab team throughout a challenging year.

Drop-in digital music and arts activities were also run in the Music Studio. These were more focused one-to-one and small group sessions, providing more individualized ‘taster’ experiences for new participants.

Written by David McCluskey, Lead Artist at Sense Scotland