<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b08fd696-7373-45d9-9495-eea16767ac19}{92}" paraid="319147216" xml:lang="EN-GB">Local attractions have teamed up with respected local music producers and artists to bring a night of entertainment and competition to our seaside town&nbsp;this June. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{4d5513ac-8cf5-4cdf-86d3-bc9f1c56e88f}{35}" paraid="147456716" xml:lang="EN-GB">Summerfest, a one-night event curated by the Lipinski Brothers in collaboration with the Pier, is set to take place in&nbsp;Weston-super-Mare on Saturday June 30th.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1a60fcbc-6c3c-4dc8-b7e0-e6f97fc9c7ff}{34}" paraid="1396955009" xml:lang="EN-GB">The spectacular show is expected to draw a crowd of two thousand paying customers, and will feature a selection of well-known local performers, including Senna Weeks. Senna, a former FE learner, has performed alongside many high-end professional Blues artists such as Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0e23037e-d485-4bd1-8877-052fc8d78fd0}{96}" paraid="1744643063" xml:lang="EN-GB">As well as the live acts, Summerfest will also include a competition open to Weston College learners. Participating acts must perform two live tracks to a respected panel of local guests, who will review the performance and critique it. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0e23037e-d485-4bd1-8877-052fc8d78fd0}{120}" paraid="2004163860" xml:lang="EN-GB">The successful act will be awarded the opening slot at the prestigious event, as well as a cash prize. Organising the competition, alongside the Lipinski Brothers, is Weston College’s Music Instructor and Technician, Oz. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{72b26892-1ba7-4e32-bb80-e0cfbcfe9b80}{169}" paraid="844507997" xml:lang="EN-GB">Oz told us “This is a great opportunity for our Music learners. The Music Industry is notoriously tough to break into, so having the chance to audition in front of the panel is an invaluable experience. As well as the technical and performance skills, learners will also develop their resilience and determination – crucial transferrable life skills, which will support them in future ventures.” &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{72b26892-1ba7-4e32-bb80-e0cfbcfe9b80}{237}" paraid="1763059597" xml:lang="EN-GB">Summerfest promises to be a highlight event of Weston-super-Mare’s summer season. Lipinski will be headlining centre stage this year at the Grand Pier, supported by a host of wonderfully talented musicians throughout a fun-filled evening of entertainment. With the opportunity for local learners to also take part in the festivities, this truly is an event not to be missed. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0ddcf363-fc82-4dba-ba18-196d3c69d5b7}{105}" paraid="1582794661" xml:lang="EN-GB">Tickets are on sale <a href="https://www.grandpier.co.uk/whatson/summerfest23/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a> now, so be sure to get yours soon and guarantee yourself a place at this exciting event.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1a60fcbc-6c3c-4dc8-b7e0-e6f97fc9c7ff}{85}" paraid="1725762862" xml:lang="EN-GB">To find out more about Music at Weston College, click <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p paraeid="{98d357f7-573f-4277-8f22-3eb122347f16}{167}" paraid="799000823">Alex Lipinski is a former Weston College student who has built a vast and impressive career from humble beginnings on the West Country club circuit, to huge audiences across the pond in New York. He recently paid us a visit to deliver a talk about his experiences in the music industry to our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Music Performance and Production</a> learners. Students also had the opportunity to interview the talented musician and watch him perform live.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{98d357f7-573f-4277-8f22-3eb122347f16}{224}" paraid="1058920877">Alex grew up in a musical family being influenced by 60s Rock and Roll music such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Kinks. Alex had a love for writing music and began his journey performing his songs in clubs, bars and for family occasions. The interest in his music has grown greatly, particularly after his recent successful shows at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theborderline/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">The Borderline.</a> His track ‘Lonesome Train’ was also recently selected by BBC 6 presenter, Tom Robison, as one of his tracks of the week.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{28}" paraid="113798404">He advised to the students is to have their own identity as an artist, writing from the heart and not being too influenced by chart music. Alex expressed originality and creativity is key amongst such a competitive industry, stating:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{42}" paraid="175395576">“The main thing is honesty when writing music...being honest with yourself and thinking what do you want to write about? Who are you as a person or as an artist? What do you want to say? Often people see what’s number 1 in the charts and think ‘ok I’m going to write a song like that because that will be successful.’ It doesn’t really work like that; you can tell that doesn’t mean anything. Having your own identity as a writer and an artist is more valuable than anything.”&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{60}" paraid="382261608">He also gave the students some tips on the best way to get their music out onto the scene and to not be disheartened or discouraged when they do not get the responses they expected right away.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{84}" paraid="1526609559">Overall, the learners thoroughly enjoyed his visit and hearing from someone who was exactly in their position before going on to achieve success in the industry. Thank you, Alex, for inspiring the next generation of artists!&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{0a17079e-4515-4fc6-8163-02dede87a1fd}{104}" paraid="1924067386">Find out more about our Music Performance and Production course <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{a0551587-5609-401d-8797-7308edd51607}{169}" paraid="1268858599">What makes a good teacher? Endless qualifications and certificates? An encyclopaedic knowledge of a given subject? Here at Weston College, we have always stood by the belief that lived experience is far superior to any badge or certification. First person knowledge and in-depth understanding of real industry practice is what makes a good teacher!&nbsp;</p>

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