On Wednesday, October 16th, I had the amazing opportunity to review and photograph the showcase gig for Access Creative College (Manchester), held at the lively Retro Bar in Manchester. This event aimed to highlight the extraordinary talent of the college’s students, featuring a diverse lineup of performances that celebrated music, artistry, and creativity. Throughout the evening, I captured candid moments of the performers on stage, each delivering heartfelt expressions of their art, while the audience enthusiastically supported them.
The first artist to take the stage was the immensely talented Rhianna. She delivered a mesmerising set that included three tracks, each showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Among them was the incredibly moving Billie Eilish song ‘listen before i go,’ which resonated deeply with the crowd. Rhianna’s heartfelt rendition of the track added a layer of intensity, leaving listeners reflecting on its poignant themes of love and loss.
Next up was Maisie Elliot, she delivered two remarkable tracks that showcased her impressive vocal range – with a powerful soprano voice that resonated throughout the venue, Maisie left everyone in awe. The highlight of her set for me was the beautiful rendition of Adele’s heartfelt ballad, “When We Were Young.” As she sang, her interpretation infused the song with a fresh yet earnest essence; the way she connected with the lyrics brought an added intensity to the performance.
At 7:15 PM, the evening’s first band, Paraselene, graced the stage. Vocalists Harrison and Mars took centre stage, poised to deliver a powerful array of riffs that would reverberate through the audience. Each note blended seamlessly, crafting a perfect harmony that set the tone for the night—a surge of creative energy that uplifted spirits and encouraged everyone to embrace the moment. As the performance unfolded, it became evident that their set was precisely what the event needed; Joe pounded away on the drums, while Gabi expertly showcased her bass skills.
Jamie and Harry took the stage for a captivating duo performance, showcasing their musical talents with a heartfelt rendition of Green Day’s iconic track, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” The emotional weight of the song resonated through their voice. The atmosphere was charged, and their chemistry as performers added an extra layer of charm to the performance, leaving everyone in attendance inspired and moved.
Next up on stage were Charlotte and Louis, whose performance captivated the audience from the very first note. Charlotte’s electrifying vocals, rich with emotion and power, resonated throughout the venue, drawing everyone in with their intensity. Every lyric she sang was filled with passion. Louis complemented her beautifully, providing guitar melodies that added depth to the performance. Together, they exuded charisma and energy, making it impossible for anyone to look away as they brought the music to life.
The band Satellite took the stage with an infectious energy, delivering a highly impressive rendition of “The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy. As they struck the first chords, the audience erupted in applause, immediately drawn in by the powerful guitar riffs and dynamic vocals. The lead singer poured her heart into the performance, while the talented musicians kept the rhythm pulsing, creating an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and exhilarating. Fans sang along passionately, reminiscing about the classic rock anthem and revelling in the camaraderie that filled the venue as the night unfolded.
Next up was Sight Of Amber, and I have to say, I was completely taken aback when lead singer Lottie revealed that the band had only come together a mere six weeks prior to this performance. This was their debut gig, and they were nothing short of remarkable! Their stage presence was electrifying, radiating a level of energy that made it hard to believe they were new to the scene. Each member delivered an impressive performance, seamlessly complementing one another as they showcased their skills on their respective instruments. During their cover of ‘Break Stuff’ by Limp Bizkit, Lottie charged across the stage with fierce enthusiasm. At one point, she leapt off a monitor and into the crowd, which sent a thrill through the audience. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when I realized there was no mosh pit forming around her. The energy was palpable, and it felt like the perfect moment for the crowd to unleash their excitement.
The last band to take the stage was Ellipsis, and it was evident that this wasn’t their first rodeo when it came to live performances. The energy in the air as they began to play was electric, and each member showcased their immense talent and dedication. The band’s keyboard player added a rich layer of sound that beautifully complemented the guitar riffs and rhythmic beats. As the lead singer took a moment to introduce each member, it felt like a heartfelt celebration of their collective artistry. With enthusiasm, she named each musician, and as they were introduced, they seamlessly transitioned into their individual parts the synchronised movements and interactions among the band members revealed not only their chemistry but also their years of experience honing their craft.
Photos & Written by @caitlinflood04
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