Projects

From time to time Adastra also takes on other project - please see below for some of the exciting things we've been involved with in the past.

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NU-ROUTES

Adastra has been the Administrator for the Arts Council funded network Nu-Routes, since its inception in 2005.
It was set up as a folk promoters' network to produce a series of profile-raising concerts around England to promote the evolution of new-acoustic and traditional music. The challenge was to try and raise the profile of the music by encouraging small scale promoters to be more adventurous and take greater risks in their programming. The aim was to help the profile of folk music in this country to take a greater step forward in the small-scale venues which are at the heart of the folk scene.

The aim of NU-ROUTES:

1. Further develop the audiences for traditional music in this country, in particular young audiences
2. Reach a broader range of audiences by taking folk music into venues which would not normally programme such music
3. Increase the size of the promoters network to include 10 venues in total, and to expand the geography of the area covered throughout England
4. To train the promoters of the network enabling them to:
   - undertake effective marketing to further develop their audiences
   - raise funds to assist in future tours and projects The Network has led 7 tours with an 8th one due to take place in the Autumn of 2007 

Artists taking part have included:

• Eliza Carthy
• Mike McGoldrick
• John McCusker
• Kathryn Tickell
• Cara Dillon
• Martin Simpson
• Julie Fowlis

Each tour has involved the lead artist working with other artist's that they do not normally work with, thus creating a unique touring package. Young artists are encouraged to be a part of each tour.

Arts Council Funded Tours

Adastra has organised a range of tours and projects funded by the Arts Council of England and the Scottish Arts Council including those by the following artists

• La Bottine Souriante
• Barachois
• The Crossing (with Tim O'Brien)
• I Could Read the Sky ( with Timothy O'Grady)
• Mistresses of Harmony (with The Passion - England & Shine - Scotland)
• The Unusual Suspects

Consultancy Work

Adastra has acted as a consultant on various projects:

• Co-ordinator of the Arts Council funded Nu-Routes network 2005 - 2007
• Co-ordinator of the Yorkshire World Music Network 2005 - 2007
• Consultant to Three's Company co-operative - providing training in contracts, CRB, Insurance and Legislation for Music Agencies - 2005

Education Projects

Adastra has organised and co-ordinated Education projects in the East Riding of Yorkshire and throughout the UK

These have included:

The History of the Vikings through music, song and dance - in East Yorkshire

Involving 3 primary schools in East Yorkshire, working with a local historian and song writer. Each school wrote a song from the part of the project they were involved in depicting (a) the departure of the Vikings from Denmark (b) their arrival and setting up of farms and the cultivation of crops (c) their first harvest.

The project also involved the producing of Viking boats, clothes and other artifacts for presentation at the a public performance of the songs written by the students and dances created.

The Origin of the Music of Québec from its Roots in France and Ireland

Involving musicians from these 3 countries working together with students from Primary and Secondary schools over a week long period, culminating in a public concert and dance performance. The students learnt about the origin of the music, songs and dances from France and Ireland and how these were transported over to Canada, and how during this journey they evolved into the Québecios music of today.