Forward Living
Working for people with learning disabilities in Devon

25 years Aniversary

During the anniversary week we want the public to know more about us and we will be holding three public events:

A celebrity launch on Monday, 16 May in Tiverton.

A concert by Seckou Keita, an internationally acclaimed West African musician, at The Great Hall, Dartington, on Wednesday, 18 May.

A concert by Ricky Ross, the voice and soul of Deacon Blue, at the Riviera International Centre Torquay on Saturday, 21 May.

SECKOU KEITA CONCERT
"Seckou Keita, an inspired exponent of the Kora, who can make the West African harp - lute sound like a small band." Guardian
This multi - talented artist is descended from the famous founder and ruler of Mali, Sundiata Keita, the family of kings. Traditionally, the musicians of Mali would entertain the royal family by conveying epic stories through song. They would also act as advisors and mediators. Seckou Keita represents the emergence of a new generation of African musicians. He has a unique style which blends melody with rhythms. It is so unitque that he is certainly one of the very few kora players able to get people out of their chairs and up on their feet!

His international career took off in 1969 under the guidance of his uncle, Solo Cissokho, living in Scandinavia. In 1998, Seckou relocated to the UK. He has performed all over Europe and in the USA, appearing at festivals such as Womad and Glastonbury. His concert at the Jazz Cafe in London was broadcast for the Africa night on BBC Radio 3.

Seckou's acclaimed album "Mali" was launched on his 2004 tour of the UK.

RICKY ROSS CONCERT FOR FORWARD LIVING Edwina Hayes is a new artist promoted by Jools Holland. Her memorable jazz and folk style has made her one of the tips for success in 2005.

The voice and soul of Deacon Blue, Ricky Ross, is touring to promote his solo album and we are very fortunate to have persuaded him to include Forward Living's concert in his national tour. Ricky has also been writing for other artists and wrote the title track for Ronan Keating's last album, "Turn it on again".

Ricky's band, Deacon Blue, had a string of Top 10 hits including "Real Gone Kid", "When will you make my telephone ring?", "Chocolate Girl" and "I'll never fall in love again". Their album "When the world knows your name" kept Madonna off the top of the album charts and their "Our Town" in 1994 went straight in at the top of the album charts.

Deacon Blue performed at a charity concert in their home town, Glasgow, a couple of years ago and it sold out in 45 minutes. We think our Ricky Ross concert in Torquay will take a little bit longer but thanks to everyone's efforts in promoting the event we are hoping for a sellout!