Serenade Sessions: A new kind of music event for Ipswich

Community Hub Ipswich, affectionately known to many as CHIp, have launched a new monthly live music night at their art studio on Turret Lane.

A unique live music experience centred around community

As an organisation that was created to facilitate the development of the community, CHIp identified that there was a gap in the local nightlife for a new kind of event showcasing creativity in an artistic environment.

Each Serenade Session features two local songwriters and musicians who perform original material to an attentive audience in an intimate setting.

Held on the third Wednesday of every month, they exist to support local talent while bolstering Ipswich's nightlife with an alternative to drinking and pub culture. "People just aren't into the drinking thing anymore,” the team said, but guests are very welcome to bring their own drinks to events.

Seating is a mix of cosy cushions on the floor and hardback chairs, with ticket prices depending upon seating choice.

Paid artists

Serenade Sessions support the development of emerging artists on and off-stage. Musicians are invited to register their interest to play through CHIp’s social media pages, and if selected, they are paid for their performance through a profit share model.

All ages welcome

In many European cultures, children and young people are happy to socialise with their families in the evenings. While less commonplace in England, CHIp were keen to create an event that could be enjoyed by the whole family.

This inclusive, intergenerational approach is hard to come by in Ipswich. It's refreshing, and also happens to be quite budget friendly, too!

Made possible by incredible volunteers

The events wouldn't be possible without the support of the emerging designers, photographers, videographers and technicians who volunteer their time in exchange for an opportunity to develop their skills in a professional setting.

CHIp Director’s Suzanne Chung and Chris Turland emphasise how grateful they are for the volunteer support that is integral to making this a success, calling out:

• Dylan Coleman: their dedicated sound technician
• Kate Wand: the visual artist who designs the set
• Taylor Brigden: the videographer who captures the events with equipment kindly loaned to them by Brighten the Corners

A space and community that celebrates creativity

Celebrating creativity in deeply rooted in CHIp’s ethos, so it's no surprise that Serenade Sessions put artistic endeavours at the forefront.

Inspired by events like Sofar Sounds, which puts on BYOB events in alternative venues, they also wanted to find new ways of using the studio and welcoming more people through the doors.

The CHIp studio operates on a membership basis with a sliding scale. Monthly subscription entitles members to use the studio, both independently or collaboratively, to develop their creative works in a supportive environment with like-minded folks.

How to get involved

The next Serenade Session takes place on Wednesday, 21 May, and features Helen Woodbridge, also known as Elly Tree, and Grace Calver.

Details will be announced on their Facebook and Instagram pages.