For those of you with one track minds…
…no, this event isn’t about that.
Instead, it’s an uplifting, thought-provoking, life-affirming evening that combines live storytelling with music – resulting in a kind of wild, inspirational mash-up of TED Talks and Desert Island Discs.
Taking place every few months in the crumbling old beauty that is Wilton’s Music Hall, it sees an invited panel of interesting people take to the stage to talk about a song that changed their lives. These interesting people span all careers and walks of life – in the past, they’ve included The Guilty Feminist Deborah Frances-White; author and poet Lemn Sissay; doctor-diarist-comedian Adam Kay; food critic and jazz musician Jay Rayner; and singer Katie Melua (who, after releasing her debut album at the age of 19 and selling nearly 2 million copies in its first five months, presumably had at least 13 songs that changed her life). And even if there’s a few names on the roster you don’t recognise, you might just come away with fresh perspectives or insights on topics that you never even knew you’d be interested in.
The next One Track Minds shows are actually dropping into venues across London – you’ll find them at Kings Place this Autumn with guests including the comedians Katherine Parkinson and Cariad Lloyd; radio presenter Shaun Keaveny; poet Lester Gomez-Medina; and children’s author Natasha Farrant. And there’ll be a special edition of the show, ‘Hidden Tracks’, taking place at the Southbank Centre, where the speakers will be members of the public who have taken part in storytelling and writing workshops in the run-up to the performance.
Each will share their stories and what their chosen piece of music means to them, in an intimate and magical evening of storytelling. And you’ll leave with a head full of other people’s life experiences, from the heartbreaking to the wonderful – as well as a few new songs for your playlist.
You might want to take notes.
NOTE: One Track Minds next takes place on 19th September, 14th November and 12th December at Kings Place, and 1st November at the Southbank Centre. Tickets cost £12-18, and you can book right HERE.
One Track Minds | Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, E1 8JB
On another note… here are the best London bars with live music