Highfields Day Centre welcomes internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist
ECL Chelmsford (Highfields) Centre for older people and people with learning disabilities recently enjoyed a spectacular performance from world-renowned jazz saxophonist Mike Aremu.
Mike is a professional Jazz musician and performed at the centre as part of his ‘50 in 50’ challenge. The challenge is in celebration of his fiftieth birthday. Mike turned 50 in May and wanted to do something positive for his community in his milestone year. So set himself the challenge of undertaking 50 free performances at 50 day centres and care homes across Essex.
Mike has been performing internationally for more than 30 years and has released numerous albums. He has lived in Colchester for nine years, but as he travels so extensively, he felt disconnected from his local community and wanted to get more involved. It was this desire that inspired the ‘50 in 50’ idea.
Mike said: “When I turned 50, I really wanted to do something positive for others and I thought what better way to give back to my community than through music. It’s been a wonderful experience so far. Words can’t describe how happy it makes me to see the joy the music brings to everyone.
“I’ve had feedback from many of the care homes and day centres that I’ve played at saying that individuals that usually don’t express themselves have come to life during my performance. The fact that my music can do that means the world to me. It’s been amazing. I’ve had an extensive career, but I’d say doing this has been the highlight of my career to date!”
It’s been a wonderful experience so far. Words can’t describe how happy it makes me to see the joy the music brings to everyone.
Mike Aremu, Professional Jazz Saxophonist
Mike treated everyone to a medley of well-known songs such as Lionel Richie’s ‘Hello’. Frank Sinatra and Count Basie’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, Louis Armstrong’s ‘Wonderful world’, and Whitney Houston’s ‘Saving All My Love for You’.
Everyone loved it and both staff and customers were dancing and singing along. Some of the older customers even cried happy tears as the music brought back memories of times shared with loved ones.
It was absolutely amazing, it felt like being on a night out without going anywhere. I loved it!
Stephen Hatch, Attends ECL Chelmsford (Highfields) Day Centre
Chee Ming who attends ECL’s Highfields Learning Disabilities service said: “I loved all the music and dancing; it was a great morning!”
Mike chose ECL’s Colchester (Marylands) Day Centre for older people to kick off his challenge back in May. The first performance was a huge hit, and Mike has since performed at several of their other centres to allow more customers to enjoy his music. The Highfields performance on Wednesday 8 October was the 37th of his challenge.
For more information about Mike Aremu see:
https://mikearemuvision.co.uk/
Instagram @mikearemu
Facebook: Mike Aremu
