A Coatbridge musician is bringing “a slice of Ibiza to Monklands” with a innovative afternoon party next month.
Matthew Ruddy is hoping the Sax to the Max event will hit the right note with revellers and become a regular addition to the area’s entertainment scene.
The 22-year-old is in the fourth and final year of his BMusic degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and this marks the first time he has organised a musical occasion on this scale.
Explaining what people can expect from Sax to the Max, Matthew told Lanarkshire Live : “It was inspired by ladies’ days out events.
"I was playing at a gig of this type and someone said to me, ‘it’s amazing how far you need to go for these; I wish there was one in Airdrie or Coatbridge’.
“So this put the idea in my head to bring an afternoon party musical showcase to Monklands.
“This will be a trial run, led by me on the saxophone, and also feature a DJ and a guest singer who will each do a 45-minute set.
“It will start as a 70s disco and progress to dance music, like bringing a slice of Ibiza to Monklands, but the transition will be smooth so shouldn’t be stark.
“It’s technically a ladies’ day but men will also be allowed in.”
Former St Ambrose High School pupil Matthew has found organising Sax to the Max challenging but hugely worthwhile.
He said: “This is the first time I’ve arranged an event on this scale. I started doing it during the first lockdown as I was struggling for money.
“I had the idea to make a promotional video and timed it well as things started to reopen and I ended up eventually getting five or six gigs a week.
“If you organise an event you have total control and as it’s being held locally, I don’t have to travel.
“I have performed in Harty’s Function Suite a few times and really enjoyed it. They were all for the idea of Sax to the Max and immediately backed my vision.
“The organisation hasn’t been easy but also not as tough as I expected as I’ve encountered a lot of supportive people.
“The hardest part is the anticipation as with all the promotional material done, it’s now just waiting for the big day.”
Matthew has always had a passion for music and is excited to showcase his skills to a local audience.
He said: “I was at Glasgow Clyde College before the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and have learned so much about music.
“I am in my final year of study and one of the things they teach you is to go out and get gigs and jobs.
“The saxophone is my main instrument of choice; I started playing it when Covid first struck.
“I also play the piano and have performed in a lot of hotels and at corporate events.
“Although I do a bit of singing in the shower, instruments are my forte.”
Matthew added: “I really want the first Sax to the Max event to land, and for people to remember and enjoy it.
“The aim is to make it a regular thing, with the end goal of holding one every month, but I am at the mercy of the people who come along.”
Sax to the Max takes place at Harty’s Function Suite, on Hallcraig Street, on November 19, from 2pm to 5pm.
To buy tickets, priced £10, and find out more details about the event and Matthew’s music, visit his Facebook page.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
