MusicMatters sets out to dig deep and find the positives

A very big 'Thank You' and a rallying call from the founder of MusicMatters.

Sunday April 4; Craigmarloch Lodge; 8.30pm; the place is packed to capacity with a queue of people waiting to get in and there is an air of hope and expectation in the air.

People from Westfield, Croy, Abronhill and all over Cumbernauld have all made their way to the Balloch pub to enjoy the debut evening of MusicMatters… and enjoy they did.

With an Oasis-based tribute theme and live music throughout the evening, the people of Cumbernauld finally arrived on a plain befitting a good Glasgow live music venue.

Trouble? There was no trouble as not one person looked back in anger.

The atmosphere? She was electric as sensational performer after sensational performer came up to play some of their favourite songs.

We had an amazing rendition of Wonderwall from Cumbernauld's own Kenny Burns as well as fantastic interpretations of well-known songs (not just Oasis songs I hasten to add from the magnificent… wait for it… Old Men Sucking On Sweets.

So why do I write this article? Firstly, I write it to thank each and every single person who came from all over Cumbernauld and who created an absolutely unbelievable atmosphere.

But I also write to encourage, to drive and to motivate. For too long, Cumbernauld has been tainted by outsiders with a brush of negativity, criticism and dismissal.

It is no longer a sparkling new town but merely a place whose town centre resembles a "rabbit hutch on legs."

Therefore, and with this in mind, I challenge each of you that reads this article to put the sparkle back into Cumbernauld.

If the sparkle doesn't come via MusicMatters, let it be via something else. Something that you create.

Come up with an idea. Innovate. Invigorate. Let's get Cumbernauld going.

For too long, people have looked on Cumbernauld negatively but now, the time has come for the cloud to lift. For my part, I will continue with MusicMatters. (Although by no means is MusicMatters the definitive answer!)

The next event in the offing will be another Open Mic night (date/location TBA) hosted by Old Men Sucking On Sweets but there will be a twist…as there always will be with MusicMatters.

This time, we will play Blind Date. Yes, the famous dating game is coming and for that I need the beautiful single people of Cumbernauld. (See the end of the article to get in touch.)

Sure there will be mistakes during the events and they won't always go without a hitch but know this: that by being positive things can be achieved and with this in mind I have no fear; to quote that famous man from the other side of the pond: "Yes We Can."

For more information on MusicMatters and to find out about the next event, e-mail [email protected] or add Anthony Fitzgerald Caw to Facebook.