Snoop Dogg heads for Manchester Apollo
Orange RockCorps, the groundbreaking initiative that encourages young people to volunteer 4 hours of their time for an exclusive concert ticket, delivered an extraordinary line up last night as Snoop Dogg, Vampire Weekend, Tinie Tempah and Mr Hudson treated 3,000 volunteers to a money-can’t-buy performance at the Manchester Apollo.
The sensationally talented Mr Hudson opened the concert, performing tracks from his second album ‘Straight No Chaser’ including hit Supernova. The R&B/pop artist who has earned the respect and accolade from some of the most powerful players in music including Jay Z and Kanye West showcased his perfected blend of classic song-writing and hip hop beats.
Urban sensation, Tinie Tempah, was next to take to the stage, wowing fans with his lyrical skill and effortlessly cool swagger. Proving why he has become one of the hottest names on the UK music charts, the 21 year old South London rapper had the audience erupting into a thunderous cheer as he performed his hit single Pass Out. Tinie also surprised the volunteers with a tribute to Lady GaGa, the global icon who headlined last years’ Orange RockCorps Manchester concert, performing an urban rendition of her chart topper Bad Romance.
Indie New Yorkers Vampire Weekend were the third act to transfix the enthusiastic crowd. The American rockers, who first won critical acclaim with their eponymous debut album back in 2008, played emotive tunes and soaring melodies from their second studio album Contra.
US superstar Snoop Dogg ratcheted up the excitement a further notch with a set that was supersonic. Sporting Rio Ferdinand’s Manchester United football shirt whom he met earlier in the day at an Orange RockCorps project, Snoop oozed his infamous charisma as he performed crowd favourites Gin and Juice and Drop It Like It’s Hot. Flaunting the distinctive showmanship and lyrical ease that has seen him stay at the top of the charts for nearly 20 years, Snoop Dogg closed his set by urging the crowd to celebrate peace, love and soul.
Earlier in the day, Snoop Dogg and Vampire Weekend delighted young volunteers at local community projects. Vampire Weekend rolled up their sleeves at the Groundwork Community Garden, clearing and replanting greenery so that it can become an area for the local community to use. Meanwhile Snoop Dogg sunk his teeth into the re-vamp of the Orsdall Community Centre which has become a much needed resource for young people, providing a safe venue for sport, play and social education in an area of regeneration. Snoop even competed in a fun football match with the volunteers, joined by special guest Rio Ferdinand himself.
Now in its third year, Orange RockCorps has inspired and mobilised thousands of young people in the UK and abroad (France and Israel) to volunteer for local community projects in return for the exclusive concert tickets. The Orange RockCorps programme has struck a chord with volunteers in the UK and continues to be over-subscribed year-on-year.
And now everyone can get involved. Due to huge demand and feedback from current volunteers, Orange RockCorps has launched The Orange RockCorps Collective. The Collective offers young people, all over the UK, the chance to give four hours of volunteer work to their chosen charity, wherever and whenever they want, in return for exclusive incentives including festival tickets, BlackBerry handsets and other music tickets. This year will see the Collective further expand, offering more amazing incentives from its brand partners and building an all-inclusive community of volunteers around the country.
With support from partners BlackBerry and Channel 4, the Orange RockCorps programme is set to broaden its reach around the UK. Channel 4 will broadcast the Orange RockCorps Manchester gig on Saturday 17 July on T4 and will film volunteer projects to expand the coverage.
Details of the Orange RockCorps London concert will be announced later in the year.
For more information and to volunteer go to: orangerockcorps.co.uk