EVERY Tuesday afternoon, if you stroll along the southern end of Hutt Street, you will hear a group of enthusiastic musicians having a jam session.
This is a Hutt Street Centre band called The Outsiders, which has given some clients the chance to expand their music skills, make new friends, play a few gigs and even produce a CD.
Gerry Bonk has been in the band for two years. He started playing the guitar at 21 and loves being part of a band.
“I just like playing music. With the group, I get the chance to play the electric guitar, use microphones and other music equipment,” he said.
“I also like being around people who have the same interests as me. We have something in common.”
The success of The Outsiders has seen the band win an Inspiring Achiever Award for their commitment to the group, regular attendance and the energy and positive attitude they bring to the band.
Thanks to funding from Arts SA the band has been supported and guided to start writing its own songs.
The band has performed publicly at Royal Adelaide Hospital and outside the State Library. The highlight of every year is their performance at the Hutt Street Walk a Mile in My Boots fundraising event when The Outsiders entertain outside the Hutt Street Centre to hundreds of community supporters.
The centre helps people facing homelessness to rebuild their lives.
Each year it serves about 50,000 meals and offers social work and support services to nearly 2000 people.
These services include showers, laundry facilities, visiting health professionals, an aged city living program for older clients, recreation activities, education and training, legal aid and assistance with finding housing.
The Outsiders will also host their own performance at St Luke’s Church on Whitmore Square from 2-6pm on November 18.
Doors open at 1.30pm.
This year Walk a Mile in My Boots will be held on August 11 at 7.30pm.
