Cultural Contribution, Dave Maul and Shane Daunt – Black & White Music, sponsor M&G Real Estate
A pair of music and event producers have brought “a huge wealth of talent, people and revenue into Reading as well as benefitting the wider economy.
“In what has become an increasingly difficult industry to work in, they continue to battle for live music to be a key feature of the town,” said their nominator for the Cultural Contribution award.
“For the last 10-plus years, Dave and Shane have worked tirelessly to bring the people of Reading huge enjoyment and entertainment.”
They hold regular one-off gigs, as well as annual festivals such as Are You Listening, Down At The Abbey and Beat Connection, they said.
“They have a knack for spotting bands and bringing them to the town before they hit the big time.”
Examples included Royal Blood, Idles and Wolf Alice, who have all gone on to perform at Glastonbury, Reading Festival and beyond, they added.
“They have also helped launch numerous local bands (including The Amazons and Sundara Karma who have gone on to have great careers in music).
“This all brings a huge wealth of talent, people and revenue into Reading as well as benefitting the wider economy.
“In addition, the Are You Listening Festival had a 10-year association with Reading Mencap, raising £80,000 in the process,” said the nominator.
“Reading Mencap stated this had been “vital” in helping them “improve the quality of life for people with a learning disability in Reading.”
The Cultural Contribution award is sponsored by M&G Real Estate.
