Music Against Domestic Abuse 2008    Exeter Phoenix Sept 4th.

This year’s MADA event surpassed all expectations and followed a hugely successful employer’s campaign, both taking place at the Exeter Phoenix. Martyn Joseph, who was jointly headlining the MADA event kindly provided both a climax to the Employers event and a prequel to the evening event by performing his song ‘Half of a Man’.  A clip of Martyn’s performances was shown on both Westcountry and BBC Spotlight TV.

MADA 2008 was so well attended that people were queuing for 20 minutes to get into the main auditorium. They were not disappointed as opening act the Joyce Gang performed a dazzling set with an array of styles ranging from traditional Irish to modern jazz. With 5 acts billed for the MADA event intervals were short and young North Devon singer songwriter, Jenna Witts, gave a confident and polished performance which provided further evidence of her growing stature within the industry and her ability to reach out to a wide audience. She had toured with Steve Knightley and co wrote the haunting ‘Seven Days’ from Show of Hands Country Life album.   

The half way point saw Daniel Rachel and his band take to the stage with an energetic and meaningful collection  of songs including ‘Let it be Mine’ which was a hit for Daniel in January of this year. Daniel had kindly donated proceeds for the single to the London based Domestic and Sexual Violence charity – Tender. He had previously played a benefit gig at the famous Borderline Club in London.

The penultimate act, Rachel Taylor- Beales, gave us an innovative and soulful performance with a mixture of folk, jazz and country which created a unique sound. Her stage presence and ability to tell stories thrilled the audience and will undoubtedly be a name to look out for in the future.

The evening reached a climax with headliners and award winning musicians Martyn Joesph and Steve Knightley (Show of Hands) fusing their talent, friendship and humour to provide an hour of captivating songs from their huge catalogue of outstanding material.  It was a privilege and honour to have them grace the stage at a MADA event and their combined individual talents culminating in a mesmerising encore will be long remembered by all that attended.

The Joyce Gang (John Redmond, Dave McKeown and Paul Downes) get MADA 2008 off to a lively start!

Jenna mesmerises the audience with a little help from Steve.

Daniel Rachel performs hit single 'Let it be Mine' (all profits for the single went to 'tender', an arts organization driving to stop domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Daniel Rachel and his band.

Rachel Taylor-Beales performs a set full of versatility and haunting beauty.

Steve Knightley and Martyn Joseph headline the event having been strong supporters of MADA since its inception. Performing a mixture of songs filled with gentleness, passion and energy these award winning artists generate a special magic when performing together.

Steve Knightley keeps the audience transfixed during his headline performance.

Martyn Joseph plays to an enthusiastic crowd. His T-shirt read 'Some people wait for change to happen'.

Martyn and Steve perform an encore to draw the 4th and most succesful MADA event to a climatic end!

Artists get together for a final photo shoot.

The MADA team - Zoe, Holly, Marion, Andy and Sal.

The lull before the storm - Merchandising stand set up shortly before the doors open.