Stronger on Sundays (S.O.S) is a Zoom and live-streamed music and discussion broadcast hosted by singer, songwriter and performer, Melissa James. It was formed on the basis that Melissa wanted to engage with those people who she knew could share the wisdom of their experience and learnings which could be positive and helpful to others at this time of global challenge.

Following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent rising of the Black Lives Matter protests, this week's S.O.S reflects on the lives and experiences of Black people in relation to music and the music industry.  Retaining a heart-centred space, this is an important event for listening, learning and giving consideration to the lived experiences of Black people in the music industry and in daily life.

This week's S.O.S is kindly endorsed and supported by OBV.

Our line-up of guests includes:

Max Cyrus - an artist, DJ, producer and songwriter who has been on the music scene since the age of 17.  In 2016, Max Cyrus Music was commissioned to produce "Untitled" featuring Rodney P and Lanre Sulola. This features on a BBC Four documentary, "The Hip Hop World News."  Max's debut EP will release in 2020.

Michelle John - a singer, writer and vocal coach.  She began singing as a child in her local Gospel choir and has recorded and toured with George Michael, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey and Eric Clapton.  In 2017, Michelle entered The Voice UK, getting into the Finals where she finished in 4th place.

Reverend Peterson Feital  - CEO and founder of charity, The Haven+ London which offers pastoral care, professional counselling, networking opportunities, skill development workshops and training opportunities to those working in the creative industries.  Monies received from ticket sales will be shared between The Haven+ London and Chineke! Foundation.

Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE - a double bass player and Founder, Artistic & Executive Director of Chineke! Foundation - home to Chineke! Orchestra which supports, inspires and encourages Black, Asian and ethnically diverse classical musicians working in the UK and Europe. The Chineke! Foundation celebrates diversity in the classical music industry through its two orchestras, the Chineke! Orchestra and Chineke! Junior Orchestra, as well as its educational and community engagement work.  Monies received from ticket sales will be shared between Chineke! Foundation and The Haven+ London.

Photograph of Chi-chi Nwanoku: Eric Richmond

Russell Oliver Stone is a singer/composer, transpersonal psychotherapist, integrative counsellor and a Nada Yoga teacher.  
Russell had a successful music career with his wife, Joanna, as the duo "R&J Stone" which culminated in a top 5 hit in 1976 ‘We Do It’.

You Are Invited to the S.O.S Zoom Room

This online space is an invitation open to all. Anyone who joins this Zoomed production is welcome to sit and listen or to directly participate by sharing their thoughts or by asking questions. Performances come from Michelle John and from Melissa James. 

**Important Note: A word on Zoom**

- In order to join the S.O.S Zoom Room, registration is necessary. This is due to online security to help maintain a "safe" space on Zoom.

- The minimum amount required in order to register is £1. Upon registering, you will later receive login details which will be required to join the S.O.S session for which you have registered.

- To help maintain safety online, only one person may register their details at any one time (multiple registrations on behalf of others are not enabled).

**Last Minute Registration Bookings**

Please be aware that the process of registration is enabled up to 20 minutes before the start of the Stronger on Sundays session. This is to allow enough time for the Zoom login details to be sent to any last-minute bookers.

Monetary Contributions

In line with all S.O.S sessions, the guests, the musicians and the organiser are each giving of their time and energies in making this session a reality.

This week's S.O.S is, however, collecting money to support the work of Chinoke! Foundation and The Haven+ London.  Any monies received from the tickets that are purchased will be shared between these two charities.

There are several pricing tiers.  Basic ticket entry is £1 however you can also opt to pay the basic entry plus an additional sum totalling one of the following:

- £5

- £10

- £15

- £20

- £25

- any amount you wish

Stronger on Sundays is part of SING4SANE, Melissa's Big Sing and mental health initiative.  Learn about SING4SANE by watching this promo video for Melissa's song, Live Again.