THE TEAM
DERRICK
BEARDSWORTH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Creative Melting Pot was created to provide opportunities for up and coming emerging artists to showcase and continue to perform their talents. Working in the music industry and essentially already having a foot in the door, while booking with lots of different festivals, operating venues and events, I’ve always been looking to help provide opportunities for young and up and coming artist. All while recognizing the road to becoming known being very bumpy- I knew where the bumps were and I have always wanted to enrich the NB music and arts scene, so I did. I bring 10 years of working experience with artists in the music and art industry and hope to be able to share and help young artists succeed in the field. Creative Melting Pot is a way for not only new Brunswick artist but also Maritime artists to be seen and heard by the local community and more. A way for artist and likeminded folk to connect and bridge the gaps in the music and arts scene. we hope that Creative Melting Pot will be able to provide opportunities through grant work, festivals, art galleries, event venues, and showcases. Often time young emerging artists lack the credentials and or skills to showcase their talent and we hope that Creative Melting Pot can help them do so. Commonly artists and musicians need to be known to gain access to showcases their talent- we hope to provide opportunities to assist these artists and musicians in doing so.
MICK
CHRISTIE
GRAPHIC DESIGN
As an artist, music has always inspired my master pieces. I’ve been an artist professionally for 4 years, and an amateur artist since childhood. I’ve always loved creating- may it be a painting, a wool wall hanging, or a logo, creating is my passion. I studied Visual Arts Foundations at McKenzie College, then I enrolled in Graphic Design, during the program and projects, I knew I wanted to be in the music industry. From the energy that live music brings, to the joys of providing a musician or artist with something that represents them or assists them in their endeavours- I knew after finalizing my first concert poster for class that I wanted to take my journey with musicians and artists of all types. Music has a special place in everyone’s hearts, including mine- so when Derrick reached out to me about Creative Melting Pot Co-Op I was ecstatic. Working closely with youth, I get to know my “clients” and give them exactly what their looking for- album covers, logos, posters, the list goes on for days. Creative Melting Pot gives me the opportunity to do amazing, fun, different styles of design for artists of all sorts. I’m super excited to share all of my knowledge and experience with everyone at Creative Melting Pot, and get to learn so much in the process!
CAIDEN
VAUTOUR
PHOTOGRAPHER
I’ve always been interested in Photography since a young age, photographing everything I could from landscapes to anyone who would let me take their picture. I got my very first nearly-professional camera at the age of 13- I started shooting more and more from then on. I’ve always loved taking pictures of animals, nature anything that was in front of me. Finally, after years of contemplating going to school, I decided to go to Mckenzie College to take Photography Media Arts and with their help, I graduated in June 2018. Music has always been a love of mine, during Festival Inspire 2018, my girlfriend Mick was involved in the design end, and I got to photograph the festival for fun. I really enjoyed the way the photographer at Inspire got to run around the grounds and see the bands from all angles. It was so cool to get to capture the performers' energy! Photography is my passion, and I want to be able to bring the joy I get from taking pictures to other photographers as well as assist up and coming artists in being seen- picture perfect.
CALUM
JACKSON
BOOKING/ CONTACT
I've had a keen interest in music since I was a child, though I didn't start playing until I was in my teens. When I began performing, I started to realize that a lot that goes into being a performing musician is the behind-the-scenes work, and I've been learning about that since. A couple years ago I got to perform at Parkindale Hall, I thought it was incredible how Derrick brought together a community for a night of music and socializing. I saw it happen again at the Shepody House later on. When Derrick told me about Creative Melting Pot I was interested immediately. For me, working with him is an opportunity to learn much of the behind-the-scenes skills in being a performing musician, and apply that knowledge to help other musicians, artists and people interested in art. My abilities as a multi-instrumentalist will be used for lessons, workshops, jams, storytelling, and other events for the community of Dorchester. It's exciting to be a part of this incredible endeavour and to bring all of these opportunities to people who want and need them. I'm glad to be a part of this team of wonderful people.
MATT
SINCLAIR
LIGHT AND SOUND TECH
I got involved with Creative Melting Pot when I saw the building of community through Parkindale Productions and what they were doing for the maritimes. I got involved when the position became available while working with Festival Inspire 4 years ago I met Derrick. I started working with Derrick during the festival and having him as a stage manager, got to learn more about Creative Melting Pot- I loved the vibe. I also have 20+ years of sound and light work. I’ve been playing with sound since I was a little kid, maybe 11/12- I tried to connect as many speakers as I could to make it as loud as possible. I started doing sound tech in 1997- I was in a band at 14 and started mixing for my own band. In high school, my music teacher approached me to start mixing for the school, I was trained by many local stores in Toronto. I mixed plays, theatre and even bigger bands as I got older. I look forward to sharing my experience in the music industry for the last 25 years- from being a musician for 10 years with 4 albums to it’s credit to event management such as sound and light technician, mixer, production management, stage management and set designer.