Margate’s Social Singing Choir has succeeded in its mission to convince band HAIM to let members open for them when they kick off their global tour at Dreamland this month.
The community choir, founded and run by Emmy-nominated vocal coach and musical director Hughie Gavin, had been singing HAIM songs and posting videos to the LA-based sister-trio on social media in a bid to pique their interest.
Hughie says the choir consists of some HAIM superfans who were determined to get on the stage with the group! #
Now, after 34 days sharing more than 20 videos and dozens of photos the choir is officially the main support for HAIM and will perform a full 45 minute set.
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Hughie said: “We found out last Sunday just before we were about to do our last video for it on the beach.
“We had planned a big final video then found out it was actually happening so we turned it into a thank you video and 50 of us spelt out HAIM on the beach!”
The video was recorded by Thanet photographer Rebecca Douglas, who is a member of the choir.
The bid to get on stage with the US trio was not planned.
Hughie told The Isle of Thanet News last month: “It all started by accident really. HAIM are coming to Dreamland and we just happened to be singing HAIM songs. We’d just finished learning some songs for a VE Day celebration and one of our members, Jake, said ‘how amazing would it be if we got to perform this with them.’
“He said we should sing a HAIM song every day until they let us do it!”
Hughie says the entire choir had been sworn to secrecy until an official announcement, which was made this week.
He said: “The whole choir knew but couldn’t say anything until it was announced.
“We never thought it would happen, it was just a bit of a fun thing to do but now we are their special guests.
“We will be on stage just before HAIM doing a long set with 60 of our members.”
HAIM play a one-off show at Dreamland on June 27 as part as their new ‘I quit’ tour.
The LA-based sister-trio are known for songs include The Steps, The Wire and Summer Girl.
Tickets for the gig cost from £66.60, including booking fee. It is 14+ and under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
To book tickets go to: https://www.dreamland.co.uk/event/haim/
Social Singing Choir
The Social Singing Choir rehearses every Tuesday at Union Church and Hughie says the focus is ‘fun’ and ‘the simple joy of singing with others’
Closely linked to Institute Studios, the choir benefits from opportunities to take part in professional recording sessions, performances, and collaborations – blending grassroots music-making with wider creative projects.
The choir’s work has reached national and international platforms. This year, members featured on two Swedish Grammy-nominated tracks with artist Joshua Idehen.
Previous projects include an EP released via Moshi Moshi Records, a BBC Radio 1 Hottest Record feature with Swim Deep and contributions to soundtracks including Catherine Tate’s Netflix series.
The group also took part in the award-winning Up In Smoke campaign for WWF in 2023 and has performed on bills with SELF ESTEEM and Mitski and as part of campaigns for brands like Very.com and events such as the Turner Prize.
The choir partners with local charities to support community causes, using their voices to raise awareness and funds.
Find Social Singing Choir on Facebook here or Instagram socialsingingchoir
