A cycling musician will visit schools, youth groups, residential homes and healthcare settings with a unique educational and entertaining show.
 
Jon Hodkin will become a familiar sight on the Island’s roads as he pedals his tricycle between venues, towing a trailer packed with instruments, from 1st to 20th September.
 
Jon’s takes his one-man show, Inner Tuba, the length and breadth of the British Isles and he first visited the Island in 2009. His return visit is organised by Manx Arts Development, part of the Department of Education and Children (DEC), to mark Island of Culture 2014.
 
He demonstrates the rudiments of music-making, plays unusual instruments such as the conch shell and the didgeridoo, shows how to make sounds using simple household implements and plays the biggest of the brass instruments, the tuba.
 
His show covers many aspects of the school curriculum, among them geography, science, engineering, nutrition and road safety.
 
It’s adapted for the different settings he’ll visit, such as nurseries, charities and Noble’s Hospital.
 
Emma Callin, Community Arts Development Manager with the DEC, said: ‘When Jon was here last we were impressed with his ability to make his show relevant to all sectors of the community.
 
‘Jon combines two of our strongest traditions on the Isle of Man, cycling and brass music, in a unique celebration of both. He will be working with many different groups, performing to all ages at a variety of venues, demonstrating the relevance of music and sport to everyday life.’
 
Jon said: ‘I am pleased that Inner Tuba has been invited to return to the Island, following a happy and highly successful tour in 2009. It’s an honour to contribute to Island of Culture 2014. I’m looking forward to pedalling to, and performing, all over the Island. Look out for my trike and bright red and yellow trailer.’