Saturday 8th February saw the Academy of Swing under the direction of Mersea resident, Stephen Watkins, perform Glenn Miller era music to a packed audience in St Peter and St Paul’s church. The 12-piece band came together last year and have not had many chances to perform. However, when the first notes of Moonlight Serenade sounded, we knew we were in for a magical evening. Many favourites from that era were included in the programme – In the Mood, American Patrol, and a Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square to name a few. We were treated to a saxophone solo and beautiful singing too.
During the interval, the audience were invited to sample a selection of cocktails and canapḗs to sustain them before more lovely music plus some singalong numbers – You’ll never walk alone, and When the Saints being sung with gusto as a finale. There was just time for an encore before the evening drew to a close.
The Friends were delighted with the ticket sales for the concert, especially as there had been early interest shown, which always makes it easier to cater for this sort of event. Big thanks to all the outlets – No.4, The Deli and Myrtle and Rose for selling the tickets. This event was a joint venture with Academy of Swing. They decided to donate their share of the proceeds to EDS, which supports one of the band members, in lieu of taking a fee. Information was available about this organisation and the (perhaps little-known) debilitating condition Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. We really appreciated the musicality and the considerable effort put in to attending the concert by Lizzie, the flugelhorn player, and hope she felt the warmth and welcome from the audience and organisers.
The Friends are a non-religious charity, established in 2011 to raise funds for the preservation of the 11th century Church of St Peter and St Paul at the heart of our village. Since then we have raised over £100,000 through membership subscriptions, concerts and other events. We would like to thank everyone who supports our events and invite you to become a member so you can be a part of this worthwhile work, and enjoy discounts at future events.
Please visit https://www.fwmpc.org/join-us or take a leaflet from the church. Also, keep a look-out for our next event – Vocalise spring concert – on our website (https://www.fwmpc.org/) or on posters around the village.
Comments