Alzheimer's fundraiser launches CVFolk's new season at Albany Theatre
News
This month sees music campaign group CVFolk adding fundraising to its remit to promote, support and celebrate local folk music.
Its monthly ‘Second Sunday' show takes place at Coventry's Albany Theatre on Sunday 8th September and features an evening of lively, feel-good, foot-tapping music to raise cash for the Alzheimer's Society.
Headline act, Robert Cooper & Friends consists of a seven-piece line-up of Leamington musicians, known for their longstanding support of local causes, especially those related to dementia.
Inspired by the musical legacy of the late and celebrated local musician Steve Boyer, singer and guitarist Bob Cooper shares his enjoyment of all styles of music – anything from folk to country to ska – by organising and supporting such community events as Sydnifest and the Dementia Café. Some of the performers appearing with him have worked with Bob and Steve as The Hanksters, so expect some Hank Williams classics in their up-tempo set..
Hard-working and popular Rugby trio The Scutters are also on the billing. They comprise frontman, vocalist and guitarist Des Fraser, with Steve Redshaw (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo) and Richard Noton, (cajon and percussion), and play a hot mixture of well-known songs with many folk and Irish classics included. You may well have seen them going down a storm on the CVFolk's Stage in Coventry's Upper Precinct during the MotoFest weekend last June.
To start the evening, the voices and guitarwork of local duo, Squire Gillespie provide impressive arrangements of well-chosen songs. Colin Squire and Carole Gillespie's repertoire include some originals, often telling great stories.
On a personal note, I've planned this event to acknowledge the excellent support that my wife, Chele and I received from Alzheimer's Society when we provided home care for the final six years of my mother life. Mum came with me when I performed at Steve Boyer's Dementia Café sessions in Leamington, during the early stages of her illness, and she always gave me a round of applause whenever I practised songs at home. So this will be a special evening of music, merriment and memories.
The music starts at 7.30pm in the Albany Theatre Studio. All artists are playing for free and there's no admission charge. Instead, the usual ‘caddy' collection will take place to raise as much as possible from donations.
And for the diaries - CVFolk's guest for Sunday, October 13th is the fabulous all-star band of Leamington singer and songwriter Amber Liadan.
