I hope this post finds you keeping well. We are now living through a time of huge crisis. Not are we coming out of a global pandemic, with the war in Ukraine we’re closer to a European War than we’ve been since 1945. We have a utilities crisis and more people living in poverty than ever before and more and more Foodbanks are opening every week. Not to mention rising interest rates and higher mortgages. It’s quite depressing, isn’t it? All of these things threaten our long-term health, our livelihoods, our homes, our families, our communities, our mental health and even our faith. It could be a challenging winter ahead for all of us. Just as well we have music to lift our spirits!
A Quick Review Of Recent Events
RICKY ROSS We had a fabulous evening with Ricky Ross in October – the last night of his British Tour. It was great to have a full church and Ricky was on great form – sharing more about his Christian faith than he has on any other evening of his tour. From my proceeds, £500 was given to the Purple Community Fund and £100 to the Lighthouse Furniture Project BillerRicky super fan Kirstie Bleakley has written a review of the gig here:
KEITH JAMES Was really great value as he performed the songs of Cat Stevens at a House Gig in Billericay Rectory. His musicianship was quite superb as he gave us some of the background to the songs Cat Stevens wrote. There were many opportunities for a sing-a-long which was great fun for everyone involved. This was the first house gig since February 2020 and a reduced number of people enjoyed a fabulous evening. I have a few more planned for 2023. £100 proceeds went to UNICEF.
THE PANTALOONS: GREAT EXPECTATIONS Not as many as I would have hoped for, but nearly 90 people enjoyed a very witty twist on Charles Dickens’ masterpiece ‘Great Expectations’ in Emmanuel. It’s not an easy book to perform but the multi-talented cast were very good indeed. In fact, out of all the productions I’ve hosted in Billericay I think this was my favourite – but War of the Worlds comes a close second – you had to have been there to know what I’m talking about. From my proceeds, £150 was given to the Purple Community Fund
What’s Coming Up?
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT EMMANUEL We have events to suit every age group and every taste throughout December. We have a new service this year on ‘The Longest Night’ recognising that some people struggle to celebrate at Christmas – for many different reasons. Be sure to book your FREE Christmas Eve Christingle tickets online. Please note the First Communion of Christmas starts at 9.00 pm. Be sure to mark all the Christmas events in your diary and don’t miss out on celebrating the greatest Christmas gift of all. More details here:
GRAHAM KENDRICK We have Graham and his band returning to play at Emmanuel on Sunday 11 December. over 90% of tickets have been sold – so be sure to book your ticket before it’s too late. More details here:
HOUSE GIG: JOE ANDERTON Joe is probably better known as a member of the Connor Selby Band but he is an amazing artist in his own right and fronts his own band too! Joe played an outstanding set at my Gig In the Garden 2022 with an engaging mix of thoughtful originals and classic covers. He went down a storm and this solo house gig (on the bluest weekend of the year) is sure to be very popular. More details here:
LIVE AT EMMANUEL: BILLY MITCHELL AND BOB FOX After a hugely well received sell out gig at Emmanuel in April 2022 with The Lindisfarne Story: 50 Years Of Fog Billy returns on Friday 31 March 2023 with long-time collaborator Bob Fox. More details here:
What Am I Listening To At The Moment?
Ashley McBryde
Madeleine Edwards
Hannah White
Fantastic Cat
Anthony D’Amato
Seth Lakeman
Ricky Ross
Marcus King
Jenny Colquitt
Jeremy Johnson
Zac Brown Band
A Couple of Articles To Read!
Remembrance Sunday 2022: Heroes come in all Shapes and Sizes
Do continue to support your favourite artists if you can by going to see them live or buying / downloading their music – it is a lifeline for them as they continue to struggle after COVID.
Thank you for helping to keep music (and theatre) live in Billericay. Being an independent promoter isn’t easy nowadays, with more and more venues closing down, I, along the artists who have appeared, really appreciate your support.
Do keep your eyes on my website revpacman.com for other upcoming events and some recent and very interesting (honestly) articles to read!
Don’t forget I’m always happy to catch up for a coffee / beer / curry!
Be safe and be blessed and, if I don’t see you around, have a great Christmas.
Paul
revPACman 