Fidler in the Hood: I’m sure I shook the hand of the Sheikh of Araby
The spirit of the Charleston and the black bottom was very much in evidence and the evening was a fabulous success.
Greetings one and all. There’s been a dark cloud looming over the homestead: yours not-so-truly has been unbearable to live with. A life-long love affair with football has been seriously tested with team Manchester City going down two games on the trot, one defeat to Manchester United and then by Spurs. On with the show.
ALSO READ : Fidler in the Hood: When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you
The much-anticipated, eagerly-awaited ‘Great Gatsby Show’ came to town last Saturday night. The Azalea Hall was packed to the rafters, and house full notices were in evidence.
And what a great evening for everyone, both for the audience and the Platform Jazz ‘syncopaters’, led by Cathy Peacock and her ensemble. It had been four years since Cathy and her band last performed in Margate.
Professional engagements by the musicians playing elsewhere had made booking Platform Jazz difficult.
Negotiations to bring the group had taken a serious set-back with the untimely death of Liz Curran last July. Nigh on irreplaceable when it came to show business, Liz was such a star.
However, fortune favours the few, and kudos must be afforded to Carole Tyers, and the Residents’ Activities Committee (RAC) who knocked themselves out to make the evening a resounding success.
The show had many folks getting in the mood, dressing up for the occasion in their roaring 20s outfits. The old folks at home did us proud and there were many flappers and a couple of folk who showed that they still had it in them.
The spirit of the Charleston and the black bottom was very much in evidence and the evening was a fabulous success.
Cathy and the band kicked off with ‘Twelfth Street Rag’, which was a big hit second time around (in 1948) when this audience were just little boys and girls. Cathy, a virtuoso in her own right on trumpet, then led the band through a long list of old favourites, including ‘Alexander’s Rag Time Band’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ and ‘The Sheikh of Araby’, all from the Jazz Age era.
Cathy interacted beautifully with the audience, building up a rapport. Platform Jazz has been in the business for 30 years, testament to its continued popularity.
Shelley McLean was in fine form singing ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’ and a host of standards. Platform Jazz is certainly one of the best professional outfits in SA.
Cathy announced the final number ‘In The Mood’ – “For Rob Fidler” and someone asked why – Cathy and your scribe have known each other for some 42 years from way back. Come back, anytime, Cathy, bring Platform Jazz with you. And Trevor, too, despite his Tottenham Hotspurs affiliations.
Meeting David Hallé during the course of the evening was interesting. He is now retired after half a century in the furniture business and is happily ensconced at the Village. In April he will be heading over to Brazil, to join his son and friends sailing around the islands off the Costa Verde coast, visiting Angra Dos Reis, Paraty and Buzios.
David, you lucky son-of-a-gun, you will have an amazing experience sailing in one of the truly paradises on earth. There are some 365 tropical islands – one for every day of the year. David has kindly agreed to pop round to our place to get the lowdown on Brazil.
After a hiatus of three months, the Moondeckers get-together will be this coming Sunday, February 9 from 5.30pm until the full moon appears. Prego rolls will be on the menu – just one of those special events on offer down here on the Hibiscus Coast, which makes it so special. See you, Rob.
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