This weekend I had the pleasure of playing at one of the most unusual events I've been asked to do. A double header, Jonny Hepbir Gypsy Jazz Guitarist swapping sets with The Archbishop Of Canterbury for Revelation Ashford over the Easter weekend.
It was very surreal seeing Ashford Bandstand being transformed into a welcoming front room complete with sofas, coffee table with lamp and dozens of hot cross buns.
Here's a picture of myself with the Archbishop!
When he arrived, Justin came straight up to me and we chatted for a good 20 minutes on all manner of subjects. He's a very nice guy, witty and genuinely interested in the people he meets. I'm not religious myself but like the Archbishop, I really enjoy meeting and chatting to people at gigs. During the afternoon I watched him talking and listening to people with enthusiasm and warmth. Considering he does these types of meet n' greets all the time, his stamina is unyielding, he had time for everyone.
Obviously Easter is an important time for the church so he was seriously cramming in the appointments over the weekend. I joked with him that he had more gigs than me over the Bank Holiday.
So I played in between the question and answer sessions he held with whoever wanted to ask him things. He kept saying that people could ask him anything..and they did! The man is a pro. Children asked him about pets and food while the adults went for political and more challenging topics. He wasn't phased by anything and gave really good answers, wonderfully tactful at times and unlike other famous people in the public eye I've met, didn't avoid awkward questions. I think over the four hours he was there I only heard one religion based question during his mic sessions and that was from a young girl. When he wasn't on the bandstand, he was chatting with people privately, pretty relentless.
He was very complimentary about my performance and recognised the Continental vibe.
Many thanks to Debra at Revelation for asking me to perform!
Here's a shot of the overall view of the bandstand, pretty snazzy.
You can hire JONNY HEPBIR SOLO GUITAR, THE JONNY HEPBIR DUO, TRIO OR QUARTET for an Event, Wedding or Party in Kent, Sussex, The South and South East of England or any destination where good Swing Jazz music is required.
"You guys are good...really good" Sir Paul McCartney - private party booking
If you're after a bigger band with different instrumentation options such as violin, accordion, clarinet, saxophone and vocals, why not consider the JONNY HEPBIR QUINTET? Lot's of cool instruments to choose from to make an ideal band line-up for your special occasion.
The best acoustic, swing jazz band available to hire for any occasion.
You can read what some of our clients say on our testimonials page HERE.
For all enquiries please email: info@jonnyhepbir.co.uk or call 07712 332 967.
Seeing as the bandstand was sporting big L.O.V.E letters, here's a video of the Jonny Hepbir Quartet performing...L.O.V.E.
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