Saturday 1 July 2023 7.30 Chapel in the Garden
We can’t all be at Glastonbury on June 25th to see Elton John’s last concert. So the Chapel in the Garden is bringing Mark Stewart with his “Elton John Experience” to play a week later on Saturday 1st July. This concert will raise funds for the Chapel, but after a wonderful evening, will we all be “Still Standing” as we boogie on down to his rip-roaring encore of “Crocodile Rock”?.
10 years ago, Mark was enrolled in a course called Access to Music. One of the exercises was to develop a tribute act and present three songs. Mark explained “I wasn’t really that big a fan of Elton John but I chose him because we both play the piano; I like standing up to play, and used to sing my own songs on Open Mic nights.” It turns out Elton John was an inspired choice. The members of the course were knocked out by his terrific energy and ability to channel Elton as he stood at his piano and belted out the great rock numbers. Since then he has been invited to play at concerts and dances and has discovered, from not being sure he liked Elton John, that he is a real fan. “It’s been a fun challenge to find outfits as outrageous as Elton’s for the show!” enthused Mark, and he added “After the concerts it’s amazing and rewarding that the crowd ask for selfies, my autograph and to please “Carry-on being Elton!””
Margie Barbour of the Chapel fundraising team said, “We are very grateful to Mark for coming to Bridport with his show, he is a lay Minister in Bristol and often comes to lead services with his husband Karl.” Mark explained “I am very happy to be asked to raise funds for the Chapel in the Garden, I see it as unique amongst Unitarian congregations; the way it engages with refugees, runs a community fridge, invites people to share a bowl of soup and offers a loving hand to all the community, it’s very special.” Margie Barbour added “All old buildings need a lot of looking after, the Chapel is no exception, and this concert will help pay for some of the essential work”.
Tickets £12.00 from the Tourist Information Centre in Bridport 01308 424901 or the Chapel itself 07566 751752. The concert will begin at 7.30 with doors and bar open from 6.30.