As we’re all suddenly in a position where the landscape of our work is changing, my wife Elly and I have decided to get creative and put together something a little bit different… something that’s much more suitable than our usual big productions for your socially distanced venues. We have simplified, and formed an acoustic piano/vocal duo called Episode20, which is ideal for the low key environment that we now find ourselves in.
We’re ideal for restaurants, live music bars and other venues who wish to provide entertainment without attracting a raucous party crowd which could jeopardise their ability to trade. We can read the situation and offer a laid back, chilled vibe, or something a bit more toe-tapping and upbeat if that’s what the client is looking for. We carry a small PA which can be at a low volume, or ramped up if required!
With a repertoire of songs to suit all ages, our main theme is to take classic, well-known hits and give them a modern, acoustic twist. Although many are simply piano and vocal, we also sometimes use bass and drums on track to add a bit of energy without losing the organic feel.
Our experience in the entertainment industry goes back a long way, both together and separately. Prior to the lockdown I have most recently been the Musical Director of FastLove celebrating the music of George Michael all around the world, whilst also providing production solutions and sourcing musicians for another four theatre shows (Thank You For The Music, Faith, Lost In Music and You Win Again). Before that, I managed and performed in two busy touring productions – Abba Fever and HRH The Great Pretender – for seventeen years. My passion is the keyboards, and my career started as a Grade 8 representative for the Yamaha brand.
Elly has spent twenty years fronting the successful Madonna tribute show Vogue Madonna, who have more recently been performing in theatres worldwide as Into The Groove. She’s a classically trained vocalist who can lend herself to many styles, and a superb impressionist (it’s worth checking out her tribute to Cher!) As she has spent so many years in crazy costumes performing high energy dance routines, she is really excited about the opportunity to really concentrate on singing and performing as herself.
Hopefully this information has given you the confidence that as a duo we are experienced and qualified enough to adeptly handle the sensitive new challenges thrown at us by current restrictions, and still offer an excellent standard of entertainment to your clients. As always, we appreciate any feedback that you may be able to offer us!
