The was a warmth in the air that certainly didn’t come from the chilly weather.
In the venue many commented that the atmosphere was electric and I know the performers could feel it on the stage. We had a great turnout, celebrating not just Dusty’s 80th birthday, but the 20th annivesary of her loss, 50 years of Dusty In Memphis, and the 40th anniversaries of the Drury Lane & Royal Albert Hall concerts.
Simon Bell sang The Look Of Love, before introducing Krissie Ducann, who did You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me and Quiet Please (There’s A Lady On Stage), ending with a duet of Let It Be Me with Simon.
Next came favourite Miss Krystal Ball, surprising us with I Can’t Give Back The Love I Feel For You, A House Is Not A Home & In Private.
Joe Card gave us his highly original interpretations of Little By Little, Make It With You & Let Me Get In Your Way, and then it was time for biographer Lucy O’Brien to tell us about the soon to be published updated version of her book, Dusty. Atendees at Dusty Day were able to get a code for 20% discount!
Dusty Day is never complete without legendary Julie Felix, giving us Goin’ Back, and material from her regular act, including a Maya Angelou poem put to music by Julie. She finished by duetting with Simon on Two Brothers, originally know to us by The Springfields.
Following the auction Simon was joined by Joe Card on guitar and Chris Burgham on keyboard for I Am Your Child, I’m Coming Home Again, Just A Little Lovin; (Early In The Morning, Sunny, To Love Somebody, and You’ve Got A Friend.
Miss Krystal Ball condusted the raffle draw before joining Julie, Krissie, and Simon in the finale, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me.
As ever, we were honoured to be joined by Pat Rhodes (seen below with Lucy O’Brien), still looking wonderful after a not uneventful year.
Special thanks to Clive Burgess on the door, assisted by Jen Alexander, doing a grand job without John & Paul, but thanks Paul for doing the pictures before you went away.
Thank you Madeline Bell for phoning from the Netherlands with your best wishes.
Big round of applause for Justin Whittingham on sound, and of course for Dan and all of the staff at West 5.
What a day!!