Swing’in Easter

Get ready to jazz things up in Paphos and swing with the best of them next Sunday with the newly formed swing band Moonriver in their first ever gig.

The man who brought the band together is Michael Antoniou, a Paphos businessman who has been singing solo for the past few years around Paphos and the island, mostly for charity.

“I have spent some time across the island at jazz events, meeting and befriending other jazz musicians. The experience motivated me to create my own local band, for myself and for the local community to experience,” Antoniou said.

He noticed that throughout the island there are a lot of jazz bands, but not a lot of swing bands. “In Paphos there are no swinging jazz bands, we will be the first and it has taken me a year to find the right local musicians to bring to the stage,” he added.

Until now, Antoniou has been singing to backing tracks but now he is ready to put his voice to live music. The five piece band consists of Antoniou on vocals, Nicholas Lambrou on drums, Rex Tomkinson on bass, Benny Rumo on saxophone and Macie J Kielak on piano.

The performance will be held at the Anesi Restaurant in Coral Bay from 7pm. Tickets cost €22.50 and include a three course buffet and a chance to win raffle prizes. Part of the funds collected will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association in Paphos.

On British Easter Sunday, get ready to hear a lot of Frank Sanatra – someone Antoniou has been compared to – and other jazz songs.

The band has also been booked for further performances where they will also include a wider range of songs. “For our first gig we are doing what we have been doing so far and what the audience is used to hearing. We plan on adding more and more musical depth as we go on,” the Scottish Cypriot singer added.

Seats are limited, so make sure to make your booking in advance.

Moonriver
First performance from the Paphos based swinging jazz band. March 27. Anesi Restaurant, 118 Saint George Road, Pegeia, Paphos. 7pm. €22.50 including a three course buffet, a raffle and a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association of Paphos. Tel: 99-854375

 

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