The weather outside might be frightful but that won’t stop singer Michael Antoniou and his gang from making sure all will go to the Casino Royale Christmas Ball next Saturday.
Taking place at the Pentaras Restaurant in Chlorakas, the ball with singing, dancing, illusions and much more is a charity event that raises funds for the Alzheimer’s Association charity. Part of the money collected from the ticket sales will be donated to the charity, whose expenses include the purchase of important equipment such as electric beds and wheelchairs, and the service of a full-time nurse. In the future, the association plans to put its day centre and support group under one roof. At the moment, its support group for patients and care givers meet every Monday morning at the Archangel Michael Hospice.
While you enjoy your three-course dinner Antoniou will host the event with Simone Swift from local radio channel Rock FM. You can catch Swift on the airwaves together with Jason Collins from Monday to Friday from 11am until 12pm, playing only fresh hits.
Multitasking all in the name of charity, Antoniou will also be entertaining with his silky, jazzy voice along with the musicians from the Moonriver swing band.
The Paphos-based Scottish Cypriot singer – who also has boxing on his list of achievements – is known for paying tribute to the great musicians from the swing and jazz era, especially Frank Sinatra. In fact, his love for Sinatra and the similarities in their voices have made a few people take a second look to make sure they are not in the presence of the king of swing himself.
Talking about being compared to Sinatra, Antoniou said “it’s all a bit overwhelming, but for me, it’s just a great buzz, and if I can raise money for worthwhile charities, and make people happy just by singing a few songs, then I’m a happy man.”
But it won’t be all about Sinatra on Saturday, there will be some Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand, Shirley Bassey and Rihanna songs covered too.
The other band members of Moonriver are Nicholas Lambrou on drums, Ivan Sarbash on sax and Renad Noumanchine on piano.
The band was put together earlier this year when Antoniou was inspired to create his own band because he noticed that around the island there were a lot of jazz bands but not a lot of swing bands. So he took it upon himself to create the first swinging jazz band in Paphos.
While Antoniou and his band will be supplying the music magic, the actual magic will be provided by illusionist and magician Christian Everett. Everett has become well known for his devilish skills and profound mind reading abilities. Wither over 25 years experience in the magic trade, he will surely make you doubt your eyes. A great showman to boot, Everett, also from Paphos, will truly make this the most magical time of the year.
Vegas style feather girls will help shake their tail-feathers during a unique dance show.
There will also be casino tables where you can try out your luck and also an auction to raise additional funds for the Alzheimer’s charity.
This is a ball after all, so men put your suits on and women dress-up to impress.
Doors will open at 6.30pm and the show will start at 7.15pm. Do book your seat early by calling Antoniou on 99-854375 or Swift on 96-920124.
Casino Royale – Christmas Ball
A ball with singing by Michael Antoniou and his band, magic by Christian Everett, a three-course meal and casino tables, all to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s charity. December 10. Pentaras Restaurant, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka. 6.30pm. €25.50. Tel: 99-854375 or 96-920124
