MEET SOME OF OUR ENTERTAINERS.

GEORGE WARD - Singer/Musician

I started singing as a new born baby realizing I had a voice! And have been singing ever since. Mum Dad and both my sisters were all good singers, so I was destined to love singing. 

As a teenager, I sang with a few pop groups in the 60s for a while, but my real love is Classic Jazz – The Crooner stuff, and in my later years, recorded several Jazz CDs in my self-built 'Recording Studio' in the garden shed, e.g – 'GEORGE SINGS SINATRA – HIS WAY' , that I gave to family and friends who were partly deaf! I also recorded a CD of my own songs.

I Taught myself to play Guitar over the years, and at my current age of  almost 80, I'm still learning.

Since I retired at 72 years young, I have been a music Volunteer at the Dementia Music & Social Club. I am the 'warm-up' man before the main singer comes on, where I wander around like a 'traveling Minstrel' with my Guitar/Banjo, playing popular old songs, getting everyone singing and encouraging Members to do a solo with me.

I love my work and hope I can manage to do it for a good few year more. If I could, I would encourage the whole world to sing and stop fighting. As Shakespeare wrote - Music IS the food of love, and we really do need to teach the world to SING.

ANGIE WALKER - SINGER

Here's a bit about myself & how I started singing. I think I was probably singing & annoying my family as soon as I could talk! I've always loved Music, when I started work at nearly 16, all my wages would go on records! Oddly enough I was very shy when I was younger & only dreamed of doing what I do now, then karaoke came about & I plucked up the courage to give it a go, once I got the bug that was it! I was working in a bar & helping out with the karaoke when a man asked if I'd like to join him singing in pub's and clubs, which I did for a couple of years, then someone approached me & asked me to audition with his band, I joined the band, The Lateshift & was with them for about 12 years, as well as doing solo gigs, & performing as a duo with my friend Gary from the band. Since being made redundant from my day job in 2020, singing is all I do, it's all I want to do! I've been singing at the DEMENTIA MUSIC & SOCIAL CLUB (DMSC) for about 7 years now, I've a[so sung at weddings, festivals, pub's club's etc. Over the years but I can honestly say that singing at the DMSC, is my absolute favourite! It's such a joy! I look forward to seeing everyone & always have a great time with them all!  I hope I'm able to continue to do this for many year's to come!

NICK BROWN - Singer

I've wanted to entertain and sing since I was able to walk and talk. Always on stage at Butlins when I was a kid either in a talent competition or any opportunity I got to get on stage🎤 even ask the band after they finished on one occasion if I could borrow his trumpet at the end of there performance. He agreed but didn’t ask what I was going to play. I was six and just learn to play THE LAST POST at band practice. My mum and dad were mortified.

I’ve been singing (professionally) for 22 years now. About 4 years ago I gave up a little business I had to do this full time as before I was trying to do both. I hated the job I was doing. Up at 2am Monday to Friday to collect my fruit and deliver it to all the primary schools in south London.

I decided it wasn’t about the money anymore. I’d done my bit for over 30 years and said it’s time I did something I love doing. And I have to tell you I really feel like I’m living my dream. Nothing on earth gives me more pleasure than making someone’s day or even making them smile for a while. Yes pubs and clubs are great but I get so much more out of entertaining by performing for The Dementia Music & Social Club, and doing care homes.

Some heights of the passed 22 years have been - appearing in the West End musical at the theatre Royal Drury Lane. Singing with Marti Pellow on the beach in jersey. Getting through to the televised stage of stars in their eyes. Unfortunately I feel ill the day of recording. But honestly hand on heart. Even auditioned for Huey Greens opportunity knocks. My best and most cherished performance I have given so far in my life. Last Monday when I performed at the opening of The Dementia Music And Social Group. It’s was such a special moment not just for me but for everyone involved.

My mother-in-law suffered with dementia for over 10 years. Myself Sue and her sister cared for her went on different courses to learn about Dementia. One of the things we learn to do was play music to her. It would bring her back for a while. There’s a dementia Society called speckle. We learnt a lot on there courses.

Finally I’d just like to say that I’ve never tried to be anything than who I really am on or off stage. My show/performance is all about you and not me. I love to make you smile and feel special.

Because you are ❤️ hope to see you at our Clubs.

JOANNE MARTIN - Singer & Karaoke

I've been music mad since a young age, mainly due to my dad always singing and playing music in the house. I was the typical teenager singing into my hairbrush in my bedroom, playing records.

My dad Frank used to sing in pubs and in 1992 he heard about this Japanese karaoke machine which we bought and then worked with my mum too in various pubs in the East End. I loved karaoke but really wanted to go out as a singer. It took me a while to build up my song catalogue and confidence but it was something that I love and still do.

Me and dad then went out as a duo which was really lovely for both of us and he really was my best friend/roadie and my biggest supporter.

Sadly Dad passed away February 2017 which can be hard singing certain songs as the lyrics now have a whole lot more meaning. 

I've been very lucky with my singing, I've sung in great venues, sang beautiful songs but most of all made lots of wonderful friends along the way.

Long may it continue.

AUGUST JOHN - Entertainer

Hi everyone!
I used to sing in a church when I was 7 years old . I feel the lock down helped me a lot as I can sing live and have fun with my friends I gained along the way. I love singing slow emotional songs. Yes you can call me a sentimental fool but that is me. I love those songs because I can feel everything when I sing them, yes I do slip in few dancing ones. So music is part of my life and I hope I have the strenght to carry on doing it till the last breath of mine. God bless all the entertainers because they don't know how much pleasure they are giving to our clients. 🙏
I always say music is the nourishment for the soul. When I sing I feel I'm in a different world. When I was introduced to our club by my friend Nick Brown, it was the best thing that ever happened to me and when the entertainers let me sing a song or two, I feel I am on top of the world. I love the two days I attend with our club it means a lot me to makes those clients happy and smiling. I hope it will carry on for a long time to come.

DAVIDE SENNA - Guitarist/Singer

Davide Sanna is a London-based guitarist, singer-songwriter, and composer.

Born and raised in Sardinia, Davide’s music has been described as one that ‘combines styles that echo traditional folk roots mixed with his innovative approach to playing the guitar and composing’. The variety of styles in his music varies from folk to rock and from Mediterranean to swing, across countries and genres.

In 2004 Davide released his acclaimed first album 'Beyond...'. A successful world tour followed the release, with live shows, tv and radio appearances in England, Scotland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and the US.

The long-awaited second album was released in 2012. 'Crossing Borders' was received with great reviews across Europe and in Australia.
His career so far has seen him open for the likes of Peter Green, B.B.King and Damien Rice and perform at festivals and venues around the world, notably Ronnie Scott's, Royal Albert Hall, Jazz Cafe, The Marquee, The National Theatre, Frankston Guitar Festival (Australia), Glastonbury Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, plus TV and radio appearances along the way!

His instrumental tunes are regularly used as soundtracks and jingles for movies, radio and tv shows in north and south America, Australia and Europe.
Davide continues to tour and performs up to 200 shows a year, and is currently working on his third album of songs, as well as composing music for films and tv.

As a studio and live session player he’s worked with several artists, notably Madagascar musician Modeste Hugues (the duet Zanakao Rafoza was a favourite of legendary BBC radio host Charlie Gillett), Irish award-winning songwriters Don Mescall and Paul Brady, and rock legend Gary Brooker (Procol Harum).

GARY HUMPHRIES - Singer

Hi everyone, I am a 55yr old singer entertainer. I’ve been in the business now for over 20yrs, staring out as only knowing a few songs to where I am today knowing over 1000, songs. I love the high energy I like to think I give out at my shows. I like to think I’m a comedian as well, we’ll I look funny anyway lol . It was around 2010 I created my stage name which is Gaz Vegas, cheesy but catchy at the same time but always remembered. It was only a short while ago that my good friend Nick Brown introduced me to the Dementia Music & Social Club, which I absolutely love doing, the interaction with all the guys and girls is amazing, and I always look forward to performing for them

DEBBIE RAINFORTH - Singer