The night of Sunday 21st December was a night filled with vibrating strings, hearty applause and a musical, yet not to forget, festive ambiance. Set in the wonderfully appropriate “Eletriq Cafe” located in Eltham’s bustling high street, and coupled with an enthusiastic guitar teacher addressing his even more enthusiastic  (and perhaps slightly nervous) students, the night began with a flourish, and ended with a success.

William Hegarty started the show with “Away in a manger”

With the intention in mind that the host, and guitar teacher, Steve Mac, wanted to showcase the talent of the children he teaches from schools and privately, and to give the children the opportunity to perform in a real setting, the night ran smoothly and from the perspective of the parents dining and watching – appreciatively. The evening started with William playing the suitable “Away in a Manger”, with other Christmas songs such as “Silent Night” as played by Cory, Evie and Martina. The choices of music ranged from fitting Christmas songs to well-known hits with Claudia Saunders showcasing “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins and Eva Barrie with her own take of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie. To add contrast to the evening, Simon Suchan played a beautiful version of Vivaldi’s “Largo”.

Simon Suchan performing Vivaldi’s “Largo”

                                                                 
Eva Barrie performing “Valerie”

Claudia’s - In the air the air tonight

James Fancote performed a flawless version of “The Kung Fu Master”

Chloe Bailey performing “White Christmas”

Michael Crosse played his own song “The vineyards of Sardinia”

Cory played a lovely version of “Silent Night”

Sean Gray brought the house down with his version of “Stairway to heaven”

Evie and Martina played a very emotional “Silent Night”

Jessica sang “White Christmas”

Despite choices of songs differing as well as the personal playing style as demonstrated by all of the children, one thing remained the same for the whole evening – the amount of applause and pride given from the surrounding parents. With a fabulous rendition of “White Christmas” Sung from the waitress, Jessica, Steve Mac concluded the night‘s musical antics with pride and happiness himself – and not only because the restaurant kindly gave him some wine as a Christmas present!

Sophie McHiggins