Possibly the perfect Christmas concert?

With classic Christmas songs such as “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Santa Baby” and of course, “Jingle Bells” plus many, many more this has to be everyone’s perfect Christmas singalong! These songs played live brings an intimate and nostalgic feeling to the evening. There is even a medley of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “Let it Snow”, to bring a unique twist to these well-loved Christmas songs.

Now, although they are a tribute to Armstrong and Fitzgerald, Dave Cottle and Sarah Meek provide a very different take on the duo’s musical legacy. The evening continues with Armstrong classics such as “Hello Dolly”, “Tea for Two”. Close your eyes and many a Christmas from the past suddenly flood your senses.

The band also pay tribute to other well-known artists including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney and Tony Bennett. The evening includes a surprise contribution from the Accordia Choir Cardiff, with an invite to the audience to join them on stage should they wish to join the choir.

A sparkly and distinctive performance of the best Christmas songs and the best music at the most “wonderful” time of year… all in all, perfect.

Review by Megan Brown

MY BEST ALBUMS / LISTENS OF 2024

What a great year for music…..my CD player / vinyl has been on constantly and I have discovered some amazing new music. Here are some of my favourite albums I have listened to this year – check them out and fall in love with some great new music. That’s the joy of music…finding a new album / live band – so much better than listening to the old favourites from the 70’s, 80’s etc…although they still get a spin every now and again!

Sharing music is special – so if you want to share your favourite albums from 2024 send them to me on info@acapela.co.uk and perhaps we can share them to the Acapela audience in our newsletters in 2025.

Some of the albums below were released prior to 2024  and I have only just discovered them or they are so good I am still listening to them!!

In no particular order:

Ferris and Sylvester – Otherness – Ferris & Sylvester – Mother, (Official Video) My favourite song of 2024?
Rosemary and Garlic – Rosemary and Garlic Rosemary & Garlic – Blue Boy (Official Video) 2018
Scott Matthews – Restless Lullabies Scott Matthews – My Selfless Moon (Acoustic) Official Video 2023 (playing Acapela in 2025!)
Jenny Colquitt – Staring at the Moon Bravest of the Brave (playing Acapela in 2025)
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Wild God Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Wild God (Full Album Stream)
Christine and The Queens – Paranoia, Angels, True Love 2023 Overture

PAUL JAMES
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR

If you’re looking for trouble, then you came to the right place!

Ben Thompson as Elvis, returns to kick off his winter tour at Acapela Studio, for his third visit and for “one of the most fun shows of the year” as quoted by Ben himself. This tribute is known for sparkles, big hair and bigger song finishes. The songs include Elvis’ classics such as “Hound Dog”, “Viva Las Vegas”, “Burning Love”, and “Suspicious Minds” and of course “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. As well as covers from other artists such as “Johnny B Goode” and “Rolling on the River”.

Audiences get the full Elvis experience, including audience interaction from the start, accurate costumes including the iconic pink suit and white sparkly suit. There is dancing with ‘Elvis’ and even kisses from ‘Elvis’ which all leads up to a night to “party like in Vegas”. There is still even time for photos and a chat with Ben in full Elvis costume at the end of the night.

However, you may be feeling there is no relatability – well you’re wrong. The entire band and backup singers are from South Wales, spreading from Barry, Tredegar, Merthyr and Rhondda. This adds an element of a “home-coming” concert, making the occasion and the connection with Elvis something special.

This is a very special Christmas celebration with ‘Elvis’ singing Christmas classics as well as iconic songs such as White Christmas. But, not only do they bring the fun and glamour to Christmas, the tribute remembers that Christmas is a time for giving. Every year they raise money for a different charity, this year they are raising money for Turkish Tails Animal Rescue.

As if they could get any better!

Review by Megan Brown 

If you are interested in the charity follow this link to their Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/turkishtails_animalrescue/

They will be returning to Acapela Studios in July 2025, keep an eye out for tickets! Just follow the link to the Acapela Studios Website: https://acapela.co.uk/

Following on from the storm last night we have made the decision to postpone tonight’s concert as the safety of the band, audience and staff must be our number one priority.

Regrettably due to unforeseen circumstances the concert has now been rescheduled to the 14th March 2025.