A venue manager in a community arts space in Bristol is swapping his duties behind the bar for a special evening to honour his late mother. The Jam Jar in St Judes will be hosting a night of music inspired by 'The Boss' himself, Bruce Springsteen, to raise money
Kieran R. Leonard lost his mum, Bernie, to a rare form of cancer four years ago. Sadly, the diagnosis came very late into the disease and there was sadly nothing anyone could do, but Macmillan Cancer Support helped to look after his family during such a difficult time - and so Kieran is doing something to give back.
As an avid Springsteen fan, Kieran's mum would play his music every Saturday morning while cleaning the house and would watch him live every time he visited the UK. In her honour, Kieran will be donning blue jeans and a bandana in a Stars In Your Eyes style transformation next month.
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Speaking on the upcoming show, called Dancing In The Dark Vol. II, Kieran said: “This is a tribute night in honour of my mum, who passed away four years ago on April 6. I will be performing an album from Mum's favourite hip swinging, denim donning, bandana bearing, sweat-drenched rock musician of all time: 'THE BOSS' Bruce Springsteen.
"We have a full band line up with some of Bristol's finest musicians and some of my closest friends. I invite you all to join in celebration with me as we play the most 'Merican long player records to have ever existed this side of the last ice age, Born In The USA. All proceeds are going to Macmillan Cancer Support.”
This will be the second time they have staged the event, the last one marking the third anniversary of his mother's passing. This time round, he will be performing Bruce Springsteen's 1975 album Born to Run in its entirety.
A full band will be taking on this epic portrait of romantic hyperrealism to new heights with members from some of Bristol finest musical talent, including Doug Cave (Hippo, Cousin Kula), Jake Blackmore (Binbag Wisdom), Dorian Childs-Prophet (DunDunDun, Zoobers), Hugh Serjeant (Pocket Sun) and Beau Hulse (Parlour).
Support comes from Poor Old Dogs who will be playing a host of traditional songs to warm up for Kieran’s band. Tickets are £15 available from Headfirst and those who can’t attend can still donate via the ticket page.
The Jam Jar has been a community arts venue since 2014 and crowdfunded more than £16,000 to keep the venue open back in 2017. The popular independent venue hosts performers from South America, The Caribbean, Africa, Eastern Europe, The Middle East, New Zealand and beyond.
Jam Jar, 4a, The Old Malt House ,Little Ann St, Bristol BS2 9EB
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