Dana Gillespie

CRAWDADDY CLUB RICHMOND welcomes DANA GILLESPIE AND THE LONDON BLUES BAND MAY 10th will be a special evening for Crawdaddy to have Dana and the London Blues Band to play for our loyal regulars and all new guests who found us in 2023. Doors open 7.30pm / music 8.30. Dana Gillespie's extraordinary journey in the world of entertainment, detailed in her 2022 memoirs 'Weren?t Born A Man?, showcases her multifaceted talent as a singer, songwriter, actress, and broadcaster. Starting her music career in the mid-1960s, Dana made an early impact with singles for Pye Records by age 16 and further established her musical identity with Decca in 1968, releasing 2 albums called 'Foolish Seasons' and 'Box Of Surprises?. Her versatility extended to session singing alongside notable artists like Elton John and David Bowie, and she also shone on stage in prominent musicals including 'Catch My Soul' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar?, where she played the original Mary Magdalene. The 1970s brought new heights with her albums 'Weren?t Born A Man' and 'Ain?t Gonna Play No Second Fiddle?, produced under the management of Tony Defries and Mainman alongside David Bowie. Despite the challenges following Mainman's collapse, Dana continued her artistic journey by fully embracing the Blues genre in the 1980s with albums like 'Blue Job?, 'Below The Belt? and ?Hot Stuff? on Ace Records. She founded and ran the Mustique Blues Festival for 20 years as well as presenting her own World Music radio show that went across Europe every Saturday night, called Globetrotting with Gillespie, from 1990-2001. Continuing to make waves in the music industry, Dana Gillespie has seen a resurgence in popularity, with a renewed appreciation of her vast catalogue of self-written songs. Her recent albums, including ?Under My Bed?, ?I Rest My Case?, and 'Deep Pockets?, demonstrate her ongoing prowess in music-making. In 2023, at the age of 73, Dana marked another significant milestone by making her debut at the American SXSW Music and Film Festival. As she gears up for her first performance at the Crawdaddy Club, Dana Gillespie remains a vibrant and influential figure in music, her career spanning over six decades and reflecting a legacy of continuous innovation and artistic excellence. Dominic Stockbridge graduated with a Masters at Guildhall. He worked on Celebrity and P&O cruise lines as a house band musician as well as cast member of 'The Runaround Kids'. He also worked in musical theatre as the guitarist for 'The View upstairs' at the Soho Theatre in the summer of 2019. He has played at Ronnie Scott?s, 606 Club and the Hideaway with various bands including Dino Baptiste and Night Train, Mississippi Swamp Dogs and the Vince Dunn Orchestra. Dominic has performed throughout Europe and Asia with a 10-piece party band, Musical Orphans. Dino Baptiste, a self-taught musical virtuoso born on March 30, 1965, in London, is celebrated for his distinctive blend of blues and boogie-woogie piano and harmonica playing. Drawing inspiration from his musical lineage and greats like Ray Charles and Little Richard, Dino has developed an unorthodox yet captivating piano style and powerful vocal delivery. His career, spanning over three decades, is highlighted by his ongoing collaboration with Blues Diva Dana Gillespie, with whom he shares an extraordinary musical synergy. Renowned for his energetic performances and frontman charisma, Dino's extensive experience includes tours across Australia and Europe, recording with notable artists, and a dedication to nurturing young talent. An accomplished performer, he brings a vibrant, high-energy style to every stage, making him a standout act in the world of blues and R&B. Daniel Christopher Michael Watt, a gifted percussionist from Bath, now a prominent figure in London's jazz and blues scene, brings his dynamic talents to Dana Gillespie's London Blues Band. Born on October 23rd, 1999, in Kingston Upon Thames, Daniel's journey in music began at Wells Cathedral School and continued through his involvement with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, where he performed at iconic venues like the Barbican and Royal Albert Hall. He refined his skills at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, earning scholarships for his outstanding talent. A regular performer at top London venues, Daniel also plays with Apollo?s Cabinet and runs a weekly jazz jam. Apart from his musical endeavours, Daniel is a committed Christian and an active volunteer at his church. Significantly, Daniel Watt was a featured member of Dana Gillespie's band during her debut at the SXSW Music and Film Festival, showcasing his exceptional drumming skills on an international stage and contributing to the band's memorable performance. His talent continues to captivate audiences, whether in intimate jazz clubs or at major music festivals. Doors open 7.30pm. Music 8.30-10.30pm Cashless bar Only. Cash Only for merchandise and ?on the door sales?. Very friendly Club. Dance floor and plenty of seating. Ample Parking. Bus 65 from Ealing or train - alight at Richmond train station and proceed to roundabout and look for Athletic Grounds and sign for swimming pool and row of lit buildings. Richmond Athletic Ground, Twickenham Road TW9 2SF.