Raising the roof

ROCK on . . . Mid-Life Crisis are raising vital cash for two hospices

TWO more charities are to benefit from a band which has become synonymous with coming to the aid of good causes.

Music fans still have the chance to buy tickets for the concert by local five-piece rock group Mid-Life Crisis to raise funds for Dr Kershaw’s and Springhill hospices.

The gig takes place at Shaw’s Playhouse 2 Theatre on Saturday, February 21, with sponsors already lining up to support the showpiece.

The band began life seven years ago when founder members Bernie Allen and Alan Humphries first appeared as a duo at a fund-raising dinner. Since then, they have raised more than £20,000 for good causes, mostly in and around Oldham, and hope to add substantially to that figure with the latest event.

The group gives its services free of charge to charities, or even private parties, but with the proviso that a donation is made to a charity of its choice.

Performing a mix of songs from the 1950s to the present day, guitarists Alan, from Dobcross; and Bernie, from Shaw; are supported by Phil Horrocks, from Shaw; on keyboards; Pete O’Connor, from Bury, on drums; and Mike Turner, from Greenacres, on bass.

They will be joined at the Playhouse by the multi-talented Ian Cleverdon and singer/keyboard player Sarah Turner.

Bernie said: “We are quite well known now within the local charitable community and subsequently are asked to perform for various good causes — usually playing about once every six weeks or so.

“The gig at Playhouse 2 is something of a departure from our usual round of performances in so much as this will be a concert setting which presents its own challenges, when compared with the usual, less formal setting of an anniversary or birthday celebration in a local club.”

Despite the current financial climate, several local businesses had no hesitation in offering their support for the forthcoming concert, which will increase the money to the two charities.

They include The Bengal Brasserie, Shaw; Broken Pencil Signs, Delph; Celebrations Cards, Lees; David Taylor Designs, Ashton; Motown Taxis, Shaw; and Whiteheads Printers, Saddleworth.

Ticket sales have been encouraging with around half the 156 seats already sold. They cost £10 from Petticoats, Market Street, Shaw, on 01706-847 494.