LOCAL musician Barry Jennings has announced Saturday, December 11 as the date for his long-planned fundraising concert to support the Breast Cancer Foundation.
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Mr Jennings, who has been a keen musician for more than 60 years, flagged his intentions earlier in the year to stage the fundraising concert, but COVID had "restricted his plans".
With COVID restrictions starting to ease Mr Jennings said he was "thrilled" to finally be able to "name the date" for the event he's called 'A Concert for Jenny', in honour of his wife who is battling cancer.
"We have worked hard for so long to get this concert off the ground," he said.
"I'm tickled pink to be finally able to set the date. It's absolutely brilliant. I feel so happy and excited."
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The event is planned for the Nowra School of Arts, getting underway at 2.30pm and will run through until 6pm.
It is a cause that is close to Mr Jennings' heart, his wife of 33-years, Jennifer, is suffering from what he describes as a "horrible disease".
"I just saw this as a way I, and hopefully the rest of the Shoalhaven can, do something to support the foundation and help fight this insidious disease that touches so many of us one way or another," he said.
"Hopefully we can get as many people there as possible and raise as much money as we can for the foundation."
Mr Jennings said he has set the concert date for December, as by then as more restrictions ease, the venue might be able to be at full capacity with a crowd of 140.
He said the response from local performers had been fantastic with a number putting up their hands, offering to perform.
"It has just been superb," Mr Jennings said.
"Everyone has been so generous.
"I've had so many people contact me saying they want to come along and make a donation.
"It's great to finally be able to announce the date and really get the wheels in motion."
Trilogy, made up of local singing sisters Robin, Joy and Kathy Sharpe will be performing as will five-piece brass 'dixie" band, Southern Stompers.
Singer David Girdlestone will also perform, while Mr Jennings will also, of course, be taking to the stage, performing music from the '50s, '60s and '70s or as he puts it "the only music there is - something you can understand".
He is also hopeful of having a male and female dancer to perform on the day as well as a number of other local musicians.
Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children and will be available at the door on the day.
A number of lucky door prizes will also be up for grabs on the day.
Mr Jennings thanked everyone who had been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the event would be a success.
"I must thank local photographer Phil Harris who does a great job looking after all our high-tech equipment while we perform," he said "while Ian "Pig" Usher has also been a great help and will man the door for us."
Two things Mr Jennings is looking for is possibly a local coffee van who would like to cater the event and any volunteers who might be available prior to the concert to help put out the chairs at the Nowra School of Arts.
If you would like to be part of Barry's concert plans or support the event you can contact him on 0408 477760.
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