Paul Simon tribute band Shades of Simon are bringing their two-hour theatre show to the Sunken Lawn of Knebworth Gardens next month.
The five-piece band from mid-Essex will perform 'The Paul Simon Story' in a tribute to Paul Simon as one of the best songwriters and performers of his generation.
The show will take place on Saturday, July 1, and attendees are invited to bring chairs and a picnic to enjoy the open-air concert in style.
Band leader Colin Davies explained how the concept of the band developed in August 2019, specifically to put together a theatre-style show as a tribute to Paul Simon.
As soon as the band started rehearsals the pandemic hit, and they had to put everything on hold for 18 months, after which venues were hesitant to book new artists for theatre shows.
Their first real gig was a sell-out charity concert at Maldon Town Hall Theatre in December 2021, in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity.
Commenting on Paul Simon's work, Colin said: "Their first big hit back in 1964 'The Sound of Silence' is an absolute classic and everybody, whatever their age, knows it.
"Paul Simon wrote some really melodic songs early in his career while in Simon & Garfunkel and we perform those in the first half of our show.
"We do find younger folk tend to prefer Paul Simon’s later, more rocky songs from his 'Graceland' era like 'You Can Call Me Al' and we play those in the second half of our show.
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"In fact, we cover the most prolific period of Paul Simon’s career all the way from his early days in Simon & Garfunkel in the early 60s through to his Graceland tour in the 1980s - so there’s something for everybody!"
The show also includes narration with anecdotes about Paul Simon's life and career.
Shades of Simon perform a limited number of their shows per year, generally in provincial theatres and outdoor summer picnic concerts.
You can check where they are playing and find out more, or sign up to their mailing list, at www.shadesofsimon.com.
To buy tickets go to https://knebworthhouse.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/44590?catID=31568&.
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