Stepping Stones
On Friday I went to a fund raiser at Luton Carnival Arts Centre for Stepping Stones.
Stepping Stones is a registered charity that exists to offer help and support to women affected by any drug/alcohol, domestic abuse, mental health and social care related issues. This is achieved through the various support services offered by the Stepping Stones team. www.steppingstonesluton.co.uk
It was a performance event with Stuart Summer, Cheryl Lucas and the Upmass choir www.upmass.org
I know of Stuart and Cheryl because they perform at church. I googled Stuart, but couldn’t find anything. He normally plays the drums at church, but actually has a gorgeous Big Band voice a bit aka Robbie Williams. It’s the second time I have heard him sing and he is good, but obviously does his stuff in a modest, understated way. Cheryl is more big time and has a profile as Diva Performers Ltd. I have seen her perform before, but what struck me about her on Friday was how she choreographed the stage in such an inclusive way. Apparently she sings one night a week in a pizza place in Knightsbridge amongst I am sure lots of other high profile stuff.
Last, but not least was the Upmass choir with Patrick George. (United Praise Mass Choir) from the Breath of Life Ministries. He does have a web presence.
He said: “I think gospel choirs bring high energy to any concert and any event they go to’’ Read more: http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Luton-choir-leader-Pastor-Patrick-George-mission/story-25878009-detail/story.html#ixzz3hkbg9SjD
They have been on Britain’s Got talent. Anyway, he came on apologising that this woman from Eastenders was not going to show up, but he and his choir were awesome. He managed to electrify the space with a spectator body filling presence of absolute joy. He is big and the dreadlocks toss well.
I loved the rocking lot of them and as Cheryl said, ‘we are all from Luton (well Stuart is Luton via Essex!)
The Stepping Stones team got a bit maudlin and microphone happy towards the end of the night, but hey! I think they probably raised a few grand for a good cause.