A TALENTED Dorset-based boogie-woogie pianist is holding a special concert to help raise funds to support a village hall.

Ben Waters will be bringing a taste of the blues as his band is set to perform at the Sixpenny Handley Village Hall on Common Road on November 8 starting at 8pm.

Known for energetic performances and powerful renditions of early boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll, Ben plays the music that he loves, the music of his heroes including Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Amos Milburn, Little Richard, Ian Stewart plus a host of others.

Organisers said: “This is why he dropped out of school to go on tour with Shakin Stevens.

“This is why he has devoted 35 years to touring the world, a devotion that’s not about fame, money or popularity, just about a love of music.”

The Guardian described Ben’s concert at London’s Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as “key shattering Boogie Woogie“.

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Ben has played with some of the biggest names in the music world including Jools Holland, Shakin Stevens, Cher, The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Imelda May, Mick Hucknall, Johnny Depp and many more.

Organisers added: “Yet still he remains as down to earth as ever. Whether performing in a village hall in his native Dorset or Sydney Opera House, he just loves playing the music that makes him happy – and it shows.

He has composed hundreds of songs and been involved with lots of writing with friends. He has also featured on TV and radio all over the world, with the album ‘Boogie for Stu” topping the blues charts worldwide.

“Ben has played sell-out shows at Sydney Opera House, The Royal Albert Hall and some of the largest festivals in the world”, said Penny from Sixpenny Handley Village Hall.

“So we are really thrilled that he and his band are coming to play a gig for us in Sixpenny Handley. How lucky are we! Come and join us for what is sure to be a fabulous evening of music and entertainment.”

Tickets cost £20 (plus booking fee) and are available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/6dhandleyhall

Hot food is available to pre-order via TicketSource and will be available to buy on the night while stocks last.

There will also be a fully stocked bar. All profits from the evening will go towards Sixpenny Handley Village Hall CIO, helping us to keep our fabulous venue up and running for the local community.

For information about the gig, contact the team at 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com or via Facebook.