DANA GILLESPIE SINGS THE BLUES
We are thrilled to be able to host our first post-lockdown event of 2021:
Dana (rhymes with Spanner) Gillespie has been a major figure on the UK music scene for 55 years. She was voted “Top British Female Blues Vocalist” by the British Blues Connection and Blueprint Magazine five times and has now been elevated to their Hall Of Fame.
And yes, for one night only, she will be singing the Blues at Golden Grove.
WHEN
Saturday, 21st August 2021
6pm (gates open 5pm)
WHERE
This will be a night of the Blues in one of the most beautiful settings in Carmarthenshire; Dana will be singing on stage in front of the house, with a backdrop of our House and the Towy Valley. You will be able to sit or stand on the House lawns and in our "stupendous" (as described by Country Life) Arboretum.
Golden Grove / Gelli Aur
Arboretum
Llandeilo
SA32 8LR
And yes, there will be a bar and food.
But please bring your own seating, or rugs, and feel free to bring your own picnic.
HOW MUCH
£20 (£10 child price)
£15 for a no frills parking place for motorhomes (optional add-on)
* any proceeds will go towards the upkeep of our Arboretum and Country Park
** each ticket will automatically be entered into a draw to win a signed copy of Dana's fantastic autobiography.
*** As with all events in this Covid-19 era, the concert will take place subject to all Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions in Wales. Tickets are available via:
or pop into the Café to buy your tickets in person.
WHO?
DANA will be joined on stage by Dino Baptiste (piano & vocals) and Tash Buxton-Lewis (drums).
DANA GILLESPIE
To find out more about Dana, listen to her speak about her life and music here:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/aug/12/bowie-bed-hopping-and-the-blues-the-wild-times-of-dana-gillespie
and here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANQD5aUbvoE
Or read her fantastic autobiography "Dana Gillespie: Weren't Born A Man", in which she chronicles her liaisons with David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and the cream of 1960's rock royalty, recording with Jimmy Page and Elton John, performing as Mary Magdalene in the original London production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and as the Acid Queen in Tommy, her life as a Blues singer, and so much more. And... oh yes... Being British junior waterski champion for 4 years!
We will have copies of her book for sale in the cafe. . But the book is also available on Audible (read by Dana herself) and on Amazon.
It is a wonderful record of a life lived, literally, to the full. But don't take our word for it:
"Spending time with Dana was very special. She was magical, and helped me overcome my shyness. She knew my story before I did! All the memories I have of her are fond ones. So much laughter and kindness which helped me enormously. Those brilliant times will never be forgotten."
Elton John
"Dana is fearless. She treads all over PC preciousness with some of the most funny and scandalous anecdotes I've heard of; a life outrageously lived. And if that wasn't enough she sings the blues with a sauciness that's chilli hot and ripe with erotic innuendo that can only come from a lady of full experience. A treasure, a legend, the Queen of cleavage and the last Empress of Bohemia."
Marc Almond
"From David Bowie to Alf Garnett They say that variety is the spice of life, and Dana's life has seen more spice than most. What a life! What a woman! What a book!"
Julian Clary
More information about Dana, her recordings, and her book, is available here:
https://www.dana-gillespie.com
DINO BAPTISTE (piano & vocals)
Dino is one of the premier keyboard players in the UK. Dino has strong links to Blues, Boogie Woogie & Rock & Roll as well as performing mainstream classics & current cover songs. His influences revolve around three idols since a teenager - Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis & Ray Charles.
More information about Dino, his recordings, and his live dates, is available here:
TASH BUXTON-LEWIS (drums)
Tash is a Birmingham based drummer with over 20 years experience. Tash’s dynamic style is refective of her love of big band, jazz, blues and soul.
Follow Tasha on Instagram to find out more:
https://www.instagram.com/tashbl_drumming08/?hl=en-gb #danagillespie #dinobaptiste #tashbuxtonlewis #thebestgigintown #bestoftheblues #bluesevents #danasingstheblues #goldengrovecountrypark #gelliaur #carmarthenshireevents #llandeiloevents
