What better way to celebrate the return of my Author Page than a Blog/Review of a recent night out here in Paphos.
Thursday last week, My friends and I spent a wonderful evening being entertained along with a packed house, by Michael Antoniou and The Moon River Trio.
We had been looking forward to this event for some time, having not seen Michael, a favorite singer of ours, perform for well over six months and the fact that he is soon to depart Cyprus for a new life in Dubai, made the night even more special.
As usual, we were not to be disappointed. Michael’s repertoire has increased and the numbers offered during the night were a mix of swing, jazz, and then at the end to get everyone in the mood, plenty of rock, and up-tempo stuff, the floor was rocking.
The event, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Association Paphos, was held at the Marrakech Restaurant in Kissonerga Paphos, a venue that has an increasing following due to the excellent Moroccan and Lebanese food on offer, and was sponsored by Peter Morton Removals of Paphos.
The restaurant has a lovely outdoor setting looking out over the sea horizon, and a pleasant breeze meant the evening was comfortable and relaxing.
The meal; a buffet menu of delicious superbly presented Lebanese/ Morrocan/Mediterranean food was accompanied by an excellent wine, and the attention throughout the evening was perfect.
The entertainment; The Moon River Trio consisted of two excellent musicians Read Nourmanchine and Christos Zenios and fronted with ease by Michael Antoniou.
There is a relaxed composure between all three of these professionals, as Michael moves effortlessly through his extensive repertoire.
Like a fine wine, and like the great Sinatra himself, Michael improves with age. It is four years since I first saw him perform to a small audience in the village of Lytymbou here in Paphos and since that night his repertoire and reputation has increased year on year.
During these last four years, I have had the distinct pleasure of regarding Michael and his lovely wife Anna and son Mathew, as friends. I have watched as he has carefully crafted his act, adding a little chat here and there and therefore widening his appeal as an entertainer, and that is just what he is… an entertainer, performing songs from the Jazz and Swing era and up to date material, adding his own inimitable style and voice.
It is that that makes him stand out from the crowd; he is individual with his own particular style, a consummate performer and professional in every way.
This, of course, is what has given him the opportunity in Dubai; an opportunity that I believe will move him even further up the ladder.
His final Gig will be at The New Horizon Bar & Restaraunt Kissonerga on October 19th, If you like good music, swing, jazz, and you have yet to see Michael and the band then get along there, you will be guaranteed a great night.
My wife Ntina, My friends and I wish you well Michael and with it the success you so richly deserve.
Thank you for reading this blog, I wish you all to have what I have ….people around you …who care.
John Warner Author/Creator The Tales of Padistan Bear. http://www.padistan-bear.com
John Warner Author 