A Tribute to the Legends of Music
Reviewing Michael Antoniou is not easy; why? Well, he just gets better each time, and I find I am using the same phrases each time, but what to do? You tell it as it is. So I hope you will excuse the repeat adulation.
A Tribute to the Legends of Music is just that. Michael is not a` Tribute Artist`, he pays Tribute, there is a difference, he has his unique voice, a style that, yes is reminiscent of those past legends he admires, but performs their work `His Way`, with his unique voice, and there is no mistaking that voice, it has a certain quality.
Michael started off the evening’s entertainment with his usual banter, advising all it was only his second Gig since returning to Cyprus, this, of course, due to the COVID situation, and that he was a little nervous, however, that soon disappeared with the first song. His repertoire has broadened somewhat since Dubai, which made for a very entertaining evening, a polished performance, which both relaxes and gets you swinging in equal measure.
Michael’s voice has gained an added strength and his ability to move from one genre to another is exceptional, and what I call his `Dino Lilt` appears more pronounced, it has a richness which comes from experimenting, experience, and an added asset of a warm Scottish accent.
His usual renditions of Summer Wind, Everybody Loves Somebody, and New York are still favorites with everyone, and he performs them with the style of a relaxed Rat Packer.
However, on this occasion, he introduced a few new numbers reaching further into new genres and thus expanding his ever-rising repertoire, these included Michael Buble’s` Home,` which he performed superbly, giving it the Antoniou treatment which was well received.
Michael’s young son Mathew also entertained us, a prominent star in the making and sure to follow in Dad’s footsteps, with his wonderful personality and a cheeky grin that captivated most of the women on the night; he is a natural in the making.
The Venue, The Hickory Restaurant on the Tomb of The Kings Road Pafos, was ideal, although it was a hot night it was refreshing dining on the restaurant terrace with a lovely sea view and a slight breeze, albeit warm, to add to the relaxation.
The man himself greeted us when we arrived, something Michael likes to do at these functions and is an immensely popular gesture, he has a relaxed attitude when meeting anyone, making each person feel they are personal guests.
Once settled, we were served with our starter, hot & crispy Spring Rolls, served with a fresh salad and a delicious sweet & sour sauce. The main course followed; Chicken Fillet with Himalayan Basmati Rice and Vegetables’ accompanied by a rich gravy sauce, well presented and delicious. The sweet was equally irresistible, a Coffee Pancotta, topped with Caramel, all presented professionally with every attention paid to our requirements, and accompanied by a smooth merlot, a real treat.
The Hickory is a delightful restaurant; the staff at all levels professional while attending to your requirements swiftly and with sound knowledge of their environment, well worth a visit.
This particular evening was a charity event and raised a very sound 750 Euros for The Alzheimer’s Association Paphos Branch. The event was sponsored, as in the past, by Peter Morton Removals Paphos. Debbie and Peter Morton are keen supporters of both Michael and the Association. They are well-known in the local business world and bring a great deal to the community of Paphos, both in employment in the area and also sponsors of many worthwhile charitable events.
The evening ended with a heartfelt thank you to both Michael and Peter & Debbie Morton for their continued welcome support from the Association’s representative, Mrs. Crystalla Thermistocleous.
This review, however, is not just about the Entertainment and Food provided for this warm relaxing evening, it is about highlighting just what people do behind the scenes. The Association is close to Michael’s heart; he believes strongly in the work they do. So this review is also about bringing to everyone’s notice the sterling work by the volunteers at the Association, providing care, assistance, comfort, not just to the sufferers of Alzheimer’s but to those around them as well. This disease affects many, as in the case of Cancer, we all know someone somewhere who is at this moment coping with Alzheimer’s.
The effect is most profound to those around the sufferer, the constant change in environment as the disease progresses, affecting Wives, Husbands, and all the relatives who from the first day embark on a selfless life of providing some normality to a once vibrant Partner, Dad, Mum Aunt or Uncle.
The Association aims are to promote public awareness about the care needed for people with Alzheimer’s and, indeed, other dementia patients’ in the Paphos area. Not just the critical care for patients but how they provide much-needed support and guidance to their carers and families, and all this is reliant on volunteers and charitable donations funded by evenings such as this event.
In conclusion, thanks to you, Michael, for yet another great evening with your lovely wife Anna, great son Mathew and your friends of The Alzheimer’s Association Paphos.
Thanks also to Peter & Debbie Morton and many others like them who sponsor such worthwhile causes.
Bless you and thank you for following me and my blogs
I wish you all what I have each day—people around you who care.
John Warner Author/Creator The Tales of Padistan Bear.
John Warner Author 