London Rocks at Café de Paris

London Rocks, now in its fourth year, returns to the Café de Paris for a night of musical entertainment in aid of The Kezi Silverstone Trust, this year’s host.

Among the artists on the bill are none other than Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe formerly of Blue fame, Unsung Lilly and Juan Zelada, as well as Kezi herself, who actually succeeds in almost stealing her own show with her performance.

Before the night’s main musical acts the Café de Paris audience is treated rather bizarrely to a Michael Jackson impersonator who mimes to Billy Jean and Something Got Me Started, while doing a not bad dance routine in the late entertainer’s trademark style (though alas without the moon walk!).

Next, with a little more appeal, an aerial artist takes to the stage, wowing the seated crowd as they tuck into their dinner, with beautifully choreographed rope acrobatics and deservedly receiving hearty applause. 

Of course, this event is really about raising money and awareness for The Kezi Silverstone Trust, and after dinner Kezi explains the message behind her project, which mainly supports children’s charities such as Young Pioneers, The Children’s Society, NSPCC, Barnado’s and Ecpat UK. It’s a worthwhile cause, and naturally the audience take the subsequent auction seriously, making generous bids for such items as a signed Péle shirt, a pair of autographed Muhammad Ali gloves and various luxury holidays, raising a good deal of money. 

By the time the main acts take to the stage, everyone is in good spirits and Unsung Lilly raise them even higher with their fun, danceable sing-along pop songs. Happy, in particular, proves a great hit with the audience. 

Juan Zelada and his band take to the stage next with a lot to live up to, but they more than match anything that we’ve seen thus far, proving to be the best band of the night. Their warm, upbeat, bluesy sound gets everybody on their feet and a real party atmosphere gets going.

Lee Ryan follows, ill-advisedly finger-picking an acoustic guitar as he sings a couple of not bad new songs. He’s followed by his fellow ex-Blue member Simon Webbe, who sings a few tasteful, soulful numbers to wind things down. 

It’s an enjoyable night, put on for a very worthy cause. Long may London Rocks continue to grace the charity gala calendar in years to come!

Aydan Savaşkan
Photos: CMJ Photography

For further information and future events visit London Rocks’ website here.

For further information about The Kezi Silverstone Trust visit their website here.