Gerard returned to his 'Local' Chequer Mead Community Arts Centre, for the third year in a row, and the 400 seater was packed for him. First song was the family 'I love a piano' which was greeted with very warm applause.
Next a song 'You again' written with Alan J Lerner, from their unfinished musical based on the film 'My man Godfrey'. A weather forecast was next with 'Come rain or shine' and Gerard said how much he loved, and was now used to our strange summers. He loves pianos too, and tickled this one with 'Satin doll', beautifully.
The song 'Play me some Porter please' written with Drey Shepperd, sounds better every time. Then came our surprise. Nine years before Gerard had written a song Called 'Emily BBL' for his new grand-daughter, and nine year old Emily made a very quick appearance on stage with Gerard! and then he played her song.
Gerard finish the fine first half with his tribute to Barry Manilow with the medley of 'Could it be magic/Can't smile/I write the songs'.
Second half started with his 'Piano man' tribute to Billy Joel, and then memories of Gerard's father with 'Son of a song and dance man' and 'Where or when' The soft emotional and very beautiful Cole Porter song 'Do I love you' was followed by the up tempo and lively "Sinatra swing'.
Gerard has a special birthday racing near so simply had tpo sing "When I'm 64" with slightly changed lyrics. He rounded off the evening with 'New York New York' and ‘All for a dream’ and encored to ‘Johnny B Goode’.
The audience slowly drifted away after a record signing session and chats in the bar, and everyone looking forward to the next performance!