*Check out three NEW video clips below, featuring an entertainer for care homes, made possible by Langley House, Jack Dormand & Village Nursing. These clips showcase the impact of music therapy sessions and the joy of singing for the brain.
There’s no doubt that the WW2 songs played a pivotal role in sustaining the community's spirits during the blitz. Classics like 'Land of Hope and Glory' and 'The White Cliffs of Dover' fostered a strong sense of unity and togetherness against a common enemy. Meanwhile, satirical songs by artists such as George Formby and Flanagan & Allan added moments of laughter amid the challenges. These cherished tunes are an essential part of our musical history. PRIVATE TOMMY leads the charge... Don't panic, don't panic!!!
It’s often said that the heart of any community lies in its community folk songs from the past. These are truly the songs of the people, sung by the common folk, emerging organically over time, often without a known writer or composer. Many of these songs contain rich historical accounts, including tales of toil, hardship, and even woe, while also capturing the essence of life with flat-caps and the tab behind the lug. Don’t forget the imagery of whippets, ferrets, black pudding, and lashings of mushy peas! Among them, you might even find some poignant WW2 songs that reflect the struggles of that era. "Thrrrrrrrppp#!!"
There’s no business like show business. Ever since Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers waltzed onto the silver screen in 1934, followed by Judy Garland in the musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz a couple of years later, the public’s love of Broadway-inspired musicals, along with community folk songs and the rich tapestry of musical history, has been insatiable. Burrito Bill guides participants through the good, the bad, and the ugly world of showbiz and spaghetti westerns, but can you match the movie to the song? Hic! And don’t forget the classic WW2 songs that have also shaped our musical landscape.
Emerging from the post-war gloom of the 1950s, the teddy boys (or “teds” as they were also known) represented Britain’s first teen subculture. Inspired by American rock n’ roll music, much like the vibrant community folk songs that emerged after WW2, and the fashion of Edwardian 'Dandies', the teds' style was razor sharp. Their flamboyance and menacing antics certainly frightened middle England!
Join Fred 'the ted' for some Wop-bop-a-lula, a-wop-bam-boom! Oi, what you lookin’ at?
All aboard Wally's Magical Mystery Tour! From the hippy communes of Woodstock, where community folk songs echoed through the fields, to the blood-soaked beaches of Brighton, the 60’s produced an array of musical styles, including beat groups, psychedelia, and Motown. Not to mention the occasional mind-altering, hallucinogenic drug! This era also embraced the influence of WW2 songs as a backdrop to the youth's desire for peace and love. Join Woodstock Wally's caravan of luuurvve! Make Love - Not War. "YEAH BABY!"
Rumour has it, Elvis passed away in 1977. Rumour also has it that he was a fanatical Sunderland AFC supporter and an honorary Mackem! There’s even a guy who works down the chip shop in Roker who’s an absolute dead ringer for him. Is he, or isn’t he? Only one thing’s for certain: the man, the music, and the legend live on, deep in the heart of Roker, forever intertwined with the community folk songs and musical history of the region. As we remember the era, memories of those WW2 songs echo with his spirit. 'Wise men say, only fools rush in - Oh Lord Have Mercy!'
The pearly kings and queens are an iconic image of London. Originating from the mid-1800s, they are easily recognisable by their distinctive and elaborate suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons. Famous for their cockney banter and being the life and soul of any social gathering, no party is complete without a bit of 'Knees-up Mother Brown' or 'Roll Out the Barrell.' These community folk songs, often celebrated during social events, reflect a rich musical history that includes popular WW2 songs. Luvly-jubbly, pet!
Special events are always in demand, and our SING-A-LONG-A-CHRISTMAS’ special is particularly popular, so we advise early reservations as places are limited. Continuing our philosophy of reviving past memories, we take participants on a nostalgic Christmas journey that evokes the dreaded "school nativity play!" It’s tea-towels on heads for the lads, and a tinselly halo and angel-wings for the girls. Well, it is... "CHRISTMASSS"!!!! This festive experience includes traditional hymns, carols, and everybody's Christmas favorites, along with a touch of community folk songs that reflect our musical history, including some cherished WW2 songs.
This category often raises a few eyebrows. However, these simple childhood favourites, including popular community folk songs, never fail to put a massive smile on the faces of our participants. Not only are individuals able to recall the lyrics and melodies with relative ease, but they often remember singing these same songs as children, as parents, and as grandparents too. Classics like If You're Happy And You Know It (clap your hands), Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer Katzenellen Bogen By-The-Sea, and Knick Knack Paddy Whack give a dog a bone evoke a sense of musical history that brings fun and laughter all the way home! Additionally, many of these tunes have roots in WW2 songs, adding to their nostalgic charm.