Niederau. Wenn Bernie Fawcett in die Tasten greift oder ein Lied anstimmt, dann wippen die Füße im Takt. Aber der Künstler aus Liverpool amüsiert nicht bloß sein Publikum, er stiftet es auch zu guten Taten an.

Denn der Erlös des Benefizkonzerts, zu dem die Wirtschafts- und Mittelstandsvereinigung der CDU (MIT) unter ihrem Vorsitzenden Rolf Delhougne in das Schenkel-Schoeller-Stift eingeladen hatte, ist für die Hospizbewegung Düren-Jülich bestimmt. Deren Vorstandsmitglied Dr. Hans-Heinrich Krause versprach darauf in seiner Dankesrede: «Wir werden die Spende sinnvoll und verantwortungsbewusst einsetzen.»

Für die Menschen im Saal, darunter Bewohner des Stifts ebenso wie Freunde der MIT und der Hospizbewegung, stand jedoch die Musik im Vordergrund. Mit der hat der Stargast nicht im Mindesten gegeizt. So gab es im Verlauf der rund anderthalb Konzertstunden nicht bloß ein Beatles-Medley, sondern gleich zwei davon, am Anfang wie am Ende. Aber nicht nur diesen «Local Heroes» brachte Bernie Fawcett, der sich passagenweise selbst auf der Mundharmonika begleitete, seinen Tribut dar. Mindestens ebenso üppig und höchst beschwingt fielen die Huldigungen an die Großen des Jazz wie Duke Ellington und Fats Domino aus.

Rhythmisch sattelfest wie der Pianist aus dem Königreich nun einmal ist, wagte er sich aber auch an andere Stile heran: Ray Charles' «Georgia On My Mind» würzte der Musiker aus Liverpool beispielsweise mit viel Soul. Und bei Huey D. Lewis' Rock'n'Roll-Klassiker «Great Balls Of Fire» zeigte er so viel Temperament, dass um ein Haar aus den Saiten die Funken davon geflogen wären.

Benefizkonzerte seitens der MIT soll es in Zukunft weiterhin geben - möglicherweise wieder in Zusammenarbeit mit der Hospizbewegung und auch wieder im Schenkel-Schoeller-Stift. Daran ließ MIT-Chef Rolf Delhougne keinen Zweifel und sagte: «Wir hoffen auf weitere Zusammenarbeit.»

Restlos von seinen Zuhörern in Düren-Niederau begeistert, zeigte sich derweil Stargast Bernie Fawcett. An die Adresse von Konzert-Ausrichter Rolf Delhougne gewandt erwähnte er jedenfalls schelmisch zum Abschluss: «Ich spiele gerne auch bis 3 Uhr nachts.

http://www.aachener-zeitung.de/sixcms/detail.php?template=az_detail&id=2806813

Bernie played for our wedding reception and wedding breakfast at Rookery Hall, he made our day really special and entertained our guests with some great singing and piano playing. Will always remember hearing Billy Joel 'always a woman' during the wedding breakfast, a really special song which Bernie sings beautifully.

He was very thorough in his preparation for the day, making sure he had our song choices, times and locations etc but to be honest, we left most of it to Bernie, as we know him very well and know he always does a fantastic job!

Having Bernie play at our wedding gave the day much more atmosphere and was a talking point which got people in the swing of the celebrations! 

We would certainly recommend Bernie to anyone wanting some great entertainment for a wedding, party or other special occasion, he is very professional, very talented and has a wide repertoire, really excellent!

Now to plan the next party to hire Bernie again!

Many thanks Bernie, we are so grateful to you for being a big part in making our wedding day truly wonderful.

Natalia & Gareth

Bernie made our day as special as it could possibly be. From his beautiful version of Moon River on guitar as I made my entrance, to piano classics throughout the day, and getting the party started and keeping us going into the wee hours, we couldn't have asked for more. He, and his fabulous female vocalist Victoria, had everyone dancing, old and young, such was the broad spectrum of music at his finger tips. We wish we could do it all over again!

Mr & Mrs Kochar

Bernie played here for the month of October in 2010, during which time he successfully performed to create elegant atmosphere in our bar by providing our guests with his talent and excellent music. His performance was not only appreciated by the guests but also by the management.

I would recommend him to my colleagues in the hospitality industry without any hesitation.

On behalf of the Le Meridien Parkhotel Frankfurt, I would like to thank him for his efforts and contributions to a very successful month for this hotel. I wish him all the best for the future and success in his endeavours.

Christian Meyer, Operations Manager

Bernie played at our wedding in July 2009 and we can honestly say he helped make our day the most special and memorable day of our lives.

His talent is extraordinary - despite our guests testing Bernie's song knowledge - there wasn't a single song requested Bernie couldn't play! His huge repertoire from jazz to blues to contemporary tunes, Bernie kept our guests entertained all day.

Our favourite wedding memory by far was Bernie playing "You're Just To Good To Be True" as we first walked into our marquee as husband and wife. Bernie's charismatic playing  had all 150 guests on their feet singing and dancing along - it is a moment we will never ever forget!

All we need now is another party, so we can be entertained by Bernie again!

Thank you

Mr & Mrs McLaughlin, Hoylake, The Wirral

I have known Bernie for a number of years - I met him whilst being in a stage production of "Annie get your Gun" in which Bernie gave his musical experience to the 'saloon scenes' which added to the whole ambiance of the style of music from that period.

I have also hired Bernie for a special weekend party in a Scottish castle, for a 40th birthday. He learnt all the favourite songs for the host, and as the party had a theme, also researched and played songs from that era. 

Bernie went above and beyond the remit of the party and the guests really appreciated the whole musical night. His musical spectrum is wide and varied and he can adapt to any requirements and request. His professionalism and work ethic was second to none.

Mandy Bowers 

We could not have picked a better entertainer for our restaurant. Everyone loves his voice, his professional style and the variety of his huge repertoire.

We wish bernie all the best in the future, thank him for his high level of professionalism and look forward to seeing him again.

Uwe Konig, Food & Beverage Manager