Friday 24 November 2023.

Friday 24 November 2023. ASAF AVIDAN live at Shepherds Bush Empire. Five years since his last solo performance, Asaf Avidan (now aged 43) will be returning to the stage alone for the ‘Ichnology Solo’ Tour.Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening where he will once again prove that he is truly a unique artist of his time. Navigating seamlessly between his intimate serenades, his charismatic storytelling, and his energetic multi-instrumental wizardry, Avidan alone on the stage is a force to behold. ASAF is from Israel so could be an interesting atmosphere considering how the Israel / Hamas conflict is right now. Support act is SHELLY ARCHER who was also born in Israel. ----------- The venue is ready for any unwelcome visitors , as there are more barriers outside the venue, along with more security wanding outside the venue, rather than at the door. Thankfully no trouble whatsoever during the show. Shelly Archer was on stage at 7.45pm for her 25 mins. She is a singer-songwriter with keyboard based tracks. ASAF AVIDON arrived on stage at 8.45pm for his 2 hours. It is stalls seated tonight , as a pretty laid back show. Level 3 is pretty empty , so maybe 800 tickets sold. The stage is nice and cosy, with a couple of lampshades, a comfy chair, a couple of carpets and a table of drinks. Asaf has a pretty unique high pitched voice. Asaf sings and chats in English , throughout the evening. Asaf is solo and switches between piano and acoustic guitar. He has a floor full of pedals like Ed Sheeran for looping sounds. Also a bit of harmonica too, and some drum pads. Lots of chat between tracks...a bit too much sometimes. The highlight of the show came near the end of the main set , when he sung his big track ' Reckoning Song' that had a DJ remix version that went to number 30 in the UK, and was number one in a a few European countries. The crowd gave him a full standing ovation at the end. An interesting show , that ticked along nicely. ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- Thursday 23 November 2023...I went to two events tonight. 6.45pm to 8.45pm. CLARIDGES Christmas Tree Unveiling Party. Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1. I have been to this event several times before, as always good. Around 150 glammed up guests at this famous five star luxury hotel, including Dame Joan Collins and husband Percy , Daisy Lowe , Lady Victoria Hervey, Nick Grimshaw , Tanya Burr , Emma Weymouth , Ben Cobb , Erin O'Connor , David Downton and Mary Charteris. A six piece string section are playing nice cover versions, including The Verve ' Bittersweet Symphony' LOUIS VUITTON designed the Christmas Tree in the hotel foyer. Complimentary Ruinart champers, rum cocktails, canapes and desserts. A very nice event. then 9pm to 10.45pm. Corporate Traveller Showcase - Edwardian Hampshire Hotel, Leicester Square , London WC2. We head up to the Penthouse Suite on the 8th floor with nice views of The London Eye etc. A band were playing some lively well known cover versions. There was a fun photo booth. At 10pm there were three prizes in the lucky draw. The main prize was return flights to USA....sadly no win for me. Complimentary prosecco, wines beers , canapes and desserts . All guests got a goodie bag on departure.

Posted 24th November 2023