Netherland’s based musician Alexander Broussard’s renditions of Billy Joel hits wowed a crowd of more than 200 at the Fish Hoek Civic Centre on 9 January.
The evening, which was also attended by Rotarians from other clubs was a fun event complete with dancing, glowstick waving and lots of good company, tasty food and drink.
This fundraising activity was part of a unique dual project with Wateringen Rotary Club in the Netherlands and locally based Cape of Good Hope Rotary Club.
The music event was initiated last year by Wateringen Rotarian Marcel van den Berg who has been a regular visitor to the CoGH club since 2022.
Van den Berg who is the tour manager for internationally experienced Broussard said the benefit concert was a great success.
Frontman for the Billy Joel Experience, Broussard, “didn’t hesitate to get involved in this unique dual rotary club fundraiser,” said van den Berg.
Broussard was already booked for a string of concerts throughout the Cape and agreed to perform the Rotary charity benefit concert to raise funds for the VDP Child Protection Unit.
Stage lighting and glow sticks delighted the crowd at the Billy Joel Experience
A special highlight of the night was local young singer Simone Martin’s first time formally performing in front of a crowd of more than 200 people.
“Her two songs were very well received,” said van den Berg who has been instrumental in arranging Simone’s musical tuition to be funded by Rotary Wateringen.
A combined total of R140 000 was raised at the Billy Joel Experience charity concert and other fundraisers.
The funds have already been donated to Open Door in Ocean View to purchase a vehicle for their hard working social workers.
Concertgoer Stephen Carstens put on a colourful display
“We are now planning another charity performance with Alexander Broussard next January,” said van den Berg.
Rotary CoGH extends appreciation to all the sponsors and facilitators of the successful musical evening, including;
- Our Flame Grill and Our Pizza Place for providing delicious food.
- Charlie’s Brewery for the refreshing beers and their generous donation to Rotary projects.
- Big 5 Wines for supplying the exquisite wine.