Bernie Jessome

Fan Club Monthly Letter
From the President

 

August  2007 Bernie and Nancy presented their annual, thank you, street party at their home to family, friends, neighbours, even “x” neighbours that they hadn’t seen since last years party and fans, which was enjoyed by all. This was very apparent by the smiles, dancing, singing along and the applause. I was able to attend this year and as we arrived I noticed the tables, barbeques and munchies were being placed and made ready for their guests. It wasn’t long before people started arriving carrying their chairs, coolers and some bringing food. . Everyone is greeted by Bernie and Nancy plus some earlier arrivals with laughter, and comments like…wondered if you would be here again this year… their reply, wouldn’t miss it! This was my first visit but it definitely is not my last! The garage door is open and it has now become his stage; his sound equipment, a stool to sit on in front of a music stand, guitar in its stand and all that was necessary at this point was Bernie to complete the scene... Bernie sets himself in place, picks up his guitar; he then reaches into his pocket for his pick. He now looks out at his guests, grins and subsequently the evening began. It was different for me to see him out of costume while performing, but part way through the evening the “famous glasses” surface; Roy appears singing a few of his songs Oh,Pretty Woman being one of them much to the crowds delight, me included. After those few songs Roy leaves and Bernie continues entertaining us once again. Bernie sang a few Elvis songs, after one song, he made notice that there was something wrong with his lip; there it was…the famous Elvis lip… Lori, Brian and Tony, a friend of Bernie’s, joined him during the evening. Lori who sang on her own then joined Bernie on a few songs... Brian and Bernie, as well, sang a few songs then Bernie, Lori and Brian all sang together. Brian sang Oh, Pretty Woman and as I have mention before, like Dad, has the growl. Personally, I think it is so nice when a family sings together as they did at this street party, relaxed, lots of smiles and all in fun! Tony who sang along with Bernie on some songs was playing his guitar along with Bernie for most of the show.. The above combination made for a fun and memorable evening this was shown as the guest left thanking Bernie and Nancy once again for their hospitality. Bernie had Neil Diamond at the Hilltop on Aug. 10th & 11th for our entertainment for his Dinner Show... Gerry Armstrong, as Neil Diamond, presented us with a marvellous rendition of Neil, even as far as having his mouth set perfectly as one more part of his tribute. His presentation is very dramatic and complimentary to Neil. From beginning to end the whole room becomes his stage as everyone joins in, singing, clapping to the beat and swaying back and forth... As customary, I’m watching the crowd but this time there seemed to be a different mood, for the lack of a better word, it’s like a patchwork quilt. During the songs some people were singing along, others are tapping to the beat, ladies laying their heads on their partner’s shoulders, some holding hands and yet still some dancing. I couldn’t help but notice one gentleman, in particular, while Neil sang Hello, had his eyes closed, moving his head ever so slightly to the beat. Oh to read minds!  Standing ovations during the show, two of the songs were…Cherry, Cherry and Holly, Holly.  There was more of this type of acclamation at the conclusion of the show. Neil’s back up singer was a beautiful lady by the name of Janet Gregor. She too was very, very, dramatic. Not only so with her voice and make-up, but also with her body language as she relayed the stories of the songs during their entire show. Janet was beside, behind and around Neil during each song miming the words, again, for lack of a better word. My summation of the whole show… Neil Diamond fans - Get your tickets early! See you there! Sometime after writing my rendition of the show I came across Bernie’s flyer promoting Neil’s dinner show on which there was a picture of Gerry with the caption that read as follows… Gerry Armstrong is Neil Diamond; he has the lush and sensual voice, striking good looks and dynamic energy of this legendary entertainer. Gerry has captured the authentic look, sound and feel of over 30 of Neil’s most memorable hits. There is also a little photo of Janet and below it states that she is a back-up vocalist, dancer and Percussionist. The response to this dinner show, yet again, demonstrates that Bernie provides excellent entertainment at the Hilltop’s first-rate Dinning Room. Hope to see you there. On August 23rd Bernie was at the Clinton Raceway for the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation’s Fundraiser. The performance took place at the grandstand to a well attended, enthusiastic crowd and the show was given a rating, as an over all evening, as being a 10. The band at this performance was the Casino Brothers, Bernie as Roy, Jeff Scott as Buddy, Billy Diel as Jerry Lee and Carolyn Burton as Tina. On August 25th Bernie and Jeff were in Lindsay at the Admiral Inn performing to a sold out show. Bernie said they, Roy, the Everlys & Buddy, received excellent feedback and a standing ovation for each of them. They all have been invited back When Paul read his July fan letter, if you remember this, I had wondered about the range in Bernie’s voice and how many he has? Paul replied to me in the following manner which takes us in the direction of his… Now you know another story…The July news letter was great and Bernie was very nice to add his comments as he was to work with. At the end of every show Bernie would introduce each member of the band and would also include me, he never left anyone out. Whenever I was on afternoon’s shifts Val would bring the kids and pick me up from work then we would drive to the gig and pick up the gear. When I was working midnight’s Val would take the kids and get the gear herself. Bernie always had the gear ready and the boys would load the van for Val when she got there. There were other times when we would be doing a wedding, or such, and the entire family would be there to help me put the gear in and set it up. Later they would come back with me to take it all down and pack it up once again... Bernie would have fun with the fact that the entire family were helping me out and that I was training my boys early to be as good a road mangers as I was. The range in his voice was once described as a (7) Seven Octave with each Octave having sixteen notes. I was there to see and hear him use them all in his version of Danny Boy that would take wallpaper off the wall; not to mention Only You, Crying and other hits only he could do justice to. This story takes place at a club that had a large stage and was called the Galaxy, if I remember correctly, in Whitby or Oshawa. On this particular night it’s a big Christmas Party for a large company. My older brother and I had finished setting up the gear and we went to the back left, just off the stage. Near the end of our first set I was called over to the band and told about a certain lady on the dance floor, looking pretty good and you could say, revealing!. It wasn’t long before the word had spread through the band. Our drummer kept leaning over the stage to take a look and leaned too far and fell over his kit, just as well it was the end of the set and he was not playing at the time. As the night went on Bernie asked me to adjust the sound as he could hear some kind of feedback or funny noise. I then went backstage to check it out and there behind a rolled up carpet was my brother who was snoring so loud it was being picked up on the mikes. I woke him up and that was the end of that funny noise.   The story lives on; you now know another story… Bernie’s Future Shows – His Hilltop Dinner Shows, plus his personal appearances. Now you can make note of it, make time for it, order your tickets early for it, that way you won’t miss it, Now Enjoy it! Personal Appearance… September 9th at the Oshawa Rotary Rib Fest the Bernie Jessome’s All Star Legends Tribute Show is presenting the legends,  Roy Orbison – Bernie,  Buddy Holly – Jeff Scott, Everly Brothers – Bernie & Jeff, Cher & Shania Twain – Karen Grainger, Elvis – James Begley and Jerry Lee Lewis – Bill Diel. September 20 at the Silverthorn Collegiate in Burnamthorpe Bernie - Roy is joined by Jeff Scott - Buddy Holly, Bernie & Jeff - the Everly Bros. and Frank Rondell - Ray Charles, all performing in a event called – Heart & Soul of Rock ‘n’ Roll  Legends in Concert who are backed by a 9 piece band. and being promoted as… The featured impersonators are among the best in the world, having entertained across North America, in Europe, Australia and Asia. There are none better! Also Evan Carter an incredible MC/Comedian who has been compared to a young Bill Cosby will entertain you in addition to the talent of some of Canada’s top impersonators, Bernie Jessome, Jeff Scott and Frank Rondell The Spartan Basketball is presenting this event to raise funds for the Silverthorne team; the teams are representing Canada at the World Masters Games in 2009 and the Saturday Dribblers Group Bernie Jessome Entertainment is presenting… “The Legend in Black”, Bill Cayley will perform his Johnny Cash tribute on September 16th at the Jonny B’s Club in Ajax, and also on October 22nd at the Victoria Theatre in Cobourg. At the Hilltop… September 15th – Garth & Ricky Nelson – Dinner & Show October 5th & 6th – Elvis – Dinner & Show               Tickets – $50.00 plus tax… Bernie Jessome Entertainment – 905-433-8838 The Hilltop 905-433-7001 or visit after 12 PM See You Next Month Take Care Darlene