For those who haven’t had the chance to be there, I can only tell you have missed something special. Like in the years before, the Austrian entertainer Dennis Jale and his band gave special Gospel focused concerts in THE METROPOL in Vienna. As usual his VIP guest were no other but the Sweet Inspirations who performed with Elvis on stage from 1969-77. Originally planned were 2 shows for Dec. 15/16 but because of the big demand of tickets the producers decided to add a special performance on Dec. 12. The luck was on my side as I was able to attend 2 of the 2 sold out shows. A great atmosphere with rocking christmas tunes and heart touching song performances – that is what it was all about. When you entered the venue you were presented a full colour 16 pages magazine with pictures of the Sweets and the TCB Band (who have a gig with Jale in January) and of course Elvis. The Sweets performed as solo artist their version of „Sweet Inspiration“ and a rendition of „Oh Happy Day“. The interacting with the audience by Dennis Jale is phenomenal and of course the audience was also in good mood and really screamed when especially Portia Griffin from the Sweets had one of the many solo parts during the songs from that evening. „Why Me Lord“ with solos by Mryna Smith and Portia Griffin, along with „Joshua Fit the Battle Of Jericho“ were my personal highlights. They played 3 extra songs when they had finished the show with a rocking version of „White Christmas“ because the audience screamed for more. Starting with the intro of „Last Christmas“ Dennis Jale told the audience – „hey, hold on, on stage are the original Elvis Presley singers so forget about the Christmas songs, let’s do some Elvis music – SUSPICIOUS MINDS“ – everyone stood on feet and enjoyed the rest of the bonus show. On Dec. 16, when the very very last song was announced by Jale, Portia Griffin suprised the entertainer by telling him that in the audience are members of the Harlem Gospel Singers and she asked them to come on stage to perform the last tune together. WOW, the audience was thrilled and „Silent Night“ in English & German verses gave chills to everyone.
The Harlem Gospel singers were on tour in Vienna and on Dec.14, 2007 the Sweets attended one of their concerts and were recognized by the singers. They changed places and went from their seats in the audience up on the stage and gave a very special performance. Backstage they talked about being in Vienna and were invited to attend the Rocking Christmas Show. So that’s the reason why they were there.
I am looking forward to beeing there again in December 2008 – attending that show definitively changes your christmas time in a positive way. Also I am looking forward to see them again in January 25+26 when instead of the Metropol they will play the large venue Stadthalle of Vienna. On Stage is of course Dennis Jale, the Sweet Inspirations and as usual for Jale’s January event: THE TCB BAND.
There are a few tickets left so hurry if you want to be part of that party.
Tickets are available at www.oeticket.com or www.stadthalle.com
A special gig will be held in Sofia / Bulgaria. For the very first time the TCB Band & Elvis will play in that country which is a premiere you should not miss. Showtime is January 30, 2008
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