Folk tale set to raise charity cash
THE true tale of a New York musician who made his home in Liverpool is being premiered in a special fundraising event in the city next month.
One Man’s Story will be staged at the Philharmonic Hall on Friday, September 7, as part of celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Liverpool charity Genie in The Gutter – raising vital funds for the organisation as well as awareness of its work.
The production, tells the transatlantic story of the late “Bongo” Eddie Folk, the Brooklyn-born percussionist from Kid Creole and the Coconuts who came to Liverpool, had his much-loved son here, and made the city on the Mersey his home, before meeting and falling in love with Carolyn Edwards, founder and director of Genie in The Gutter.
It explores his againstthe-odds rise, taking its audience from his upbringing in 1950s Brooklyn to his success as a world-class percussionist and vocalist, including a 30-year career with Kid Creole and the Coconuts, and the years he spent living in Liverpool.
“Bongo” Eddie was a patron of Genie in The Gutter, which supports people in recovery through creative and performance arts.
One Man’s Story will involve clients both on stage and behind the scenes, working alongside a fantastic team of theatre professionals. The show has been written by Carolyn Edwards, and it also charts their love story – along with her grief at his death from cancer in 2016.
Caroline Edwards said: “The hope is that the show garners enough support from our city for its first showing, and then becomes a really successful theatre production.
“This will enable Genie and all the people that come to us for support, to realise their full potentials, of which both the organisation and clients are bursting with.”
Director Jen Heyes added: “It’s a new work, so it’s really exciting to be the one to get it on its feet and premiere in front of Liverpool audiences.
“It’s a very special performance, created especially for Genie in The Gutter, to mark their 10th anniversary.
“There are many reasons I was attracted to working on One Man’s Story.
“From an artistic point of view, Carolyn is gathering an extraordinary creative team to work on the production.
“And Genie in The Gutter is a fabulous organisation that supports so many vulnerable people in Liverpool by offering them opportunities to change their lives through creativity, mentoring and personal support.”
For more information and to buy tickets, go to www. liverpoolphil. com or call the Box Office on 0151 709 3789.