On April 13 at 7:00 pm, a third British invasion takes place in Plantation, Florida, when Simon Glenhill, UK’s Most Renown Organist takes the stage at Joel and Pam Jancko’s, Our Backyard Museum.
Simon has performed throughout Europe, Australia and the USA. He has won the ATOS Organist of the Year award. To make ends meet, Simon has a full-time career in corporate banking.
In 1812, the Brits invaded the States and burned down Washington DC, including the White House. Students of history will remember that allegedly First Lady, Dolly Madison, saved a large Gilbert Stuart portrait of President Washington. In reality, the White House door keeper and gardener rescued the painting. It still resides in the the People’s House today.
1964, the four mop-headed lads from Liverpool invaded the Ed Sullivan Show and destroyed the America’s rock music industry.
In 2019, that “Special relationship” started in 1940, between President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill continues in Florida when American fans of theater organ music hear Simon Glenhill burn down the house on the Opus 1616.
Well, we have a special relationship with our members; they often ask me,”How many cinema organ societies (That’s what they are called in the UK) can afford to fly the best British organist across the pond for a concert?”
I reply; “I don’t have a clue, but it is a great question.”
Here is another question members ask me, “Mort, since you’re an Anglophile, how do I as a member of SFTOS prepare for the Simon Glenhill concert?”
Here are my recommendations:
- Don’t hold a grudge. The War of 1812 was a long time ago;
- Watch Simon perform on YouTube;
- Flying on British Airways for a quick weekend in London is not necessary, but it is a good idea;
- A week before the concert watch the following movies on your “telly”; “From Russia With Love“, “Dr. No” “Goldfinger or Downton Abbey“;
- Read a little Shakespeare–“Macbeth”, “Romeo and Juliet” or “The Taming of the Shrew” will do;
- Write a list of your favorite British tunes, so you can hand them to Simon to play. Here’s my list: Greensleeves, Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, I’m Henry the VIII, I Am I Am, Yellow Submarine and of course, G-d Save the Queen;
- To be able to talk with Simon, study your proper English. Practice saying the following words: bloke, blimey, buggered, cheeky, cheerio, daft, hoover, kippers, knickers, as in “Don’t get your knickers in a twist.” queue and shag.
- On April 13th have the “Full Monty” for breakfast—bacon, sausage, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggs and toast.
- For lunch or dinner on the day of the concert, eat bangers and mash, or fish and chips served on an British tabloid or kippers. Wash it done with a pint of Bass Ale or a shot of Glenfiddich 12 year old. Remember not to get blitzed.;
- Don’t forget High Tea at four o’clock with crumpets and scones;
- Finally, drive up to Jancko’s in your: Bentley, Rolls, Aston Martin DB5 or Jaguar XKE blasting Queen’s, “We are The Champions.”
- Don’t forget proper attire—wearing an ascot, deerstalker or some tweed sets the proper mood for a continental concert.
- Buy and read “Acting British For Dummies” especially the chapters entitled, “The Dryness of English Humor—Monty Python to Benny Hill and Great British Cooking Techniques.
So don’t be daft! No need to keep a stiff upper lip. Become a member of SFTOS—or you will miss the best concert of the year. Reserve your seat today. We don’t want to tell you that the concert is sold out and then you’ll get your knickers in a twist. You don’t have to join Robin Hood and his gang of merrie men to pay for membership. It’s cheap! We even accept payment in pounds sterling.
So be a good bloke and contact our President Susie Tushklaper at events@sftos.org for all concert info.
