TWO completely different styles of music and performance go back to back at The Wharf, Tavistock, next week. Fronted by Jon Bon Jovi ?clone?, Tony Pearce, the complete Bon Jovi Experience can be enjoyed at The Wharf next Saturday, September 8. Formerly a member of Jon By Jovi, Tony is accompanied by three other musicians, who played with the now-disbanded tribute group. A trained operatic singer, Tony was with Jon By Jovi for nine years. In voice and looks, he bears such a striking resemblance to the famous New Jersey singer that he has been described as ?quite simply a mirror image of the man himself?. He is the only British Jon Bon Jovi tribute band front man to appear in a show with the real star. Radio One disc jockey and TV personality, Chris Evans told members of The Bon Jovi Experience that they performed the best tribute show that he had ever seen. They have been invited to appear live on Chris?s show in the near future. The following day, one of the finest soul/jazz singer-songwriters of his generation and, above all, one of the UK?s most compelling contemporary performers visits Tavistock on Sunday September 9. The gig will coincide with the release of Ola Onabule?s latest album, The Devoured Man, a collection of 12 powerfully emotive and introspective songs that weave incisive lyrics around captivating melodies. The title song deals with the corruptibility of men who come to power with ideals and dreams for their people and their apparent moral collapse once power has been seized ? what happens to leaders and people in power who compromise those around them for individual gain and profit? Ola Onabule has carved a unique career for himself via his powerful live performances and consistently fine albums. His performances are truly spellbinding, with his immense vocal range but above all through his communication with his audience, which is second to none. Ola?s music is influenced by the soul, jazz and African music of his childhood and he has opened and guested with many great artistes, including Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Diane Reeves, Al Jarreau, Joe Zawinul and Patti LaBelle. Recently Ola has been commissioned to write arias for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and has performed on film and television, including the film Second Hand Lions, featuring Robert Duvall and Michael Caine. Wharf box office: 01822 61166.
