uk tribute concert

June 23 rd 2013

THE JOHN MORRIS FOUNDATION

The John Morris Tribute Concert

Bringing the Joy of Singing to all Celebrating the Life and Works of John Morris 1955 - 2012

Performing Information for those wishing to take part and perform at this event

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Rehearsals The location and times for rehearsals to be held for the Tribute Concert

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Venue | Hotel | Travel The Venue location, Directions to the Venue and details of accommodation option

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Proudly Presents

John Morris made a life changing decision to ‘bring the joy of singing’ to as many people as possible. His concept was born. It has now grown into a

massive family community with thousands of people. They have one simple thing in common – the joy of singing. We welcome all to join us on Stage at the Official John Morris Foundation Tribute Concert to celebrate the life and works of this remarkable and talented man to be held at Leeds Town Hall June 23rd 2013

June 23 rd 2013

John Morris, the company founder, made a life changing decision to ‘bring the joy of singing’ to as many people as possible. John’s concept was born. It has now grown into a massive family community with thousands of people. They have one simple thing in common – the joy of singing. There are now several communities based in major cities throughout England and Northern Ireland, and the vision has now spread to the United States and is now run by the Foundation John entrusted to keep his vision alive. Pictured in Happier times just prior to being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer this picture was taken out on the Butler chain of Lakes with Wendy Morris, Johns Real Estate Broker and friend who is active in the managing of the John Morris Foundation today. We will continue forward with his dream and Vision and June the 23 rd will see us remembering John his career and lifetime achievements. Thank you for supporting the John Morris Foundation.

June 23 rd 2013

Mike Horton | Musical Director, Hailing from Tampa, Florida USA, holds performance degrees from the University of South Alabama and the University of Illinois in Music Theory and Composition and Conducting. He studied conducting with Malcolm Griffin, Harold Decker, Joseph Flummerfelt, and Bernie Goodman. With over forty years of professional music experience, his career has spanned everything from secondary education to University and from the church to the concert hall. His conducting career has covered everything from symphonic literature the marching field and oratorios to the stage show.

Currently he is the producer and director of major events for the First Baptist Church of Tampa, vocal coach and musical director for the John Morris Foundation, the owner of Ping Productions (a Tampa based company that includes the West Central Florida Community Chorus, the Voices of Tampa, community based pageant and stage events, and currently introducing a fully graded home-schooled music program), as well as an active composer/arranger. His productions have been known for large-scale pageantry, utilization of the latest in innovation and production technology, and musical excellence. He is also currently compiling and categorizing a compendium of Nineteenth Century Music of Wales. Mike was a close friend and associate of John Morris, and he worked with him as a vocal coach and Music Director in the USA.He is both privileged and honored to be a part of this tribute concert for John and a part of the John Morris Foundation promoting John’s dream and legacy to the future and bringing John’s dream of music and community to countless numbers of others in the days and years ahead.

June 23 rd 2013

Connie Kunkle was wooed to New York City by Radio City Music Hall to star in Encore, the 50th Anniversary Show. Soon after, she made her mark on Broadway in Singinʼ In the Rain, and then went on to play various roles in Les Miserables, including Fantine. Off-Broadway, she starred as Rose in the award-winning Song of Singapore. Her Carnegie Hall debut found her singing with the New York Pops Orchestra. She made her Brooklyn Academy of Music debut in BAM Salutes Sondheim, has been featured in several shows at Radio City Music Hall. A regular concert artist in England, she has played many of the great halls including two appearances at London’s Royal Albert Hall, she was personally selected by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber for Andrew Lloyd Webber, in Concert, which toured the US and Canada, and also played the legendary London Palladium. She was thrilled to be a part of Sondheim Tonight at the Barbican Centre, plus performances at DeMontfort Hall, Leeds Town Hall, the

Sage Gateshead, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and twice at the Manchester Bridgewater Hall. For 5 years she launched the Poppy Appeal for the Northeast of England, starring with the Queens Royal Marine Band, Scotland backed by a 500 voice Choir under the direction of Maestro John Morris. Across the pond, Connie starred as the Narrator opposite Donny Osmond in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other tours include A Grand Night for Singing, and she understudied and performed the role of Sally opposite Tim Curry in My Girl and Me. Other star turns: Annie Get Your Gun, My One and Only, Dames at Sea, They’re Playing Our Song and Sugar Babies as the Prima Donna. She created the role of Ingrid/Woman in Green in the historic mounting of Ibsen’s’ Peer Gynt with the Sinfonia de Camera under the baton of Ian Hobson, members of the Royal Shakespeare Company and directed by Hugh Wooldridge. Connie is a familiar face on American TV currently as a presenter on ShopNBC, which is seen in over 83 million homes. Other National TV credits include America’s Health Network, Investors TV News Magazine, QVC, PBS plus several Infomercials which are currently airing around the world. Orlando audiences have seen her host Talk It Up, Orlando on Fox, The Home Show on ABC and Furniture Auction on PBS. Her televised concert with the Orlando Philharmonic garnered her a Telly Award.

June 23 rd 2013

I am so happy to be back "home" in Leeds. My first time performing at the Leeds Town Hall was under the baton of John Morris. I have returned many times and shared so much music with this wonderful community. I formed some lovely friendships over the years. It is rather bittersweet to be back to pay tribute to my dear friend, John, instead of performing with him. He inspired everyone who ever came in contact with him. We would sit for hours at his local pub or over a curry (or drive for hours to rehearsals) and dream of where his idea of a choir would take not only him, but also all those wonderful people who just loved music and loved to sing. John enriched our lives. I also want to thank all of you for how much you inspire me every time we sing together. Your passion, your love of music and the joy you share has always brought a tear to my eye. I am blessed for having had you in my life. Let's all just join in together to celebrate the wonderful man, the incredible musician, and the immeasurable joy that was brought to our lives by one man, Maestro John Morris.

Connie Kunkle

June 23 rd 2013

Phil Cole is an established West End and International Performer with many high profile credits to his name. He was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and from his schooldays was actively involved with local musical and drama groups. Soon he created his own one-man cabaret show and began appearing in venues throughout the North and The Midlands. He was also by now appearing in major concert events throughout the UK, and was a featured soloist in several large-scale concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall.

It wasn’t long before Walt Disney Theatrical offered him a contract for its first International Touring Production of Beauty And The Beast, where he was to cover and regularly play three leading roles. Phil was then invited back to The Royal Albert Hall for The Night of 1000 Voices and its celebration of the work of Sir Trevor Nunn, in which he led the climactic finale of the Les Miserables section with "Do You Hear The People Sing." Phil then joined the cast of Bill Kenwright's Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the role of Joseph’s father Jacob, which he played at The New London Theatre, marking his West End debut in a leading role, and also on the UK National Tour. He then toured the UK playing The Bishop of Basingstoke in the UK Premiere of Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll and Hyde.Along with an elite troupe of other top West End performers he travelled to Qatar to create the role of The Sultan in a spectacular new musical commissioned by the Qatari Royal Family. Aspire, written by Broadway writers Stephen Cole (no relation) and David Krane, took place in an arena seating over 20,000 people and featured an International cast of actors, musicians, as well as specialist dance acts from a great variety of disciplines……………………..

June 23 rd 2013

This immense arena show has since been the subject of Cole and Krane's off-Broadway smash hit musical The Road To Qatar. In 2006, he created a role which he has since played in over 700 performances, that of Ezekiel Foster in Michael Rose's European Premiere of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Phil's comic timing served him well in this role, as audiences loved Ezekiel's slow pace of life - short on vocabulary but high in laughs. His next appearance in London's West End was in the guise of teacher Mr Sheinkopf in Fame at The Shaftesbury Theatre. After Fame his next role was that of Cord Elam in Oklahoma on the open-air theatre stage at Kilworth House in Leicestershire before returning to London's West End. The 2008 Donmar Theatre (Covent Garden) T S Eliot season featured The Family Reunion, where Phil breathed life into yet another character role, this time the Cumbrian Police Officer, Sgt Winchell. His first experience of The Edinburgh Festival came in the form of the award-winning production of Hamlet! The Musical, in which Phil created two roles: Polonius, and The Grave Digger. He sings on the Original Cast Recording CD of this production. Phil appeared at the end of 2012 at the prestigious English Theatre in Frankfurt, taking the critically-acclaimed role of DS Mick Ross in Hugh Whitemore's "Breaking The Code." In addition to his theatre work, he has appeared on television in featured roles in M.I. High and My Hero, whilst also lending his talents to many other programmes, including Spooks, Hustle, Ashes To Ashes and more. His voice has featured on a number of CDs, the latest of which, entitled "3B", was released late in 2012. A recording of this concert’s “Wheels Of A Dream” duet will be available as a paid download on the John Morris Foundation Website, with all proceeds going to John’s Cancer Charity. His other great passion is writing, and has recently completed work on a new stage musical, entitled Troubled Waters, written in collaboration with his New York based writing partner. He is currently working on his next theatre project, "An Earthly Return." Having been a close friend of John since 1997, he is proud and deeply honoured to be hosting this tribute concert to a man he shared some great times and even greater curries. Phil says “John had a special charisma, instantly likeable, and with a contagious passion for music and performance. His courage to pursue his dream was the driving force behind so many projects and he knew exactly what The Starlight truly meant.”

June 23 rd 2013

John’s vision was for Ordinary People to do Extraordinary things in Exciting places and for this tribute concert we want to make no exception to the rule. You will get the opportunity to perform with some of the very best Broadway and West End performers at this wonderful Historic Venue complete with some of the Original line up including Vocal Coaches and Musicians way back from the days when it actually all started out at this exact venue. We invite you to Perform at this Tribute Concert. Cost to Perform at this Event is £60 Tickets from Box office for this Event are £18 The Foundation is purely a Non Profit Organization. All profits from this Event are going to the Cancer Society of America. This is the official authorized Tribute concert sanctioned by Johns Family.

June 23 rd 2013

Payment Method for this Tribute Concert

Make secure payments with PayPal To the Foundation PayPal processes your payment for this purchase securely. Here are some of the ways that PayPal protects your information:

We employ industry-leading encryption and fraud prevention tools.

We'll follow up with a confirmation email every time you make a payment.

Your financial information is never divulged to anyone, not even to your merchant Of Course Payments can be made in the Traditional Manner by Cheque or over the counter at a Branch of the Foundation We have prepared a page within the UK Web site, which has the payment option details listed within for your ease and convenience. http://www.johnmorrisfoundation.co.uk/UK-Concert-Payment-6-13966.html

June 23 rd 2013

Vocal Coaching and Rehearsals for the UK

Due to the Geographical locations of many of you wishing to perform at this official John Morris Tribute concert each and every one of you will receive a music pack and Rehearsal DVD.

These are being currently prepared in the USA and will be shipped directly to all performers upon signing up to perform at this event. In addition to Your DVD and Music Books we will also have a full MP3 Download section on the UK foundation web site allowing you to download the tracks to your ipad or other mobile devices We will also have our vocal coaches on line who will be available to answer any questions that you may have in the UK or the USA . There will be a Rehearsal the day prior to the concert and the Venue for this will be announced in due course and on the day of the concert we will also be holding Rehearsals prior to Doors Opening. Many of the Songs will need no introduction to many. For payment a Merchant gateway will be set up on the UK foundation site and you will be able to pay via Pay Pal on our secured Merchant Gateway. Tickets will be on sale very shortly Direct from the Box office at Leeds Town Hall.

June 23 rd 2013

Music and Running Order

UK JMF TRIBUTE CONCERT ACT 1 (est.55 minutes) Starlight Intro into The Sound of Music [The Sound of Music] Climb Every Mountain [The Sound of Music] Welcome and intro of Phil Cole as Host and Narrator and duet with Jude Hill - Mike Wheels of a Dream – Phil Cole and Jude Hill [Ragtime} Medley from The Hunchback of Notre Dame [The Hunchback of Notre Dame] Introduction of Connie Kunkle Narration – Phil Cole Gimme, Gimme! – Connie Kunkle [Thoroughly Modern Millie] Unusual Way – Connie Kunkle [Nine] JSM Narration 1 (Dream) – Phil Cole Greased Lightning [Grease} Rhythm of Life [Sweet Charity] JSM Narration 2 with Bellas sequence – Phil Cole [Bellas] You’ll Never Walk Alone Chorus with Connie Kunkle [Carousel] Intermission (15 minutes) Act 2 (est.47 minutes) Entr’acte – Orchestra Feature [Misc.] The Great British Medley [Misc.] JSM Narration 3 with Orchestra Comment – Phil Cole Medley from Wicked – Chorus with Connie [Wicked] I Dreamed a Dream – Connie Kunkle [Les Miserables] Intro of Mel White – Connie Kunkle Bring Him Home – Mel [Les Miserables] JSM Narration 4 (Relationship with Lloyd Weber) – Phil Cole Magical Mr. Mistofellees [Cats] Phantom of the Opera [The Phantom of the Opera] Don’t Cry For Me Argentina – Connie Kunkle [Evita] JSM Narration 5 (Goodbye – set up Starlight Sequence) – Phil Cole Starlight Sequence from Starlight Express [Starlight Express] Encores (8 minutes) Thank You – Mike Horton (David, Phil, Connie, Julian, Orchestra, UK and US Singers, Vocal Coaches, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Morris) For Good – Connie Kunkle [Wicked] Thank You for the Music – Chorus with Connie Kunkle and audience [Mamma Mia] Total runtime – 2 hours 5 minutes

June 23 rd 2013

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June 23 rd 2013

Leeds Town Hall Until the early 1813, the Moot Hall, situated at the top of

Briggate, served as the county seat for Leeds Corporation and was also used for judicial purposes. This was replaced by a new court house on Park Row, Leeds.

Leeds went through a period of rapid growth in the first half of the 19th century and by the mid-19th century it became apparent that the court house was no longer large enough for the functions it performed. In July 1850, Leeds Borough Council decided to build a new town hall and established a committee to assess the opinions of Leeds' inhabitants as to the building of a new municipal hall.

In order to finance the new town hall, the council proposed to sell shares in the building to the value of £10, this method quickly failed. The council then proposed to introduce a specific rate to be levied to fund the building of a town hall. The tax was not introduced until after the November 1850 local election, although most of the inhabitants of the city who would have paid the tax at the time lacked voting rights. The town hall was approved in January 1851, when Alderman Hepper put the motion to the council and it was carried by 24 votes to

Leeds Town Hall was proposed to represent Leeds' emergence as an important industrial centre during the Industrial Revolution and is a symbol of civic pride and confidence. Leeds Corporation tendered for designs from architects and the contract was won by Cuthbert Brodrick, an unknown architect from Kingston upon Hull who had trained in Paris.

Leeds Town Hall is one of the largest town halls in the United Kingdom and as of 2008 it is the eighth tallest building in Leeds. It was opened by Queen Victoria, highlighting its status as an important civic structure. It is a Grade I listed building.With a height of 225 feet (68.6 m) it was the tallest building in Leeds from its construction in 1858 until 1966, when it lost the title to the Park Plaza Hotel, which stands 8 metres (26 ft) taller at 77 metres (253 ft). It has held the title longer than any other building, a record 108 years. The distinctive clock tower, which serves as a symbol of Leeds was not part of the initial design but was added by Brodrick in 1856 as the civic leaders sought to make an even grander statement.

June 23 rd 2013

The Hotel of choice for this event is the Radison Blu featured on the following page and located a just brief hop skip and jump from the event venue. It’s a mid range in terms of price.

The Foundation has decided to leave the option of accommodation to personal choice, as we levy no up charge for any of our events to our Singers. All calculations for concerts are based on break-even figures exactly as John requested of us. We can recommend the following web sites to assist you or you can quote our Booking Code to obtain the best possible price at the Radison Blu. Rooms will be limited so all bookings are strictly on first come first served basis. http://www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-leeds Other Hotel sites that we recommend: http://www.tripadvisor.com http://www.laterooms.com http://www.booking.com

Accommodation and Travel

For Travel from the USA typically return flights are right now in the region of $1200 per person in to Manchester England approx 40 miles from Venue and Hotel. Departures in the USA are readily available direct from booking agents in Orlando to suit your own travel itinary in terms of arrival and departure dates

The Foundation can arrange for an Internal Flight from Leeds to Southampton at an approx cost of $100 and a Transatlantic voyage on QM2 currently on sale at $1400 for those wishing to join us on this epic journey to New York. Travelers will be responsible for onward travel upon reaching United States. Further details available upon request.

June 23 rd 2013

Enjoy enviable access to the Tribute from this hotel's location in Leeds city centre Enjoying a prime location among hotels in Leeds city centre, the Radisson Blu is housed within The Light retail and entertainment plaza. A stroll brings guests to shopping and recreation facilities. As home to some of the country's best-known financial institutions, Leeds offers a diverse and cosmopolitan culture, and guests can enjoy it all from this ideally located hotel.

Transport Well placed among hotels in Leeds city centre, the Radisson Blu is easily accessible from all major motorways. Alternatively, Leeds railway station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and Leeds Bradford Airport is located about 14 kilometers away. Manchester International Airport is about 90 kilometers from the hotel, and a direct train service is available from the airport to Leeds station.

Directions to the hotel:

No 1 The Light - The Headrow - LS1 8TL Leeds - United Kingdom

Traveling from London by car: Follow the M1 to junction 42 to M621. Traveling from the Leeds Bradford Airport by car: Follow signs to the A658, Leeds

city centre onto the B6152. Turn left onto the A65 until it joins the inner ring road, keeping left. Take the first exit onto Westgate. Turn left at the Town Hall and then take the first right onto Great George Street. Continue straight through the traffic lights until the next right into The Light complex car park.

Traveling from Leeds train station on foot: Leave the station into City Square, heading north up Park Row. The hotel is straight ahead at the corner of Headrow and Cookridge Street, within The Light complex. Approximate walking time is 10 minutes.

Parking Q-parking, part of The Light complex, costs 13.00 GBP for 24 hours (discounted rate for hotel guests). The parking lot adjoins the hotel. The Light (Sat Nav - LS2 8BD) £6.50 night rate (17:30 - 09:00)

Taxi A taxi will cost about 20 GBP to the Leeds airport and take about 30 minutes depending on traffic. Apollo is a recommended local taxi company.

Contact: Tel: +44 (0)113 243 3333

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