EDINBURGH 2017:BWW Q&A- Movin' Melvin Brown

Tell us a bit about your show.

Chuck Berry was the king of rock 'n' roll. Whatever the claims made for other people, this was The Man who made it happen. This is a song and dance tribute to someone whose music did not just change my life, it made my life. Over the decades I have worked with so many amazing people from the black music scene in America - partly because I was raised in Cincinnati when it was at the heart of that scene - and almost all of them were influenced by Chuck Berry. And the show will be fun, my aim is always to give people an hour of happiness.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

One reason. Chuck Berry just passed and he was the king of rock 'n' roll. This happened recently and since he has given us (me) so much with his music I thought that we should have a great place where to celebrate this musical legend and so, what's better than the largest arts festival in the world celebrating the largest rock 'n' roll figure in the world?

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

It's classic, joyful song and dance with some of the best music and song ever to come out of America. I'm 72 this year but am bursting with energy to get out there on stage in Edinburgh.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

I think all the people, young and old, who recognise the song Johnny B Goode and still move to it should come and rock 'n' roll!

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

Oh yes, so many! How to start... Antonio Forcione and Sarah Jane Morris, My Leonard Cohen by brilliant Stewart D'Arrietta, Djuki Mala, Sirqus Alfonse, Ricardo Garcia Flamenco and of course Camille O'Sullivan!

Timings and ticket information for Movin' Melvin Brown: Chuck Berry Lives! are available on the edfringe website.

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