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Torre Abbey Wedding Fayre
9 MARCH 2025
10:00
Sun 09
March
Torre Abbey Wedding Fayre – Torquay
Sat 12
July
Sidfest – Sidmouth Rugby Club
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About 52nd Street
Devon’s Premier Funkadelic Party Band
Welcome to the groove haven of 52nd Street – where soul meets funk, and every performance is an invitation to dance. As Devon’s finest upbeat soul/funk/dance ensemble, we bring life to every venue, echoing the heartbeats of Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset through our music.
Formed in the vibrant landscapes of Devon, our journey began not on stage, but in the shared moments of music discovery, laughter, and the dream of bringing our own blend of funkadelic joy to the world. Our bond over beats and rhythms quickly evolved into a professional pursuit of musical excellence, entertaining at weddings, holiday parks, and garden parties, spreading the soulful spirit of dance and funk.
With each performance, we don’t just play music; we create a spectacle of soul, funk, and dance, transporting our audience through decades of hits with our unique 52nd Street twist. Our repertoire is a celebration of life, love, and the unifying power of music, ensuring every event is not just an event but an unforgettable experience.
Join us, and let’s make memories that groove!
Meet Justine Prior
The Soulful Voice of 52nd Street
Step into the world of Justine Prior, the charismatic lead vocalist of 52nd Street, where each note is a celebration of life’s vibrant rhythms. Justine’s musical journey is a tapestry woven from the rich colours of soul, funk, and an insatiable love for the iconic divas of music. With her heart synced to the timeless grooves of Aretha Franklin, Noora Noor, Randy Crawford, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, and more, Justine’s voice is a bridge between the golden eras of music and today’s rhythm-seeking souls.
From a young age, Justine found solace and joy halfway up the stairs of her home, belting out Whitney Houston’s hits with a dream in her heart and a sparkle in her eye. Her parents saw it – that spark of happiness when she sang, a prelude to a dream unfolding. Music wasn’t just a passion for Justine; it was her destined path, her chosen narrative.
The journey from a wide-eyed enthusiast to the soulful lead of 52nd Street is a tale of relentless pursuit and vibrant dreams. Justine’s love affair with live music saw her stepping into the spotlight at local open mic nights, eagerly collaborating with bands, and diving into the heart of musithons and live venues. Her voice, once echoing through her home’s staircase, found its true calling in the harmony of a band brought together by destiny and lockdown creativity.
52nd Street isn’t just a band; it’s a symphony of souls, a testament to Justine’s lifelong dream materialising into reality. With each performance across Cornwall and Devon, from the intimate gatherings to the grand stages of festivals and weddings, Justine and 52nd Street have woven a fabric of musical delight, celebrating one year of soulful escapades and funk-fueled journeys.
As we step into 2024, Justine’s vision is crystal clear – to elevate 52nd Street to new heights, to blend new songs with the band’s soulful essence, and to venture into the realms of songwriting and the acoustic guitar. For Justine, music is more than melody; it’s the essence of existence, a catalyst for joy, a healer of hearts, and the timeless thread that connects us all.
In her own words, “Music is the root of life, offering a feel-good vibe that transcends moments, making us dance, cry, smile, and heal. It’s the melody of connection, the rhythm of life, and the only medicine that truly heals. Let’s embrace the music of life, for it’s in this harmony that we find our true selves.”
Join Justine and 52nd Street as they craft musical experiences that aren’t just heard, but felt, lived, and cherished. Because when Justine sings, it’s not just a performance; it’s a journey through the soulful streets of life. 💞
Introducing Mattie James
The Groove Maestro of 52nd Street
Dive into the rhythm and heart of 52nd Street with our groove maestro, Mattie James. Not just a master of the bass but a vibrant soul whose vocals add a layer of warmth to our funkadelic vibe. Mattie’s journey through music is a mosaic of genres, a testament to his versatility and passion that knows no bounds.
Armed with a Master’s in Music from the University of West London, Mattie’s expertise spans the eclectic worlds of jazz, funk, soul, folk, rock, pop, and the rich tapestries of world music. His energetic bass riffs are the backbone of our sound, infusing each performance with an irresistible groove that compels you to move. But it’s not just the strings he tames; Mattie’s smooth backing vocals weave seamlessly into our melodies, creating an ambience that’s both electrifying and soothing.
Mattie’s dedication to his craft is unparalleled. Every riff, every note, and every harmony is a piece of his musical soul shared with the world. His dynamic presence on stage is not just about performance; it’s a celebration of the universal language of music, a journey that he embarks on with each beat.
At the heart of 52nd Street, Mattie James stands as a pillar of musical genius, bringing not just skill, but a spirit of exploration and joy. His ability to blend genres and create something uniquely captivating is what makes our band more than just musicians; we’re architects of experience, designers of moments, and Mattie is at the forefront of this creative endeavour.
Join us in the rhythm of life with Mattie James, where every performance is a journey, every song is a story, and the music never stops. 🎸✨
Spotlight on Joel Heathcote
The Rhythmic Heartbeat of 52nd Street
Meet Joel Heathcote, the rhythmic genius behind the drums of 52nd Street, where every beat is a testament to his incredible talent and precision. Joel’s journey to the heart of our band’s sound is as unique as his skills, seamlessly blending his life as a dedicated farmer with the pulsating life of a musician.
With ears finely tuned to the nuances of rhythm, Joel plays with an intuition that can’t be taught, a natural talent that ensures he never misses a beat. His musical journey is rich and diverse, from the fields of his farm to the stages of the South West, where he’s lent his drumming prowess to a variety of artists, embodying the spirit of a true session musician.
Joel’s academic foundation in Music Technology and Performance from Exeter College has given him a broad palette of genres to draw from, making him adept across rock, funk, jazz, big band, gospel, and beyond. His versatility is not just limited to playing; Joel has also shone behind the scenes as a live and studio sound engineer and a lighting technician, bringing a comprehensive understanding of what makes a performance truly unforgettable.
Currently, Joel brings his dynamic energy not only to 52nd Street but also to the rock band Alpha Tide, showcasing his ability to juggle different musical worlds with ease and expertise. His contributions to our band go beyond keeping time; they create the groove and the soul that define our sound.
In Joel Heathcote, 52nd Street finds not just a drummer, but a multi-faceted artist whose life in rhythm inspires us all. Join us in celebrating the beat of our band, where Joel’s drumming is the heartbeat of every performance, driving us forward, and keeping the funk alive. 🥁✨
Spotlight on Joe Dostal
The Melodic Architect of 52nd Street
Introducing Joe Dostal, the lead guitarist whose strings weave the very essence of 52nd Street’s soulful and funky melodies. Nestled in the scenic views of Dartmouth, Joe is not just a guitarist; he’s a maestro of music, a teacher of tunes, and a composer who crafts the soundtrack of emotions.
With a degree in Popular Music from the University of Hull, Joe has mastered the intricate dance of songwriting, producing, and performing. His journey through the vibrant music scenes of London and the South West has seen him collaborate with an eclectic array of acts, each performance a brushstroke in his vast canvas of musical experiences.
Joe’s creative spirit also thrives in the quiet moments, composing and writing for music and production libraries, where his melodies find new lives in countless stories and settings. Beyond the stage and studio, Joe dedicates himself to nurturing the next generation of musicians, teaching private lessons in guitar, bass, and ukulele, and sharing the joy of music with eager learners.
A true ensemble player, Joe’s talents shine brightly whether he’s part of a band or serenading guests as a solo guitarist at weddings and functions. His music is a journey, one that he balances beautifully with the joys of family life, the adventures of travel, and the art of cooking.
Joe Dostal is more than a guitarist; he’s a melodic architect, crafting the soundscape of 52nd Street with each strum, and inviting us all into a world where every chord tells a story. Join us in celebrating the magic Joe brings to our band, where his guitar is not just an instrument, but a voice that speaks the universal language of music. 🎸✨
Introducing Cheryl Cole
The Harmonic Conductor of 52nd Street
Step into the world of Cheryl Cole, the heartbeat of 52nd Street’s song structures and a visionary in harmonising the diverse talents within our band. Cheryl’s journey with music is a story woven from early inspirations, nurtured by the guiding hands of her beloved Nan, who introduced her to the magical world of the keyboard.
Cheryl’s passion for music transcends a single instrument. She is a maestro of melodies, playing the Alto & Tenor Saxophone, Flute, and Piano with a grace and skill honed through years of dedication and love for her craft. Her academic prowess is highlighted by a Music Performance BTEC with Triple Distinction, alongside achieving Grade 8 on both the Tenor Sax and Piano—a testament to her commitment and talent.
The stages of local Jazz bands, blues collectives, and function bands have been graced by Cheryl’s performances, each note played a narrative of her musical voyage. As a cherished member of the Exeter Jazz Orchestra, Cheryl’s versatility shines, showcasing her ability to blend genres and create music that touches the soul.
Beyond the instruments and accolades lies Cheryl’s deep-seated belief in music as a sanctuary, a realm where one can transcend the mundane and embark on a journey to places of unexpected beauty and profound meaning. Her skills are not limited to the musical notes she plays; Cheryl’s knack for organising and structuring songs is akin to painting, where each stroke contributes to a masterpiece.
In addition to her musical talents, Cheryl brings another layer of artistry to 52nd Street with her passion for photography, capturing moments of joy, intensity, and the unspoken stories between the notes.
Cheryl Cole is not just a musician; she is a storyteller, an organiser of harmony, and a creator of escapes into the melodious unknown. With Cheryl, music is not just heard; it’s felt, experienced, and lived. Join us in celebrating the love and dedication Cheryl brings to every performance, making 52nd Street a band where music truly is an escape to something extraordinary. 💕🎶
