In May 2022, family man and well-known Broadstairs musician Jeff Matthews sadly lost his life to Motor Neurone Disease.
Jeff had been diagnosed in the spring of 2021 and rapidly lost his ability to speak and eat, the disease later impacted his mobility as well. Despite the rapid onset of this dreadful condition, Jeff made the most of every moment with his family and continued playing bass guitar until just a few days before he passed away.
He even arranged a special evening at his regular haunt, The Magnet in Broadstairs, bringing together family, friends and musicians in a poignant farewell jam session.
To both honour Jeff and raise awareness and funds for the East Kent Motor Neurone Disease Association, friend and fellow musician Alan Morgan was inspired to organise a special tribute event entitled, It’s All About the Bass.
Alan has gathered together a team of family and friends to organise an afternoon of live music at the Broadstairs Pavilion on Sunday 17 September, which will feature local musicians who have all previously played alongside Jeff.
The free event will start at 1pm with live sets from Gabriel Malagodi then Einstein’s Children. This will be followed by Nigel Feist as Uncle Nige and the Naughty Nephews who will provide a live jukebox experience with people bidding to hear their favourite songs. The grand finale will feature a special reunion of The Sadows, a tribute to The Shadows, in which Jeff had played bass.
Entry to the Pavilion is free but donations are welcome with every penny going to the charity East Kent Motor Neurone Disease Association.
There will be a raffle with prizes including train and Scalextric sets donated by Hornby and vouchers donated for a range of experiences including a massage, a meal at The Little Sicilian, a mosaic lesson from town artist Martin Cheek.
A donation of a Spear Les Paul guitar with Seymour Duncan pickups will be auctioned to the highest bidder.
Plenty of cash is advised for the raffle, tombola and Pot of Gold, where half the pot of money will be won by one lucky person. The aim is to raise as much money as possible and sights are set high.
People are invited to bring their family and friends for the afternoon of music, and optional dancing, and help to raise funds for the cause.
There will be food and drink available to buy from the Pavilion throughout the afternoon.
Organisers have thanked Thorley Taverns for the use of the Pavilion; to the participating bands and musicians who have given up their time to play; to local businesses and individuals who have donated raffle and tombola prizes and to Jody McCleish for designing the poster.
Facebook event page – It’s All About The Bass! MNDA Fundraiser and tribute to Jeff Matthews | Facebook