Piano show thrills

MAESTRO: Jan Preston plays a tribute to 50s music legend Winifred Atwell in Drysdale next weekend.

Veteran Australian pianist Jan Preston will bring the Five Finger Boogie to Drysdale next Sunday in a tribute to 50s music legend Winifred Atwell.

Preston combines live music, narration and visuals to celebrate the life and music of the tuneful Trinidadian.

Atwell sold millions of records worldwide and had 11 top ten hits.

She is fondly remembered for her vibrant honkytonk, boogie and ragtime piano music and sparking onstage personality.

Atwell emigrated from London to Australia and spent the last 20 years of her life at Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Loved by Brits, Australians and Kiwis alike, she spoke out against racism, became an Australian citizen and raised money for various charities.

Preston and her band will perform Atwell’s iconic piano hits such as Black and White Rag, Big Ben Boogie and Bumble Boogie.

She will also tell the fascinating life story of Atwell using 150 projected photos from archives of the National Library.

Jan Preston’s Life and Music of Winifred Atwell comes to the Potato Shed at 2pm on 7 October for Geelong Seniors Festival.