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History in Action with Bent Architect presents, as part of Black History Month:Champion Jack of the Ovenden Delta!
In the 1960s, Champion Jack and his American station wagon became a memorable and distinctive presence around Ovenden and Halifax. After finding love with a local woman named Shirley, Jack made their Ovenden home his base, continuing to pursue his passion for music while touring. He shared the stage with legends like John Lee Hooker, BB King, and Eric Clapton, who often stayed after performances, drawn by Jack's magnetic energy and love for life. Their nights were filled with music, laughter, and the warm hospitality of Jack’s famous New Orleans cooking, creating unforgettable moments that embodied the spirit of friendship and creativity.
Jack was a restless soul, always moving, always searching, shaped by the racism and harsh injustice of the Jim Crow South. Despite these challenges, he rose to become a war hero and champion boxer. As a migrant, Jack's journey took him far, but it was in Calderdale that he finally found not only sanctuary but also love, becoming a part of the community that welcomed him with open arms.
Join us at 19:30 on Saturday 12th October for a celebration of his life via stories of Jack, his family and the community who embraced him.
We will be joined by blues artists, Paolo Fuschi, Justin Shearn and Pat Fulgoni from 16:00-18:00, who'll also play some of Jack's numbers👌🏻, and Spencer Grant playing some good ol' Delta blues between 18:00-19:30 and after the production 🤩🎶🎵
*** PLEASE NOTE: THIS NOT A TICKETED EVENT AT THE CROSS KEYS ***
If you have already purchased a ticket for the Cross Keys evening performance through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--calderdale/jack-dupree/), having seen the original flyer created by History in Action with Bent Architect, the event organisers have assured us that the value of your payment (less Eventbrite fees) will be donated to the charity mentioned above.
All proceeds will go to Cancer Research, in accordance with the wishes of Jack's daughters: Georgie (our resident Landlady), Jackie, and Christine.
As both Jack and Shirley were affected by cancer, we kindly suggest that donations made on the night will be greatly appreciated and will go directly to support Cancer Research.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
3 Whitegate, Halifax, United Kingdom
