A performance at the Stamford Arts Centre sparked an unexpected reunion for a Lincolnshire resident with Spanish flamenco musician Juan Martin.
The critically-acclaimed guitarist played an almost sold-out show at the historic venue on Friday 9th February, a performance supported by Arts Centre technician, Chloe Ives.
Juan Martin is a household name for the Ives family, especially for Chloe’s Dad John, who is not only a big fan of his music but had also been Juan Martin’s lighting engineer for a show he played 40 years ago in Bognor Regis.
Chloe, who followed in her father’s footsteps to become a technician herself, said: “I happened to tell my Mum that I was going to be the sound engineer for Juan and she instantly remembered that my Dad had done a similar role years ago.
“I only had to mention to him that Juan was playing at the Arts Centre and he was determined to come along and watch him play after all these years.
“My Dad has worked in theatre for over 20 years and inspired myself and my siblings to go into a similar industry, but it was actually Juan who inspired him to embrace his musical side and he is now a musician.”
John travelled from Binbrook, near Market Rasen to attend the show and ended up speaking with Juan for nearly an hour afterwards.
He said: “It was totally bizarre thing to happen. I’m a big fan of his work and throughout my career, his gig has remained a stand-out for me. I’ve never managed to see him live since then so the show at the Arts Centre was really special.
“He puts on a fantastic show – both musically but with the added touches of the history of the songs, and flamenco in general.
“To be able to talk so candidly with him was a great experience. He is such a lovely guy and incredible musician.”
Information and tickets for upcoming events at the Arts Centre are available online at www.stamfordartscentre.com.
