Preston, pianos and Winifred Atwell at the Potato Shed

Jan Preston returns to the Potato Shed on Sunday October 7 at 2pm in celebration of Seniors Festival, with My Life as a Piano: Jan Preston’s Life and Music of Winifred Atwell.

An uplifting and entertaining show, Preston combines live music, narration and visuals to celebrate the life and music of piano honky tonk great, Winifred Atwell.

Atwell sold millions of records worldwide, had 11 top ten hits, and is fondly remembered for her vibrant honkytonk, boogie/ragtime piano music and sparking onstage personality.

Despite being greatly loved by Brits, Australians and Kiwis, Winnie Atwell endured racism, being the only black woman in the 1950s, 60s and 70s in the mainstream entertainment scene.

West Indian born, Atwell emigrated from London to Australia, and spent the last 20 years of her life on Sydney’s northern beaches. She became an Australian citizen, and worked tirelessly to raise money for various Australian charities.

Pianist extraordinaire Jan Preston, together with her band, perform sparkling live renditions of iconic piano hits such as the Black and White Rag, Big Ben Boogie and the Bumble Boogie, while Jan tells us the fascinating life story of Winnie Atwell, together with 150 projected photos from the archives of the National Library.

Tickets on sale now at the Potato Shed, or by calling 5251 1998, or at any City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centre.