Harmony in the Heart of Riverstone: A Dazzling Afternoon with the Jersey Rollers

14 December

On a bright blue December afternoon, Riverstone became a part of the West End with electrifying entertainment from the Jersey Rollers, the acclaimed tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Maria G’s inviting interior was the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of culinary delights and classic songs performed by the dashing and wildly talented Jersey Rollers.

Julian Mercer, co-founder of Riverstone, welcomed residents and guests before introducing the festivities with an inspiring speech about the importance of fostering community, forging connections and being culturally involved in later years. Mercer highlighted Riverstone’s partnerships with London’s pillars of culture, including the English National Opera, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Glyndebourne, that enable Riverstone’s residents to live life to the fullest, at home and out about. “It is important to keep interests in later life as they turn into passions, and keep the spark going,” said Mercer.

Jersey Rollers, the acclaimed singing ensemble with cast members hot off the West End, opened with passionate renditions of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons’ biggest hits.

To the crisp falsetto notes of ‘Sherry’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ guests sipped on champagne and fine Italian wine. They nibbled on brie and cranberry tarts, smoked salmon blinis topped with caviar, crispy pork belly with apple gel, and tomato and burrata tartlets. The intimate production gave centre stage to vocals that met the full spectrum - every note was a nostalgic pleasure harking back to parties and romances of times gone by.

The dynamic foursome enchanted the increasingly enthusiastic audience with their entertaining crowd work. Embodying the charisma and voice of Franki Valli, one of the performers swooped into the crowd and took some very lucky guests for a romantic spin on the dancefloor to ‘My Eyes Adored You’ much to everyone else's cheers, and envy!

Following the initial canapes, the main course was served. Residents and guests enjoyed cassoulet with confit duck and butternut squash and chickpea curry. The Jersey Rollers then changed from their iconic red velvet blazers into a dashing waistcoat ensemble and performed hits from the Beatles, Dion, and The Temptations. The foursome delivered stellar performance after stellar performance, which were complemented by the guest’s own renditions alongside.

A delectable poached pear and ginger ice cream crumble was served for dessert and contributed yet another sweet note to the event. The Jersey Rollers enchanted the audience with 32 songs in total - and even came back to an encore of ‘Bye Bye Baby’.

Everyone in attendance, from guests to staff, found themselves singing along, dancing and bopping. Faces were adorned with bright smiles and a glow. The afternoon was as much a celebration of past memories as it was about making new ones.