CHRIS Bannister recently wowed crowds as he sang the songs of John Denver at Minster church, Boscastle, writes Helen Pusey.

Taking place on Saturday, August 27, Chris said: “It is absolutely brilliant to be back and probably there is double the amount of people this year. It is amazing to think that this evening will help keep this beautiful church going. It has to be my favourite venue.”

For those that had not seen Chris perform before they may not have noticed this unassuming man dressed in jeans, a waistcoat and bandanna as he made last minute preparations for his show, calm and collectively.

Anita Symons, member of the Minster Community Fellowship, said: “I had been worried about the sale of the tickets as we had only sold 37 two weeks ago, but this is Cornwall where things happen ‘dreckly’.

“Now we have sold over 170 tickets, so we are well on the way to raising a thousand pounds for the ongoing maintenance and renovations of the windows.”

With all seats sold Chris opened the concert with a medley of John Denver songs to give everyone a taste of what they were going to hear.

Chris is not a tribute performer but a singer and musician. He sang, If there’s ever a time, from one of his own albums. He also incorporated music written and performed by Kris Kristofferson into this show.

To bring the first half of the concert to a close, Rocky Mountain High was sung taking everyone back to earlier days.

During the intermission people had the chance to top up their wine or beer glasses and buy a raffle ticket.

Bill Congdon said: “He is such a talented man, he’s fantastic...in fact, brilliant.”

Chris was soon back with many more songs.

In thanks, Chris dedicated a song called Stars from his album August2, to his wife Sarah, who assists him with sound for his gigs.

Another different medley followed with many more favourite John Denver songs like Kansas summer, Calypso, Fly Away and Good morning America, How Are You?

The applause continued and then everyone held their breath as Chris sang the much awaited Annie’s Song. He sang in the original E flat.

There was a huge round of applause and not many dry eyes left in this beautiful venue. Chris did not stop there though, as he performed ‘Almost Heaven, West Virginia, Take me Home, Country Roads’ rather aptly. He finished with ‘This old guitar’ and then ‘Leaving on a jet plane’, leading to a standing ovation.

Although Chris did not meet John Denver, he has been to Aspen, Colorado three times, first in 2012 where he was guest of Steve Weisberg who had been John Denver’s lead guitarist, whom Chris became firm friends with. Sadly Steve Weisberg died in early 2014. Chris was left his 1930s guitar.

To find out more about Chris, visit www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com

In order to complete the renovations the Minster Community Fellowship (MCF) has devised a pay by pane plan for replacing the windows.

Visit www.minstercommunityfellowship.co.uk or the Facebook page Minster Church Boscastle