VC Leigh
Founder member Leigh has had a passion for vintage music and fashion for as long as she can remember. Fuelled by her Nan Betty's love for Nat King Cole and Doris Day, she has a deep seated love and respect for the golden eras of the 40s, 50s and 60s.
Leigh began performing at an early age; dancing from the age of 4 , choral singing from school age and developed a talent for stage and theatre whilst at senior school. Leigh continued her studies and gained a BA honours degree in Drama and English. Motherhood and life events led to a spell away from the stage but her deep rooted passion could not be kept at bay forever. She returned to theatre and performing in 2010 when her son Aidan also developed an interest. Vintage Class was created in 2016, initially an idea born out of conversations with friend and performer Bridget Broadhurst. Bridget, a former VC has since retired but can occasionally still be persuaded to make a guest appearance!
'The Vintage Class Journey has been and is a delight to be a part of. I feel blessed to have performed for and met so many wonderful characters. Seeing the joy and happiness our performances create is the driving force behind all I do and the ultimate privilege. I am beyond lucky to have by my side, the talented and professional team that are Vintage Class'
VC Jo
Music has always played a big part in Jo's life. At school Jo sang in the choir and played the flute in the orchestra. Whilst at University she had a part time job as a DJ in a popular student pub, and was usually found on the dance floor when not at work (or studying of course!) Jo and Leigh first met at the Bromsgrove Christmas Markets when a mutual friend recommended Vintage Class as performers to Jo, who organises the event. When Leigh heard Jo singing at a Christmas Carol Service in St John's she invited her to join the group. "I love being a part of the VCs. We are all great friends and we have a lot of fun when we get together. We've been complimented on how well our voices blend together, and I think our connection as friends plays a part in that sound. We are keen to be as authentic as possible, matching our dress to the era, which is really important to us. One of my favourite performances was in St John's Church for a Saturday morning Coffee & Cake Concert. The Keep Calm and Carry On theme included our singing and Jenna Plewes poems relating to lockdown. It was a really emotional occasion, and we received many positive comments. Knowing that our singing has made an impact on the audience is really rewarding."
VC Sarah
Sarah was born in West Germany in 1972 and travelled the world before moving to Bromsgrove in 2016. She has always loved to sing - from in the car, to school choir and musical performances, to open mics with her ukulele, to her friend’s bridal march, and finally now to as part of Vintage Class. Her love of music was strongly influenced by growing up in a household where music was always around. Her mum got her hooked on musicals, classical and opera whilst her dad was the king of creating mix tapes for parties. Sarah has always been musically minded and played flute and piano at school.
A love of harmonies is what really drives Sarah, especially those heard in Bluegrass, or the duos & trios of the 50s & 60s. She has a natural ear for finding a harmony, something you will hear in Vintage Class performances.
“Being able to perform these wonderful songs alongside two talented friends is a dream come true. Our voices seem to combine very naturally, we love what we do and we have fun doing it! It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the VCs.”
VC Gord
Gordon has a life long interest in the 1940s and is a WW2 expert in particular. Authenticity is key to Gordon and his eye for detail is regularly called upon!
Gordon is our sound, tech and roadie all rolled into one and always loves to get fully involved at our events.
Bryan James
If you 'd like a male vocalist for your event, look no further as we have Bryan available to join us. Bryan has been performing all over the world for over 35 years, singing and playing live music or working with professional backing tracks. Bryan says: 'There is nothing that I love more than standing on a stage entertaining, either as a solo artist or with the phenomenal VC girls by my side.'
Bryan's specialist genres include, Swing, Ratpack, Soul and rock. If you would like to add a full entertainment package to your event, Bryan is fully equipped to provide this also. Please contact us for further details.