Charity night tribute to Lancaster musician

‘A Night For Chas’ will bring a line-up of bands together to remember the life of Chas Ambler, a well-known Lancaster musician who passed away in August last year after losing battle with oesophagal cancer.

Chas was a popular figure on the Lancaster district’s music scene and one of life’s great eccentrics.

‘A Night For Chas’, which will take place at the Hothouse in Morecambe, will welcome bands that Chas had strong links with.

“Chas was a great friend, a brilliant performer and a key part of the local music scene,” said Pete Moser, More Music’s Artistic Director, who played in bands with Chas for many years.

“He spent some time at the hospice in his last few months, the level of care was special. I hope we get a good turnout for the great night of music.”

In addition to being a mainstay of the local music scene, Chas also created the Melodrome, the distinctive and colourful stage regularly seen at festivals and events across the country, including Lancaster Music Festival.

While best known as a pianist and keyboard player, Chas could also play guitar and drums, and loved the challenge of performing on unusual musical instruments.

He was a member of many local bands, most notably The Guns of Navarone, and had a weekly Saturday afternoon slot playing piano at the Stonewell Tavern pub.

London-born Chas had entertainment in his blood. Both his parents were theatre people and his grandfather was a West End impresario.

He played in bands from an early age and was a drummer in a punk group in the 1970s.

‘A Night for Chas’ will welcome bands, The Guns of Navarone (who Chas led for 20 years), Band From Uncle, Johnny Gee and the Melodrome All Stars.

The compere for the evening will be Ian Marchant, who Chas performed with for many years as Your Dad.

The event takes place on Saturday November 12 at 7pm and all proceeds from the gig will go to St John’s Hospice in Lancaster.

There will be a stall selling vinyl records, hats and musical books.

Tickets cost £8 and can be bought online at www.moremusic.org.uk/anightforchas or on the door.