Yvonne Paolucci and Adam 'Grizzly' Parker plan Sunday Sessions

They fell madly in love over music and dancing, and now want to share that passion with the Tamworth community, as a way to boost morale after a "shocker" of a year.

The duo plan to host backyard Sunday Sessions at the Retro Funny Farm, so Tamworth entertainers have "something to do".

With their first event a roaring success, plans are continuing to steamroll ahead with the next.

An open guitar case for donations was all that was required, and with people staying for hours to listen to local acts, Mr Parker, AKA 'Grizzly', said the whole purpose was to "have a good time".

"The sounds up, now for the lighting. We'll have a full stage, totally outdoor venue with no cover, and of course have COVID safe limits," he said.

The idea was sparked with COVID, when almost overnight Grizzly was out of a job.

"I got put out of work as DJ Grizzly Adams. It went from being a very good year to zero virtually overnight, all the festivals cancelled, local club work cancelled," he said.

"So I thought, now things are easing, how can we get people back into it? And the idea came to create an outdoor entertainment venue, in a very casual setting."

Yvonne is the love of his life, and after 30 years a DJ and radio announcer, doing pre and post shows for musicians like Pink Floyd, Shania Twain, The Beach Boys, Robbie Williams and much, much more, he had a reason to stay in Tamworth.

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"I started dancing nine years ago after I had my stroke to get my balance back, and I've been a professional dancer for five years now," Yvonne said.

"That's how Adam and I met, through music and dancing."

For Grizzly, he was "dancing before I was born", with his parents both professional ballroom dancers, something he has followed in their footsteps with - alongside DJing of course.

That's why the pair is excited for the Sunday Sessions - to create a social setting for people to come and enjoy life.

"It gives us something to do with COVID," Yvonne said.

"Everyone has become so stale, and the Sunday sessions are a way for everyone to kick back, and get ready for the next week."

The dynamic duo work perfectly together: "he's got the contact and I've got the drive," Yvonne laughed.

With their headline act 'Dubby and Howdy' at the last concert, joined by an array of local artists, Grizzly said the anticipation was building for the next.

For those looking to get involved or head along, visit the Retro Funny Farm's Facebook page.

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