Pontefract Michael Bublé tribute act hosts series of online gigs to raise money for charity

A cafe owner forced to close his doors due to the coronavirus, is passing his time in isolation by performing gigs online for charity.
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Alex McHale, who is manager at Mauds Cafe, is also a professional musician who sometimes moonlights as a Michael Bublé tribute act in his spare time.

And the 33-year-old, armed with his guitar, has been entertaining people over Facebook, playing a number of live sessions from his home and attracting hundreds of viewers who have been making song requests.

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Alex, who lives in Carleton with his fiancé Tara and eight-month-old baby, Minnie, said: “I thought I would make the most of my time at home, especially as the days go by I have less and less jobs to do around the house.

A cafe owner forced to close his doorsdue to the coronavirus, is passing his time in isolation by performing gigs online for charity.A cafe owner forced to close his doorsdue to the coronavirus, is passing his time in isolation by performing gigs online for charity.
A cafe owner forced to close his doorsdue to the coronavirus, is passing his time in isolation by performing gigs online for charity.

“I did one gig and got some great feedback, we had about 200 viewers and 500 or 600 comments - it really blew up.

“I was really surprised by the response. The isolation is tough but I feel connected doing this and it’s helping to keep people’s spirits up and pass the time.”

While playing his gigs, Alex has been asking viewers to donate to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, who have since pledged hundreds of pounds to the cause.

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His daughter Minnie required open-heart surgery when she was just days old and will need a further operation in the near future.

Alex added: “Everybody has been asking about what will happen to businesses, but nobody has mentioned charities - people raising money for them with events and walks have ground to a halt.”

Meanwhile, he is keeping his fingers crossed that he can resume his role at Mauds Cafe once the isolation restrictions have been lifted.

“I’m a very positive person so I’m hoping with what the government is saying that we can keep our head afloat.

“I think once all of this is over the pubs, restaurants and cafes will be booming.”