PERSHORE’S famous Jazz Festival is returning to the town and will see more than 150 acclaimed musicians celebrate the colourful history of jazz
The event will present the very best in jazz by local, national and internationally renowned musicians, with a diverse programme of styles on offer from today (Friday) to Sunday (August 21) at Pershore College.
The 15th annual three-day festival will entertain the town with traditional, mainstream, gypsy swing, big band and modern jazz by top artists.
British traditional jazz is well represented by the Pedigree Jazz Band and the classic sounds of Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet by courtesy of the Tomasso – Huxley Classic Band.
Vocal jazz is supplied by Cate Cody, Nicola Farnon and T J Johnson, each with their own distinctive style and there are songs with a history attached from Thomas “Spats” Langham.
There is a huge selection of ‘mainstream’ jazz on offer, no dedicated style just superb music, and an injection of modern jazz by the Gerry Mulligan Tribute Band led by Ben Cummins and Amy Roberts.
In spite of the name the Old Hat Band are a group of young musicians making a name for themselves much like the respected Worcester Youth Jazz Orchestra.
The Moscow Drug Club have nothing to do with Moscow or drugs, just a quirky name for an equally quirky band with a contemporary programme and, not to be missed, the fabulous Buck Clayton Legacy Band playing scores donated by the great man’s widow.
Peter Farrall, Pershore Jazz Festival secretary, said: “The venue on Pershore College campus provides an ideal setting for a summer jazz weekend with full, all day and evening restaurant and bar facilities, ample parking and a chance to stroll round the delightful college gardens.
“With four bands to choose from at any one time, the festival is able to present a wide range of styles covering the colourful history of the music and audience sometimes complain that, with so much choice, they find it hard to decide where to go next.”
The festival runs from 7.45pm to 11pm on Friday, 11.45am to 10.45pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 10.45pm on Sunday.
Admission prices cost £17 for the Friday evening and £30 each for Saturday and Sunday.
Visit www.pershorejazz.org.uk or search for Pershore Jazz on Facebook for more information.
