Newbiggin Music Festival July 26/27

The jazz element of the festival began at the bandstand on Saturday afternoon. An hour long session from Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio featured a surprise guest singer. Mr Frank Bertorelli from the nearby caffé sang 3 swing numbers and danced his way round the plaza to an appreciative audience. Caroline Irwin was also featured on a few numbers. It was a shame they did not do a second set

Sunday evening saw the Vieux Carré Jazzmen playing outside the Old Ship Inn, just along the promenade from the bandstand. Its not often they play outside but Brian's banjo blended well with Phil Rutherford's Sousa. The Old Ship was the pub where many years ago the late Ronnie Robinson played for a while with the then newly reformed VCJ. (If I remember correctly the band stopped playing for a while after "Gassy" died)  A small audience of about 40 enjoyed a pleasant evening of old time jazz and ale. Lets hope the festival returns next year and is not just a "one off".

John T.

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