Jazz Loses a Stalwart - R.I.P. Margaret Barnes

Margaret Barnes, one of the northeast's most enthusiastic supporters of jazz, sadly passed away on Thursday, May 25, after a long battle with cancer. Despite her illness, until fairly recently, Margaret continued to attend jazz concerts at various venues throughout the region. Outwardly oblivious to her failing health, she was always concerned as much about others as she was about herself.

Big bands were her forte with Stan Kenton being a particular idol. We were both fans of Daryl Sherman; pictured here with Margaret at one of Mike Durham's Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party's which Margaret attended every year.

For many years Margaret was a key member of Jazz North East and her welcoming smile made musicians and audiences feel at home. This was particularly so during those halcyon days at the Corner House when Al Grey, Lockjaw Davis, Sonny Stitt, Jimmy Witherspoon (pictured below with Margaret), Alan Barnes and Dave Green were, among others, regular visitors. Young, emerging jazz talents were also encouraged by Margaret going back to when Paul Booth first sat in at Blaydon Jazz Club and, more recently, guitarist Bradley Johnston at the same venue.

We'd been friends for some 50 years; the old New Orleans Club on Forth Banks in Newcastle, the jazz record section of JG Windows Ltd and our association with Jazz North East being some of the memories that will forever linger.

Sadly missed by all who knew her, my thoughts go out to Margaret's family and her many friends across the jazz community.
Funeral details to be announced when known.

Rest In Peace dear lady.

Lance.
PS: Also a special word of thanks to the Vieux Carré Jazzmen who played a private concert for her only a few hours before the end. It was a fitting departure for her and, I'm told, much appreciated by Margaret who was a regular at their gigs..