Big band enthusiasts are spoilt for choice this weekend which is, in many ways, a good thing albeit not such a good thing for those who would have liked to have caught them all.
The weekend's bonanza began last night as the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival opened up in Chester-le-Street. It continues today from Noon (not 11:00am as previously announced) - see right hand column for more details.
This evening, just up the road at Caedmon Hall, Gateshead, the Twentieth Century Ragtime Orchestra present their annual concert at the venue with guests Keith Nichols (piano) and Nick Ward (drums). Again, details in right hand column. As a matter of further interest the NCRO's Steve Andrews and Dave Kerr can be heard talking to our Far East correspondent, Colin Aitchison, on his Hong Kong Radio show - Vintage Chart Toppers - which can be heard online at 8:30am tomorrow morning. Colin will also be playing a couple of tracks from the band's CD Singing in the Bathtub.
At the other end of this sprawling metropolis - Sage Gateshead - the Strictly Smokin' Big Band are in concert with trumpet ace Mike Lovatt as guest. Lovatt, apart from his work with the BBC Big Band is well known to Sage audiences via his many appearances with the John Wilson Orchestra. Tickets are going fast for this one so don't hesitate.
Sunday night sees more retro jazz at Whitley Bay Playhouse where The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, who played to a full house at Alnwick on Friday, flushed with this success they are dealing their own brand of hot big band jazz and dance music at the seaside playhouse.
Sunday night sees more retro jazz at Whitley Bay Playhouse where The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, who played to a full house at Alnwick on Friday, flushed with this success they are dealing their own brand of hot big band jazz and dance music at the seaside playhouse.
Finally, looking ahead to Wednesday (March 4), the aforementioned BBC Big Band are at Durham's Gala Theatre.
Lance
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