(Preview by Russell)
This
weekend the GNBBJF returns to Park View Community Centre. GNBBJF? That's the
Great North Big Band Jazz Festival being staged once again in Chester le Street
from Friday 28 February to Sunday 1 March. A huge event, a mammoth undertaking,
the GNBBJF is one of the most important weekends in the big band jazz calendar.
Orchestras from across the country will be converging on Church Chare just off
Front Street in Chester-le-Street to battle it out hoping to take home some
silverware.
The action
begins on Friday evening (7:30pm) with a double bill concert performance.
Hartlepool based Musicians Unlimited will once again have the honour of opening
a nonstop feast of big band jazz. Mick Donnelly's outfit has been on the scene
for three decades and more and the current line-up boasts several big hitters
within the sections and two accomplished vocalists - Jan Spencelayh and Paul
Skerritt. A hand picked Festival Band will show the breadth and depth of talent
in the region focussing on the many emerging musicians soon to become household
names.
Saturday
is the first day of two competition days with senior bands (college,
university, semi-pro) up for examination. Adjudicators listen intently,
scribble notes and make their final deliberations. At the end of a full day of
big band jazz Park View Community Centre will be packed to the rafters with
literally hundreds of musicians (and supporters) awaiting the results. The
tension will be unbearable! Big bands from Bolton, Durham, Hexham, Lancaster,
Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and further afield (this year including
a band from Edinburgh) will raise a cheer for each and every band but, make no
mistake, the winning band will be met with the loudest applause amidst wild
scenes of celebration. The reigning champions, Bolton's Managers Big Band, will
take some beating. Be there to experience the occasion for yourself.
Sunday
(March 1) is the day guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye. Some of the
participants will stand little more than 1.372 metres high (that's 4' 6'' in
old money) not because of stunted growth, no, these are young, growing
(literally growing) musicians, school kids playing in school and youth big
bands. The standard is amazingly high. Some will go on to make a living in the
music world, some will play simply for their own enjoyment. This year St
Aidan's School from Harrogate wil make a welcome return after an absence of a
few years. Does this suggest the lads and lasses from Yorkshire fancy their
chances? Get along to find out.
A weekend
ticket (£15) permits access to all three days, day tickets (£12) will be
available on the door and under 16s gain entry for a fiver. Food and a licensed
bar will be available all weekend. Please note the Great North Big Band
Festival 2020 is a cash only event.
Russell
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