SSBB Christmas Special @ O2 City Hall - special offers.

Back in the day when I first took an interest in jazz big bands ruled. British bands such as Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth (as he was then), Eric Delaney, Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell and the short-lived Ronnie Scott Orchestra led the way for legendary American bands in the form of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich and Woody Herman among others.

Where did I see all of those fabulous aggregations of the finest musicians? At Newcastle City Hall of course.

And now the wheel has turned the full circle and the venue opens its doors once more to a great big band show that promises to surpass or at the very least equal anything from those days of yore.

Yes the north east based, nationally acclaimed Strictly Smokin' Big Band are there in concert on Sunday December 21 in what is described as their 'Biggest ever festive show'.

This isn't PR hyperbole but a statement backed up by facts.

For several years, every December, SSBB have sold out Gosforth Civic Theatre over two nights which isn't surprising given the quality of the players and singer. The move to the O2 City Hall, as it is now known, whilst a logical progression demanded something extra special and I think, come December, the anticipated sell-out crowd will agree that that aim was achieved. 

Apart from the many big bands the venue was also home to the Northern Sinfonia and one of its best known leaders was Bradley Creswick who returns to lead a specially curated orchestra for the occasion. There's also some brand-new music by Stuart McLean-Fowler and, if you like jazz singing at its finest (and who doesn't?) there's Alice Grace.

Tickets are now on sale and there are some mouthwatering options - see links below. Lance

GROUP BOOKING (10% off)

EARLY BIRD code SSBB2025 (£2.00 off)