Mine was especially wonderful as not only was I treated to a meal, chocolate and flowers but I had a guest appearance at The Style Bar, the venue for Rugby’s monthly jazz jam. I sang to a very appreciative audience and was backed by a wonderful rhythm section and some excellent brass players. The day couldn’t have been any better!
June 2014 Leamington Jazz Festival
Leamington held its first jazz festival in the grounds of Leamington Rugby Club. What a great day, we had the weather, the food, the beer and of course the music! The festival is set to become an annual event and I’m sure it will go from strength to strength judging on the line up of acts announced for this year. http://www.leam-jazz.com/
June 2014 Jazz in the Park
A fabulous gig! We had a wonderful afternoon in the stunning grounds of Brockencote Hall in Worcestershire. Renowned for its superb cuisine and excellent service, this traditional country house is set in 70 acres of tranquil parkland and dates back over 300 years. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing gig. We played 2 sets of smooth jazz to a lovely audience and were looked after extremely well by the staff. Great place for foodies and lovers of jazz!
April 2014 Big Birthday Celebrations!
One of the highlights of this year was singing at my dear Ma-in-Law’s 80th birthday party at The Ansty Hall Hotel in Coventry. We all had a wonderful evening spent with family and friends – thanks to the band – Steve Street, Wayne Matthews and Graham Dent for being part of it. Mary Waterfield, you are a truly wonderful and inspirational lady.
February 2014 Launch of Kenilworth Jazz Club
This was a particularly exciting month for me as Kenilworth Jazz Club was launched. For quite a while I’d been toying with the idea of starting up a monthly jazz club or jazz jam night locally so when a friend (Dave Logan) came to me with his idea of doing the same it was the perfect opportunity to go for it! The club meets on the first Monday of the month and hosts live jazz of only the highest calibre in a comfortable, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We have been particularly keen to promote young talent and have been treated to an array of wonderful bands and musicians since the club’s launch. We are very grateful to have received sponsorship from Wright Hassell Solictors and Loveitts Estate Agent. We’re now in our second year and looking forward to the programme of events that we have lined up throughout 2015. www.kenilworthjazzclub.co.uk
Jan 2014 The Trumpet, Bilston
This month I enjoyed the first of many performances at The Trumpet Jazz Venue in Bilston. It’s a real pleasure performing at this venue and I’m delighted to be asked back on a monthly basis. Always made to feel so welcome by Musti who runs the venue and has the un-enviable task of organising the entertainment programme, (the venue holds a long tradition of featuring live acts 7 nights per week and Sunday lunch times!) Well done Musti and the Trumpet crew, long may it continue! http://www.trumpetjazz.org.uk/
July 2013 Stafford Jazz Club, Stone
It was a privilege and an honour to be backed by The Bohop Trio for my first appearance at the club – Ian Beestin (drums), Neil Hunter (piano) and Geoff Pearson (double bass). We played 2 sets to a very welcoming audience, a thoroughly enjoyable experience! I’m looking forward to appearing there again in 2016.