Thejazzbreakfast goes hyper-local briefly to preview some happenings in my home city that might be of interest.
Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble
Lichfield Festival (4-13 July) events are now on sale and included in the wide range of music, theatre, book talks and visual arts on offer are performances by Courtney Pine and his band, Jan Garbarek with the Hilliard Ensemble, and singer Clare Teal.
Courtney Pine and his House Of Legends band will be at the Lichfield Garrick theatre on Saturday 12 July. It’s music that brings together Courtney’s various interests from jazz to reggae to Latin music, and features his soprano saxophone.
The very special sound of saxophonist Jan Garbarek together with the four singers who make up the Hilliards is ideally suited to a cathedral space and it is in Lichfield Cathedral that you can hear them on Thursday 10 July.
Clare Teal, best known for her radio broadcasts with the BBC Big Band, evokes the traditions of the past with her latest show, The Divas And Me! Expect songs made famous by Peggy Lee, Doris Day, Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald. Clare is in Lichfield Cathedral on Friday 4 July.
There is also a chance for budding instrumentalists to participate with Saxophone Play Day. There’ll be classes, playing in small groups and large, and a chance to perform at the festival’s Vintage Tea Party, all on Saturday 12 July.
For more on all these concerts and to book tickets go here.
Annie Whitehead
Meanwhile, Lichfield Arts presents its weekend of free music under the umbrella Fuse in Beacon Park, Lichfield, on 11-13 July. Although the programme isn’t out yet, I understand that jazzy things will include Derek Nash’s Protect The Beat, the Annie Whitehead Band and Sticky Wicket And His Swing Orchestra.
For more on Fuse in the coming months go here.
Finally, Lichfield Arts also provides ways to get involve and perform. Their latest endeavour is called Blast Off, and is being led by Birmingham Conservatoire graduate and general jazz live wire in the city Nick Dewhurst.
Blast Off is planned as “a new community band playing an explosive mix of funky riffs, catchy tunes and groovy beats”.
Their press release suggests: “Whatever your age or ability, and whether you are playing currently or have an instrument gathering dust in your wardrobe, this is your chance to play in what will be the funkiest, grooviest big band in Lichfield.”
Lichfield Arts Director Dave Simcox explained: “Blast Off will play a groovy, fun and accessible repertoire. Lichfield has a concert band and number of school and classical orchestras, but nothing quite like Blast Off. Lichfield Arts has experience in running outreach projects that create and nurture new groups, its most notable success being Wildfire Folk.”
Nick said: “The music for Blast Off will be specially arranged to include easier music for the less experienced, with more challenging parts for advanced players. This will be a truly inclusive community band.”
Like the sound of “a splash of New Orleans and a touch of Hollywood topped with British finesse and Mediterranean sun”? Contact Nick Dewhurst on nick.dewhurst@live.co.uk
Blast Off makes its debut at Fuse on Sunday 13 July 13 and rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from early May.
Lichfield Arts is also seeking sponsorship for Blast Off and Fuse. If you can help please contact Dave Simcox: dave.simcox@lichfieldarts.org.uk or 01543 262223.
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