Dear Jazz Friends
With summer approaching, we're all hoping that audiences' understandable caution about 'being there' (at least in such large numbers as we were used to) will disperse, along with the virus! A big thank you to everyone who has decided to come to our concerts in recent months.
I'll start this newsletter by reminding you of the splendid guests that Raymond Wood has booked to appear at Cheap Street Church in Sherborne. Next Wednesday, the marvellous blues and gospel singer Julia Titus will guest with the Sunset Cafe Stompers. Julia was extremely well received when she performed with Mike and Steve Graham at Dorchester Arts after Christmas. Now, there's a rare chance to hear her with the full band.
In July, Emma Fisk (violin) will be making a 'by popular demand' return visit from her base in the North East for an evening of duets with Mike. It was great last year! Later on (October), Spats Langham will be at Cheap Street with his unique brand of jazz, blues and songs from the 1920s and '30s, on guitar, banjo and vocals.
This summer sees the re-emergence of two long-established jazz festivals, after a break of three years! It will be a delight for the band to play at Swanage (July) and Bude (August).
The Stompers are going to be more active in the Dorchester area than usual over the next few months. We have an open air appearance in Pummery Square, Poundbury (June), a concert in the very attractive church at Upwey (July) and our second performance at the Corn Exchange (Oct).
For those who live within reach of Dorchester, I'd like to mention the U3A Jazz Group, which meets there monthly. It has a very interesting and varied programme under the friendly leadership of Alan McLeish. Why not pay a trial visit? You can be sure of a warm welcome.
I'll close by calling for a big virtual round of applause for Tony at the Meeting House Arts Centre, Ilminster. Tony has kept jazz going one way or another (regulations permitting!) throughout the pandemic. I'm looking forward to playing there in June with the excellent Australian clarinettist Michael McQuaid, a young man who is having a big impact on the UK scene. And in August I'll be there with my Gin Bottle Four, of which more next time!
Please check the gig lists for more events and more details.
Mike
01305 852626