Newsletter Jan'26

Dear Jazz Friends

Welcome to 2026!

For me, music this year starts with some interesting gigs with the Sunset Café band. First up, our regular 3rd Monday in the month date (19 Jan) at the excellent Ropemakers in Bridport: free admission, Good Beer Guide listed. If you would like to enjoy a meal too, please book ahead because dining is often sold out.

Sadly, the Ropemakers does not have a Steinway grand piano for me, but two days later, in completely different surroundings, Sunset Café will be at Cheap Street church, Sherborne - in full evening dress - to welcome the engaging Ms Julia Titus. Julia will delight everyone with her lively blues, gospel and vaudeville vocals.

Later that week, Steve Graham, Trevor Whiting and I will be at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church, a comfortable, modern venue. We’ve played a gig together here for the last few years and it’s a lovely atmosphere.

At the end of the month, the Stompers are taking part in the big multi-band jazz weekend at Pontons Sand Bay, near Weston Super Mare. I look forward to meeting some old friends there.

The highlight of February for me will be the visit of Emma Fisk. We're going to play duets at Dorchester Arts, Ilminster Arts and Cossington (near Bridgwater). Emma is a top violinist in the swing tradition of Joe Venuti and Stephane Grappelli. She also plays excellent ragtime, so you can bet we'll seize the opportunity to play a few of those numbers together! Emma is travelling down from the North East so it’s a rare chance to hear her in this part of the world.

In March, Spats Langham, world class banjo, guitar and vocalist will be joining me for a couple of nights at the intimate Tincleton Gallery (near Dorchester). That should be special too.

I hope to see you soon.

Best wishes

Mike

mike@mikedenham.co.uk

01305 852626