There’s a double delight in store for Darlington jazz fans when the town’s New Orleans Jazz club welcomes back two of its most popular performers on Saturday 5th May – international stars John Hallam on reeds and Jeff Barnhart on keyboard.
John and Jeff will certainly make the good times roll when they join forces to play jazz tunes familiar, less familiar and some downright obscure – but fun. John’s career stretches across Europe and America and he’s held the front line in bands featuring jazz greats including George Melly, Stephane Grapelli, Digby Fairweather and Humphrey Littleton
Jeff’s career is equally international, playing back to back gigs around the world and getting his audiences on the edge of their seats as he brings his larger-than-life personality to flawless performances. There’ll be a lot of laughs too as he’s a great entertainer.
There’s a further treat in store on the day – John and Jeff are joined by club favourites Keith Stephen on guitar and banjo and Bruce Rollo on bass – together the line-up forms the Mr Men Quartet. The gig is part of the packed Darlington Jazz Festival programme that runs from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 May.
And get ready for ragtime on Saturday 2 June when Mike Lovell and his six in a bar bandmates hit the club. They’ll be dressed to impress, playing and singing fantastic music out of the 1920s and 30s by such greats as Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Clarence Williams, Fats Waller, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington to name but a few.
Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club meets at St Augustine’s Parish Hall, Larchfield Street, Darlington 12.30pm on the first Saturday of every month (except January). Entry is just £10 on the door), and children 15 and under go free. Darlington for Culture members are eligible for discounted entry on production of their membership card. It’s a good idea to arrive early to get good seats for all the gigs –capacity audiences are becoming the norm at the Club.
St Augustine’s Parish Centre has a licensed bar and tea and coffee is available; and everyone is very welcome to bring their own food along for a picnic whilst the band is entertaining. There’s the added benefit of plenty of free onsite car parking. It’s also just a short walk from the bus stops on Tubwell Row and Darlington railway station.
For more information go to www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk or contact Ray Sams ray@darlingtonjazz.co.uk 07860 368022 Graham Foster graham@darlingtonjazz.co.uk
