Darlington’s jazz lovers are in for a treat when fantastic pianist, good time vocalist and all round performer Jeff Barnhart pays a return visit to the town on Saturday 2nd September, at St Augustine’s Parish Centre. Jeff will be the guest of Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club and he’ll have people on the edge of their seats as he brings his larger-than-life personality to performances of tunes familiar and obscure. He’ll be performing along with the other members of the Mr Men Quartet – Keith Stephen and Bruce Rollo, plus one of last year’s best loved visitors to the club, reedsman John Hallam. “America-based Jeff loves to visit our club whenever he can fit us into his European tour lists” said Ray Sams, co-founder of Darlington new Orleans Jazz Club. “He always says our venue –St Augustine’s Parish Centre – is the best smaller hall he performs in, and loves the reception the audience gives him. Jeff Barnhart is an internationally renowned pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader, and entertainer” added co-founder Graham Foster.
“He averages 40 weeks a year on the road, bringing his music to all corners of the globe. One of his close friends is partnering him at our gig – world class reedsman John Hallam, a frequent visitor to the Club”. Ray and Graham are urging people to arrive early to get good seats – it’s expected to be another capacity audience for the club. Entry to the gig 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. There’s a licensed bar; 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 on site car parking. St Augustine’s Parish Centre 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
Coming up next: The ever-popular New Century Ragtime Orchestra is back on Saturday 7 October, bringing a big band sound to the lunchtime gig.
There’ll be ragtime entertainment, banter, virtuoso group performances and some stunning solos from the Tyneside-based band. It’ll be a packed house as well as a big band, so make sure you arrive early to secure a seat. You’d better get ready to boogie – the Red Stripe Band is coming back to the Club on Saturday 4 November. Red Stripe and his band have been stomping their boogiewoogie rhythms now for over 20 years and have played all over the world from Monte Carlo to Tokyo and New York to Milan. The band has a great time wherever it goes – infectious energy filling the venue with on and off stage antics, plus world class live music of course. All sessions start at 12.30, doors open from noon.
