September’s going to be a great month for regulars – and new faces – at Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club’s lunchtime gigs
First up, international reedsman and all-time favourite John Hallam just can’t keep away. He’s back at the club on Saturday 7 September, following his two visits in August. This time he’s teaming up with the always-popular Jeff Barnhart’s Mr Men band. Jeff will 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 – John, Keith Stephen and Bruce Rollo.
And keeping the theme of great return visitors going, Jeff is back at the Club on Saturday 21 September with his unique take on the great black and white silent movies of cinema’s early days – a treasure trove of stories, songs and theme tunes whilst footage from some of those wonderful silent comedy films rolls out on the large screen above him. He’ll play piano and weave his musical magic from scene to scene whilst Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd and Fatty Arbuckle entertain with romps through car chases, stunts, suspense and romance. The session proved a huge audience hit when he brought it to Darlington last year, so this year’s version is bound to go every bit as well.
Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club’s world-class sessions come at a very local price of just £10 per time on the door and there’s no charge for young people 15 and under. The Club meets at St Augustine’s Parish Hall, Larchfield Street, Darlington 12.30pm, where there’s plenty of free on site parking. Refreshments are available for purchase from the kitchen and the licensed bar.
If you don’t want to drive, the Parish Centre is just a short walk from the bus stops on Tubwell Row and Darlington railway station. For more information go to www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk
