Jazz festival set to grow this year (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Jazz festival set to grow this year

1:20pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

ORGANISERS of Darlington Jazz Festival say it promises to be even more of a success than last year's inaugural event.

The festival will be held at The Forum Music Centre, in Borough Road, over the weekend of April 20 and 21.

More than 15 bands will be performing and organisers expect audiences of about 150 people based on last year’s sell-out events.

Darlington Jazz Festival was set up last year as a non-profit making festival, which aims to grow a little each year attracting national and, eventually, international artists.

An event spokesman said: “Last year we relied on the goodwill of local bands to make the festival a sell-out success, and this year staying with our aim of growing a little each year, we have managed to continue the links with local bands and secure Julian Siegel, an in-demand saxophonist on the European Jazz scene.”

He has performed with the likes of Cleo Laine, Beverley Knight, Liane Carroll, Jacqueline Dankworth, Juliet Roberts, Christine Tobin, John Taylor, Norma Whinstone, Jazz Jamaica and Kenny Wheeler.

The weekend will also include performances by the Durham Alumni Big Band, The Darlington Big Band, The Durham County Youth Big Band, Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, Lickety Split, Customs House Big Band, Little Big Band and Reckless Brass.

A number of acts are still to be announced.

A workshop will again be held on the Sunday, led by Darlington-born, Londo- based performer and composer Matt Roberts.

It was a success last year and promises to have participants of all ages and abilities engaged and challenged.

The full line-up and ticket prices will be announced shortly.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, call Kirsty Dunn on 07534-670-781 or email darlingtonjazzfestival@live.com