Swing Band All Stars Jazz

The last of this academic year's jazz dinners - All Stars - recently took place as part of the Swing Band's fundraising initiatives for the forthcoming Barbados concert tour in July. There have been four jazz dinners over the last eight months: one was an Oscar Peterson Tribute evening, one was a "Dinner and Jazz" for parents and teaching staff, and two were "All Stars" occasions when Old Shirburnians from the recent past were invited back to perform with the band. This year's stars were Simon Davies, the band's previous vocalist, and Jack Lewis, the ATCL trombonist - both of whom left the school in 2011. The occasion was, as always, a complete sell-out which saw many returning for the fourth time and booking tables of up to ten people. As ever, Adrian Williams and his catering team provided a superb three course meal which was waitress and waiter served, together with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine upon arrival.

Amongst the band's repertoire were new numbers involving Patrick Evans-Bevan, the current vocalist, Fly me to the moon, Save the last dance for me and Come fly with me, while some fast instrumental be-bop numbers such as Raincheck and Salt Peanuts provided much musical variety. The band played twenty-seven numbers over the three hour evening and hugely impressed the local audience, some of whom have already made enquires at the school reception about tickets for the next event in January 2013.

Posted: Tuesday, July 3, 2012