KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL
A Celebration of Trad New Orleans, Dixieland and Swing Jazz in South West Scotland.
11TH KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL
12 – 15 June 2008
The scene is now set for the 11th annual Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival and a programme of bands, groups and soloists has been confirmed playing a varied selection of hot, swinging, toe-tapping music which should appeal to a wide audience.
Held in the picturesque harbour and artists’ town, the11th Jazz Festival will run from 12 to 15 June 2008 and will feature a record number of top-line bands and performers. With more sessions and bigger venues than in previous years, the weekend promises to be a real feast of musical entertainment.
Starting at 8pm on Thursday evening, 14 June and continuing through to midnight on Sunday evening, 17 June 200, the Festival showcases the talents of some of Britain’s top “traditional” jazz performers together with the sensational rhythm and blues Red Stripe Band, a “Cotton Club” show from Paul Munnery’s Harlem, with Gypsy Jazz and swing from Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio and from Tam and Tom of Swing Guitars.
Amongst the English bands appearing are The Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band, The Millennium Eagle Jazz Band, Martin Bennett’s Old Green River Band, the Dave Donohoe Band, Yorkshire Stompers, Papa Joe’s All Stars and Sheila Fawkes and the Guys. Scotland is represented by Bill Salmond’s Louisiana Ragtime Band, the Dave Keir Hot Five and the Sulwath Syncopators. In addition, a number of solo performers and small groups will entertain in local restaurants.
Many of the musicians from these bands will come together on the Saturday morning to form the Kirkcudbright All Stars Band marshalled by Sheila Fawkes which will lead a decorated Brolly parade through the streets of the town at 11 am. Once again, features of the festival will be the “jazz dine around” on all of the evenings, with small groups providing music for diners in local restaurants, usually from 6 to 8 pm and on Sunday at 11am, the very popular Jazz Church Service in the parish church under the direction of Rev Douglas Irving with music by Sulwath Syncopators and guest vocalist Sheila Fawkes.
Building on the success of previous festivals, this year’s event promises to again provide Kirkcudbright with an exciting, interesting and vibrant weekend of superb music and musicianship in an extravaganza of entertainment for all.
Next morning, a great many of very happy jazz fans left for home making plans to book or having already booked for next year’s Festival – the dates to put in your diary are June 12 to15 2008...
Leon McCaig
19 June 2007
