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 By
Holly Kenny
Every year, hundreds of Jazz fans of all ages flock from around the
globe to enjoy the Wigan International Jazz Festival. With scores of
acts well known on the jazz scene and a whole host of events taking
place, we sent Holly Kenny to find out what all the fuss is about.
Wigan's cultural life has sometimes been criticised for being
threadbare, but this time of year sees one of its jewels in its crown
take place, with the internationally renowned Jazz Festival.
Thanks to mainstream performers with young fan bases such as Robbie
Williams dabbling in the genre, and various television programmes like
The Mighty Boosh highlighting jazz music, more and more people seem to
be curious as to what they may be missing.
Now in its 23rd year, the Wigan International Jazz Festival has
flourished over the year, and this one was no exception.
A Jazz Festival event is a fantastic night out for young and old
generations alike;; with its energetic, charismatic performers really
putting on a show.
When this reporter headed down to a show, the audience was littered with
curious young people and older aficionado alike; the young people all
looking pleasantly surprised that they where actually having fun and
enjoying "old fashioned" jazz music, while older fans seemed more
knowledgeable and deeply appreciative of the performances.
The night itself featured young bands such as Empirical and Synthesis;
surely a nod of encouragement that it’s OK to like jazz, even if you’re
not middle-aged!
Jazz may not be to everyone's taste but with festival crowds growing
each year, I suspect jazz is certainly going to become more popular with
audiences of all ages, perhaps shaking off it’s occasional image of
being 'difficult' or 'aloof'.
Not only do performers such as Luke Flowers of Empirical put on a very
entertaining and thoroughly watchable show, but they also take the time
to mix in the crowd and speak to the many loyal fans they have.
The music was at times infectious and at one point there was people up
dancing on their tables; an audience of young and old alike both sharing
the same enthusiasm and enjoyment for the bands.
Passers-by, intrigued by what was going on, made a point to catch jazz
fans leaving the venue and ask their thoughts on the festival and its
music.
The one downside was the fact that at one point it got so packed that
people were standing up at the back desperately trying to get a view of
the action!
Otherwise, the Wigan International Jazz Festival is a great way to spent
some time in a cosy and very chilled atmosphere. I strongly suspect the
Jazz festival will be even more packed next summer.
Recommended links:
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Jazz Festival Main Site
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Empirical
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