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Ref: tn_4605 Date: 10th June 2005 |
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Big Bands to the Rescue WOODY HERMAN DATES REPLACED BY FESTIVAL FAVOURITES Wigan International Jazz Festival organisers have been left reeling after star performers the Woody Herman Orchestra were forced to cancel their double heading performance at this year’s event following the collapse of their European Tour. The Big Band legends were due to headline at the Marquee Suite, JJB Stadium on Sunday, 10th July and again on Wednesday 13th July. “I was astonished when I heard the news about the Woody Herman Orchestra,” says festival director Ian Darrington. “Tickets have been selling brilliantly for both nights and it is very disappointing to have to re-arrange at what feels like the last minute.” However such is the pull of the festival amongst the Jazz fraternity that two previous festival favourites have come to the rescue at short notice. World-renowned sell-out performers the BBC Big Band (directed by Barry Forgie) have taken over the Sunday evening slot, while local legend Andy Prior and His Big Band will now be performing on the Wednesday.“It’s remarkable that we have been able to find such quality replacements at such short notice. Both bands have sold out at Wigan before and it is likely that fans will have to be quick off the blocks to ensure that they get tickets,” continues Ian. “The BBC Big Band’s reputation goes before them, they are the kind of band that easily sell out the likes of the Bridgewater Hall. As for Andy Prior, he is a legend in his own right in these parts; his gigs have never failed to impress me and I’m sure he’ll be a big hit.” Originally from Leigh (in Wigan Borough), highly influenced by his musical mother and father, Andy Prior cut his musical teeth in the highly disciplined world of brass band music and it was here that his musical talents began to surface. Andy has had great success recently, last year he hosted a series of big band TV specials involving the likes of Peter Kay and Lauren Waterworth, but he still regards his upcoming performance as a career highlight. “It’s a great honour to be asked to perform at this year’s festival no matter what the circumstances. As usual our performance will be a lot of fun and there may well be one or two nice surprises along the way, ” enthuses Andy. “I’m really excited. We will be playing some of old favourites and we may even play a Woody Herman tune or two!” People who have purchased tickets for the Woody Herman Orchestra will be offered a full refund or alternatively tickets for the replacement shows. Ticket prices for the two replacement gigs are priced at £20 and £18. “Everyone who has bought tickets for the original concerts will be informed of the exact details via post and are entitled to a full refund, although we hope they will come along to enjoy one of the replacement shows,” concludes Ian. Tickets for the Jazz Festival are on sale now, please call the bookings office on 01942 825677. All artists appear by arrangement with Ernie Garside Productions. -ends- NOTES TO
EDITORS: SPONSORS: Wigan International Jazz Festival is supported by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and Wigan Council’s Education Department. The Festival is kindly sponsored by Manchester Airport, Greenberg Glass, John Smith's Ltd, Kronenbourg, buy and fly!, Leisure Tec, Executive Chauffeurs, Arts Council England, Jazz Review, Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, The Rotary Club of Wigan, Wigan & Leigh College and Wigan Jazz Club. |
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