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Ref: tn_5005 Date: 17th June 2005 |
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UK’s finest jazz talent heads to Wigan!
“Playing at the festival alongside legends such as The Mingus Big Band, James Morrison and The Count Basie Orchestra is a dream come true for me, “ says Dylan enthusiastically. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for British based guys such as myself to pit our wits alongside world class talent.” In all, eighteen UK artists will perform at this year’s festival. The ever-popular ‘Lunchtimes’ at Wigan Cricket Club will also showcase the versatile talents of Dave O’Higgins; the ‘busiest man in jazz’ Alan Barnes; the legendary Enrico Tomaso and the sublime Duncan Lamont. Dave, who has appeared at the Wigan Jazz Festival twice before, is looking forward to his return, “It will be great to be reunited with my old buddies Alan Barnes and Dylan Howe. The Mingus Band and Joey De Francesco are absolutely fantastic; I’m looking forward to bridging the Atlantic gap at Wigan.” The sweet sound of dinner jazz will also be flooding the airwaves at the stylish JJB Stadium based venue ‘Rigalettos’. ‘Jazz at Rigalettos’ will feature the mercurial talent of Sally Doherty, highly respected guitarist Trefor Owen and the bombastic vocal power of Paul Bentley. Sally, who is heavily influenced by Latin-based stars such as Rosa Passos is counting down the days to her show, “I really can’t wait to get there! It’s a real honour to be asked to perform on the same stage as the likes of Lee Gibson. I love all music but jazz and Latin-jazz in particular is the closest to my heart. I hear that Rigalettos will be the perfect venue for my style.”
“It’s fantastic for me to be playing such a prestigious festival. I could kick myself for never having been over to the festival when I lived in Leeds, but I’m finally getting my chance,” enthuses Kelly. “I’ll be performing straight ahead jazz tracks from ‘Vocal Point’ including crowd favourites such as ‘Close Your Eyes’ and my own particular favourite ‘I’ve never been in love before’.” Wigan International Jazz Festival Director Ian Darrington is excited at the influx of UK talent to this year’s festival. “ We have always been highly acclaimed as an international festival, however I think this year we have been able to showcase Britain’s finest performers more than in any previous year,” states Ian. This 2005 Festival runs from Saturday 9th to Saturday 16th July. ‘Jazz at Rigalettos’ tickets are priced at £9, including a two-course set menu, tickets are available from 01942 770432. Tickets for ‘Lunchtimes’ at the Cricket Club are priced from £4 to £6 are available from the box 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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Some
of the greatest young talents on the UK jazz music scene are set to
perform at the UK’s most prestigious festival this summer. The Wigan
International Jazz Festival plays host to both emerging stars and
established musicians alike this July, in what is promising to be a
summertime showcase of the supremely gifted! 
One of the most inspiring additions to this year’s programme
is the strikingly vivacious young natural Kelly Dickson. Kelly, born in Northern
Ireland and brought up in Leeds, has been bowling over fellow artists and
critics with what Jamie Cullum called, “a very subtle power that creeps up on
you.”