Jazz lovers will be able to enjoy a host of concerts by top performers as a Stafford music club celebrates its 21st anniversary next week.
Gumbles Jazz Club is holding the Jazz Icons Festival from next Monday, with seven concerts over the course of seven days.
Club founder Chris Gumbley said: “We’ve booked our favourite acts from over the years, bringing them together into one action-packed week.
“So do come and join in the celebrations and have yourselves a great time listening to some of the best jazz this country has to offer.”
He said it was 21 years since he promoted the first “Gumbles” jazz concert, in November 1987 – Gary Cox and the Tony Richards Trio at The Falcon in Foregate Street.
It was meant to have been a one-off event but it was such a success that it sparked a regular fortnightly gig.
Chris said: “The club has gained a reputation for attracting big names, such as Dankworth, Mullen and Stacey Kent, as well as encouraging young up-and-comers.
“Gumbles enjoyed a long run at The Falcon before moving to The Prince of Wales and finally to its new home at The Surgery in Crabbery Street.”
The festival gets under way with the Snake Davis Band performing at Stafford Rangers Football Club, Astonfields Road, on May 19. Doors open at 8pm and tickets cost £10.
Fred Thelonious Baker will then be at The Surgery, in Crabbery Street, on May 20. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £8 or £5.
The renowned bass and guitar player has recently completed work with Nigel Kennedy, John Dankworth, Harry Beckett, Coutney Pine and Chris McGregor.
Israeli-born saxophonist Gilad Atzmon will appear at The Surgery on May 21, along with Keith Bill on piano, Tom Hill on bass and Mal Garrett on drums. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets costing £8 or £6.
There will be a jam session on May 22, with the Chris Gumbley Quartet and guests, at The Surgery. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £5 or £3. Stafford-born Chris will be on saxophone, on the night he celebrates his 50th birthday. The Dan Nicholls Band will perform at The Surgery on May 23. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £8 or £6.
The multi award-winning Liane Carroll Trio will play on May 24 at Stafford Rangers Football Club. Doors will open at 8pm and tickets cost £10.
A lunch-time Hangover Session on May 25 will feature Passion Dance at The Surgery. Doors open at midday, and tickets cost £8 or £6.
Tickets for all gigs will be available on the door, with advance tickets available for Snake Davis and Liane Carroll.
More information about the festival is available from Chris on 01785 259144 or at ch.gumbley@btinternet.com or at ch.gumbley@btinternet.com
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