The finishing touches are being applied to this year’s Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz & Blues Festival.
The event takes place at Lichfield Rugby Club and will feature big bands, boogie woogie, blues, funk, jazz, Hammond organs, drummers, pianists and jump and jive, along with a choice of more than 30 real ales.
Organised by Lichfield Arts, the festival kicks off on June 23 with the big band sounds of the Lichfield and Rugeley Jazz Orchestra followed by the brass of Walsall Jazz Orchestra.
The following evening sees blues and boogie woogie from Steve ‘Big Man’ Clayton, with five bands on the bill for Saturday (June 25). Kicking things off will be the funky folk sound of Tim Amann Xtet, followed by the electric blues of Steve Ajao Blues Giants. Dynamic pianist/vocalist Ian Shaw follows before the Jay Phelps Quintet present swing and hard-hitting be-bop.
Finishing off the day will be Chimanimani who impressed at last year’s Fuse Festival with their township jazz.
Four varied trios will be taking centre stage on Sunday (June 26). Asaf Sirkis & the Inner Noise start off with fusion music, followed by trumpeter Steve Waterman. Pianist John Law follows with renditions of classic jazz standards.
Nigel Price’s Hammond organ trio follows, before local favourites King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys end the festival with their jump and jive favourites.
For a copy of the festival brochure and to book tickets call the Lichfield Arts box office 01543 262223 or book online at www.lichfieldarts.org.uk.
