This year ‘A Slice of Jazz’ Festival Big Band is 12 piece, Vocals, Dancers at Brecon’s Castle Hotel Ballroom.
SHOW INFO: The FESTIVAL Big Band is a blend of the most outstanding and established jazz talents from across the region – names such as Gethin Liddington (trumpet/flugelhorn), Dominic Norcross (baritone sax), Martha Skilton (tenor sax), Erika Lyons (double bass) and top jazz vocalist Elaina Hoss.
This specially curated opening concert returns for Brecon Jazz Festival in 2017 and features our special guests on vocals and professional Lindy hop swing dancers – “Hopping Mad”. Two sets with expert Lindy Hop tuition during interval for those who feel up to it.
Tickets for this concert include a jazz buffet meal as a Castle Ballroom Combo ticket.
There are also a few non-meal tickets – subject to availability.
Local trumpet players Rhys Phillips & Jonathan Crespo lead this Jazz Ensemble. Jonathan also performs regularly across Wales, while musician Rhys is more often known from his jazz interviews and programme on Radio Cardiff. The Festival Big Band is a highly versatile and melodic, locally-based large jazz ensemble from across Wales and the Borders. They enjoy entertaining a ‘listening’ audience as well as dance floor enthusiasts, with classic standards from the swing dance band era, to providing more modern-themed interpretations. But these are not just classy players dishing up the classics – you’ll hear great soloing as well as ensemble and big sounds – from some of the finest jazz musicians around.
Our special quests include Bristol-based swing dancers from ‘Hoppin Mad’; Graeme & Ann are twice U.K. Champions and started Lindy Hop in the 1990’s at the start of the Swing revival. Wearing beautifully-made classic 40’s dress, they specialize in original jazz, swing and jive dance. Hoppin’ have numerous T.V. and film appearances to their credit. You will get every chance to join them on the floor!!
Hot served meal included in ticket. Please note that this will include options for vegetarian / vegan / gluten free, and we will try to accommodate any dietary request. Last year, examples included curry, moussaka with rice, potato, green salad. It is made in the Castle hotel’s own kitchens and highly commended for its high quality and great value.
Drinks, teas and coffees (not included) are available from the Hotel bar or from the Castle Bar in the Ballroom venue. Jugs of water on tables.