As we all gear up for Brecon Jazz Festival 2011, Martin Chilton’s article reminds us of the history of ” A festival with buzz” and George Melly’s important role in its successs.
It is fitting that The George Melly Sculpture Appeal is presenting fringe events either side of the festival weekend on Thursday 11th and Monday 15th August with the message “Come to Brecon Jazz 2011 – if you can, come a day early, stay a day later !”
Thursday 11th August at 7.30 pm, the Appeal is presenting Twelve Poems : The Dylan Thomas Jazz Suite at Theatr Brycheiniog
by pianist Jen Wilson and her ensemble featuring Paula Gardiner and Margot Morgan with arrangements by Cris Haines
” Twelve Poems is an inspired and spirited interpretation of some of Dylan Thomas’s greatest works” (The JazzMan)
and includes When I Woke and Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
Details : http://www.georgemellysculpture.org.uk/node/256
Tickets : http://theatrbrycheiniog.ticketsolve.com/shows/126513908/events
Monday 15th August from 11am, The Appeal is also staging events “After The Jazz, Beyond The Fringe” at The George Hotel under the banner Melly Monday.
A Jazz brunch will be accompanied by music in the courtyard from Trombonist Paul Munnery and his band (Free Entry).
At 2pm, the appeal is hosting a Gypsy Jazz “All Stars” concert featuring guitarist Remi Harris and award winning violinist Sarah Smith (Entry £5 on the door)
http://www.georgemellysculpture.org.uk/node/272
The concert celebrates the music of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, himself fondly remembered by Brecon Jazz fans, and includes personal observations by the musicians about how the music inspires them. Tickets £5 available on the door.
Elizabeth Jeffreys, Chair of the appeal said : We want to encourage as many local people as possible to come to hear Jen Wilson’s amazing Jazz interpretation of Dylan Thomas great poems on the Thursday 11th and also have time after the weekend to wind down in style with us on Melly Monday from lunchtime on August 15th”.
The designs for the Appeal’s own “3 surrealist benches” have been well received and the models are on display in the Brecknock Museum and Gallery.
For further information about events or to help with collections over the festival weekend please call 07932 044987 or http://www.facebook.com/GeorgeMellySculptureAppeal
Thursday August 11th at 7.30pm
Twelve Poems : The Dylan Thomas Jazz Suite
Theatr Brycheiniog
Monday August 15th from 11am
Melly Monday at The George Hotel, Brecon
Jazz Brunch with Paul Munnery (Free Entry)
Gypsy Jazz concert at 2pm £5
