With the passing of Jazz Festival Patron of the last 23 years, Humphrey Lyttelton, the festival has appointed a new patron, cornet player, bandleader, broadcaster, journalist, author and all round jazz expert Digby Fairweather.
Throughout the Festival we will be remembering Humphrey Lyttelton. Many of the country’s finest musicians have passed through the Lyttelton band in its astonishing 60 year life and, of course, a number of those will be playing at this year’s festival. Respected Lyttelton alumni will be paying tribute in music and through interviews after their performances.
The Festival is also holding two special events to commemorate Humphrey;
Digby at Borders
Borders Bookshop in the Bull Ring will be holding a tribute to Humphrey Lyttelton, and George Melly, another Jazz Festival legend who passed recently. From 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm on Saturday July 5th Digby Fairweather will talk informally about Humph and George, illustrated by recordings of their music. Both Humph and George were highly entertaining and well regarded authors – and pretty prolific, too, considering their assorted other careers – and their books will be available at Borders, as well as Digby’s striking memoir of George’s last months ‘On the Road with George Melly’ which Digby will be signing.
Musicians’ Union Jam Session: Tribute to Humph
This year’s Musicians Union Jam Session at the Wine REPublic on Tuesday July 8th is headed by Digby Fairweather and Chris Walker. Dedicated to Humphrey Lyttelton, the Jam Session will not only feature a quintet fronted by Digby and Chris, but special guest musicians paying their own tribute.
Monday 30 June 2008
Friday 27 June 2008
7 days to go...
The Festival is only a week away so we want to hear what you are most looking forward. Is there a band you can't wait to see again, a venue you've always wanted to try out or can you simply not wait for the atmosphere and great music the festival provides. Post your ideas as a comment here or drop us an email at admin@bigbearmusic subject 'blog' and we'll post the best ones on the web site during the festival.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thursday 26 June 2008
More Jazz Per Square inch than New Orleans
In order for visitors to the Birmingham Internation Jazz Festival to get a taste of the widest range of jazz, Marketing Birmingham has put together some suggestions for a fantastic evening of entertainment.
On Wednesday 9 July you could start your evening at 6.30pm in the Copthorne Hotel in Paradise Circus, where you can have a drink in the bar and listen to Canada’s Katya Gorrie. Then hop in a cab and hot foot it over to The Duck on Hagley Road where from 7pm Spain’s Django’s Castle takes the stand.
Just a three minute walk to the opposite side of the road and into the Lychee Garden, you might want to sample the delicious cuisine and catch up with the fabulous Becky Brine. Two minutes walk from the Lychee Garden, all the way from the USA, Synthesis Big Band will be performing at the Strathallan Hotel.
When you have had your fill, jump on a bus and make your way back towards the city centre to the Broad Street area where you will find The Living Room; here Suzahn Fiering from the USA will be providing entertainment from 8pm. Almost next door at Walkabout the Australians are in town in the form of Michael McQuaid’s Red Hot Rhythmakers. What an evening!
All but the first show take place in straight line - less than a kilometre in length, with each band playing for 2 hours, so it’s possible to hear them all, have a drink or two and a bite to eat.
On Wednesday 9 July you could start your evening at 6.30pm in the Copthorne Hotel in Paradise Circus, where you can have a drink in the bar and listen to Canada’s Katya Gorrie. Then hop in a cab and hot foot it over to The Duck on Hagley Road where from 7pm Spain’s Django’s Castle takes the stand.
Just a three minute walk to the opposite side of the road and into the Lychee Garden, you might want to sample the delicious cuisine and catch up with the fabulous Becky Brine. Two minutes walk from the Lychee Garden, all the way from the USA, Synthesis Big Band will be performing at the Strathallan Hotel.
When you have had your fill, jump on a bus and make your way back towards the city centre to the Broad Street area where you will find The Living Room; here Suzahn Fiering from the USA will be providing entertainment from 8pm. Almost next door at Walkabout the Australians are in town in the form of Michael McQuaid’s Red Hot Rhythmakers. What an evening!
All but the first show take place in straight line - less than a kilometre in length, with each band playing for 2 hours, so it’s possible to hear them all, have a drink or two and a bite to eat.
Wednesday 25 June 2008
Programme Changes
Hi Jazz Fans
We’ve had to make some alterations to our festival programme. The downside is, of course, these are too late for the official programme.
However, they will be on the website programme very soon. The upside is that we have two great new venues, Old Orleans on Broad Street, La Tasca at Star City and Emirates Beach at Chamberlain Square.
You’ll also get to hear a lot more of Hungary’s Budapest Ragtime Band and USA’s Suzahn Fiering.
Here are the changes in full.
Saturday 5th July
DELETE 20.30 Queens Arms, Dixieland Crackerjacks (the Netherlands)
ADD 19.00 Old Orleans, Dixieland Crackerjacks (the Netherlands)
Sunday 6th July
ADD 15.00 The Bartons Arms, Indigo Blues Band
Thursday 10th July
TIME CHANGE, NOW 16.00 House of Fraser, Suzahn Fiering (USA)
ADD 19.30 Old Orleans, Suzahn Fiering (USA)
Friday 11th July
ADD 12.00 Emirates Beach, Becky Brine
ADD 18.00 The Arcadian, Budapest Ragtime Band (Hungary)
ADD 19.00 Old Orleans, Bobby Woods
Saturday 12th July
ADD 19.00 Old Orleans, Budapest Ragtime Band (Hungary)
DELETE 20.30 Queens Arms, Jonny Boston with Richard Hughes Trio
ADD 13.00 La Tasca, Star City, Budapest Ragtime Band (Hungary)
Sunday 13th July
DELETE 20.00 The Living Room, The Fabulous Boogie Boys
All the Best
We’ve had to make some alterations to our festival programme. The downside is, of course, these are too late for the official programme.
However, they will be on the website programme very soon. The upside is that we have two great new venues, Old Orleans on Broad Street, La Tasca at Star City and Emirates Beach at Chamberlain Square.
You’ll also get to hear a lot more of Hungary’s Budapest Ragtime Band and USA’s Suzahn Fiering.
Here are the changes in full.
Saturday 5th July
DELETE 20.30 Queens Arms, Dixieland Crackerjacks (the Netherlands)
ADD 19.00 Old Orleans, Dixieland Crackerjacks (the Netherlands)
Sunday 6th July
ADD 15.00 The Bartons Arms, Indigo Blues Band
Thursday 10th July
TIME CHANGE, NOW 16.00 House of Fraser, Suzahn Fiering (USA)
ADD 19.30 Old Orleans, Suzahn Fiering (USA)
Friday 11th July
ADD 12.00 Emirates Beach, Becky Brine
ADD 18.00 The Arcadian, Budapest Ragtime Band (Hungary)
ADD 19.00 Old Orleans, Bobby Woods
Saturday 12th July
ADD 19.00 Old Orleans, Budapest Ragtime Band (Hungary)
DELETE 20.30 Queens Arms, Jonny Boston with Richard Hughes Trio
ADD 13.00 La Tasca, Star City, Budapest Ragtime Band (Hungary)
Sunday 13th July
DELETE 20.00 The Living Room, The Fabulous Boogie Boys
All the Best
Tuesday 24 June 2008
Virtuoso says hello
Hey Jazz Fans (I've always wanted to say that)
We've been gathering some performance videos for our upcoming artist biographies page, and Django's Castle, led by the wonderful Pere Soto, made us this lovely little video, completely dedicated to us entitled hello Birmingham.
Watch and Enjoy
We've been gathering some performance videos for our upcoming artist biographies page, and Django's Castle, led by the wonderful Pere Soto, made us this lovely little video, completely dedicated to us entitled hello Birmingham.
Watch and Enjoy
Wednesday 18 June 2008
If this aint the blues
This year sees the presentation of a fully-fledged Blues Festival weekend at the Asylum in Hockley, the first specialised Blues event in 24 years of Festival history. The Headliners are Bill Sheffield from Atlanta, Georgia and Lightnin Willie and the Poorboys from Houston, Texas currently located in Los Angeles. The Festival will introduce the astonishing new blues guitar talent Oli Brown, alongside veteran blues stars the Cadillac Kings. There will be an intriguing evening of the best blues girls entitled ‘Wild Women Get The Blues’, an open mic free blues session organised by and featuring Poor Bob, who also appears as a guest with Bill Sheffield and Lightnin’ Willie. Produced in conjunction with leading UK blues magazine ‘Blues in Britain’.
Monday 16 June 2008
If the BBC says it.....
We've recently been featured by the BBC and thought you would want to take a peak.
follow the link below,
Follow me
Also, our programmes are now available at all our venues (as described in the venue list) and at Birmingham libraries but if you're further afield don't forget to send a stamped addressed A5 envelope to
Big Bear Music Group
PO Box 944
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 8UT
for a copy of our programme.
follow the link below,
Follow me
Also, our programmes are now available at all our venues (as described in the venue list) and at Birmingham libraries but if you're further afield don't forget to send a stamped addressed A5 envelope to
Big Bear Music Group
PO Box 944
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 8UT
for a copy of our programme.
Friday 13 June 2008
Singin' along
At 12 noon and 5pm on July 5th we're asking for some audience participation. At St. Martin's in the Bullring and then later at Atrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove, Debbie Jones from Tipitina is holding choir workshops. No singing experience is neccessary (although having some won't hinder you at all ;) and all ages are welcome. The workshop will be fun and informal, yet you can still learn lots about choral and vocal techniques including breathing, improvisation, gospel and jazz styles.
Debbie Jones not only fronts Tipitina but sings with the One Voice and Urban Voice gospel choirs and has appeared on BBC1's Christmas Voices singing lead vocals. Her general love of music and commitment to the art form means that you will be in great hands.
Debbie Jones not only fronts Tipitina but sings with the One Voice and Urban Voice gospel choirs and has appeared on BBC1's Christmas Voices singing lead vocals. Her general love of music and commitment to the art form means that you will be in great hands.
Jazz on film
You could be forgiven that the 24th Birmingham International Jazz Festival was just about music but in fact, this year more than any other, it's about much more than that.
This year we have an inhouse photographer by the name of Merlin Daleman. He is based in North Brabant in the Netherlands and has worked at both the Birmingham and Marbella Jazz Festivals as a leader in jazz photography. He contributes regularly to Dutch Daily newspapers and we are delighted to have him back this year. To find out more visit http://www.merlindaleman.com/
A collection of photos from last year's event by Merlin are being displayed at City Inn from the start of the festival where they will remain for four months before going on tour to all the City Inns in the UK.
Showing at the wonderful Electric Cinema in Station Street, the oldest working cinema in the UK (first opened 1909) on the 11th, 12th and 13th at 18.30 is Let's Get Lost, Bruce Weber's Academy Award-nominated film about the great jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. This widely acclaimed film won the the prestigious Critic's prize at the Venice Film Festival.
We also have the mulitalented poet Stephen 'The Doctor' Baker who when he's not fronting two different Jazz bands, offers us some amazing jazz poetry. His show is called 'Poetry in Motion' as he will be literally flitting between gigs, keeping the audience entertained in between sets. Stephen's poetry takes you through all eras of jazz and blues, and from a man described as somewhere between a Jazz-crazed offspring of a Gospel Preacher and an Oxford academic, this chicago born 'blues shouter' promises an uncompromising and unforgettable experience.
This year we have an inhouse photographer by the name of Merlin Daleman. He is based in North Brabant in the Netherlands and has worked at both the Birmingham and Marbella Jazz Festivals as a leader in jazz photography. He contributes regularly to Dutch Daily newspapers and we are delighted to have him back this year. To find out more visit http://www.merlindaleman.com/
A collection of photos from last year's event by Merlin are being displayed at City Inn from the start of the festival where they will remain for four months before going on tour to all the City Inns in the UK.
Showing at the wonderful Electric Cinema in Station Street, the oldest working cinema in the UK (first opened 1909) on the 11th, 12th and 13th at 18.30 is Let's Get Lost, Bruce Weber's Academy Award-nominated film about the great jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. This widely acclaimed film won the the prestigious Critic's prize at the Venice Film Festival.
We also have the mulitalented poet Stephen 'The Doctor' Baker who when he's not fronting two different Jazz bands, offers us some amazing jazz poetry. His show is called 'Poetry in Motion' as he will be literally flitting between gigs, keeping the audience entertained in between sets. Stephen's poetry takes you through all eras of jazz and blues, and from a man described as somewhere between a Jazz-crazed offspring of a Gospel Preacher and an Oxford academic, this chicago born 'blues shouter' promises an uncompromising and unforgettable experience.
Venues
I'm sure you are all aware that the Birmingham International Jazz Festival 2008 takes place in some of the best venues in Birmingham city centre, including the Mailbox, the Bullring (indoor and outdoor), Brindleyplace, all around Broad Street and Hagley Road, the Town Hall, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Pavilions Shopping Centre, Moor Street Station, Hurst Street and many more.
There are however plenty of places to get involved for those who aren't based in and around Birmingham City Centre. We have events at Warwickshire Cricket Club and Taste of Birmingham at Cannon Hill Park, both in the Edgbaston area of of Birmingham. Other non central venues include; Halesowen County Cricket Club, the Big Peg and St. Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter, The Asylum in Hockley, The Pavilion in Perry Barr, Sutton Coldfield Traditional Jazz Club in Sutton Coldfield and the Barn in Witton.
Just outside of the city our venues includes Touchwood Centre, Sharman's Cross and Solihull Arts Complex in Solihull, Jubilee Bandstand, Bearwood Corks Club, the King's Head and Atrix in Bromsgrove, the Public in West Bromwich and The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley.
I've italicised the new venues mentioned above. Other venues we are playing for the first time include the Custard Factory, the Queen's Arms, the Crown, Copthorne Hotel, Walkabout on Broad Street, Ha Ha Bar and Grill at the Mailbox, the Plough and Harrow and the Duck Beefeater.
There are however plenty of places to get involved for those who aren't based in and around Birmingham City Centre. We have events at Warwickshire Cricket Club and Taste of Birmingham at Cannon Hill Park, both in the Edgbaston area of of Birmingham. Other non central venues include; Halesowen County Cricket Club, the Big Peg and St. Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter, The Asylum in Hockley, The Pavilion in Perry Barr, Sutton Coldfield Traditional Jazz Club in Sutton Coldfield and the Barn in Witton.
Just outside of the city our venues includes Touchwood Centre, Sharman's Cross and Solihull Arts Complex in Solihull, Jubilee Bandstand, Bearwood Corks Club, the King's Head and Atrix in Bromsgrove, the Public in West Bromwich and The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley.
I've italicised the new venues mentioned above. Other venues we are playing for the first time include the Custard Factory, the Queen's Arms, the Crown, Copthorne Hotel, Walkabout on Broad Street, Ha Ha Bar and Grill at the Mailbox, the Plough and Harrow and the Duck Beefeater.
I don't know how many of you like to stop on the streets and listen to buskers, maybe even give them a couple of spare coins you have lying in your pocket. If you see a person with a charity box at any of the Jazz Festival events, it won't be for the artist. For the past twenty years, the generosity of Birmingham International Jazz Festival has paid for the training of a guide dog by the 'Guide Dogs for the Blind' charity. The lucky dog then goes on to be named after a noted personality in that year's Jazz Festival. This year he or she is going to be called Whitby, after the head of Birmingham City Council - Mike Whitby. A good name for a dog if you ask me.
If you see a person with a blue charity bucket with a plastic dog on top (like a doggy bank) at any of our events, don't forget to give generously to a great cause.
If you see a person with a blue charity bucket with a plastic dog on top (like a doggy bank) at any of our events, don't forget to give generously to a great cause.
Wednesday 11 June 2008
Room Service
Hello to all the wonderful Jazz Festival goers coming to Birmingham from out of town this year.
Did you know that this year, some of the best hotels in the city centre are not only housing our artists and acting as performance venues, but offering great deals to the public too?
At venues including the Copthorne, Hotel Du Vin, Ibis Birmingham Centre, Menzies Strathallan Hotel, nitenite cityhotels and the official hotel for the Festival, The City Inn. You can be not only in the centre of Birmingham, close to the many shops and attractions the city has to offer, but in the centre of the Festival as well. Artists such as the John Patrick Trio, Becky Brine, Kel Elliott, Mellow Harmony Avstreich Baku, Sally Night, Django's Castle, Carol Sudhalter, Paul Sawtell, Alan Barnes Quartet, Tim Kliphuis, Bourbon Street Stompers, Bobby Woods, Misinterprotato and Craig Milverton could be playing in your hotel lobby, with some nifty collaborations taking place. The City Inn is also host to the wonderful exhibition of 'jazz photos of Birmingham 2007' by Merlin Daleman.
Here's an outline of the offers. Remember to ask for the special Jazz Festival Rate and contact the hotel directly on the numbers given below.
The City Inn - From £65 weekends, from £119 weekdays. Brunwick Square, Brindleyplace
0121 643 1003
The Copthorne - From £60 weekends, from £79 weekdays. Paradise Place
0121 200 0600
Hotel Du Vin - from £99. Upgrades available whenever possible. 25 Church Street
0121 200 0600
Ibis Birmingham Centre - £58.50, 21 Ladywell Walk
0121 622 6010
Menzies Strathallan Hotel - from £39 weekends, from £49 weekdays. 225 Hagley Road
0121 455 9777
nitenite cityhotels - £44.95, Centenary Plaza, 18 Holliday Street
0845 890 9099
To view a map of the location and get the full contact details please see out venue list.
Did you know that this year, some of the best hotels in the city centre are not only housing our artists and acting as performance venues, but offering great deals to the public too?
At venues including the Copthorne, Hotel Du Vin, Ibis Birmingham Centre, Menzies Strathallan Hotel, nitenite cityhotels and the official hotel for the Festival, The City Inn. You can be not only in the centre of Birmingham, close to the many shops and attractions the city has to offer, but in the centre of the Festival as well. Artists such as the John Patrick Trio, Becky Brine, Kel Elliott, Mellow Harmony Avstreich Baku, Sally Night, Django's Castle, Carol Sudhalter, Paul Sawtell, Alan Barnes Quartet, Tim Kliphuis, Bourbon Street Stompers, Bobby Woods, Misinterprotato and Craig Milverton could be playing in your hotel lobby, with some nifty collaborations taking place. The City Inn is also host to the wonderful exhibition of 'jazz photos of Birmingham 2007' by Merlin Daleman.
Here's an outline of the offers. Remember to ask for the special Jazz Festival Rate and contact the hotel directly on the numbers given below.
The City Inn - From £65 weekends, from £119 weekdays. Brunwick Square, Brindleyplace
0121 643 1003
The Copthorne - From £60 weekends, from £79 weekdays. Paradise Place
0121 200 0600
Hotel Du Vin - from £99. Upgrades available whenever possible. 25 Church Street
0121 200 0600
Ibis Birmingham Centre - £58.50, 21 Ladywell Walk
0121 622 6010
Menzies Strathallan Hotel - from £39 weekends, from £49 weekdays. 225 Hagley Road
0121 455 9777
nitenite cityhotels - £44.95, Centenary Plaza, 18 Holliday Street
0845 890 9099
To view a map of the location and get the full contact details please see out venue list.
Monday 9 June 2008
If music be the food of love.....
The 2008 Taste of Birmingham event is taking place on July 11-13, at Cannon Hill Park. The Jazz festival is going to be there in the afternoons, serenading your ears as your tastebuds get similar treatment. The midland's finest restaurants are taking part and music will be coming from the Swedish Jazz Kings, Mellow Harmony Austreih, Tiptina, the Hammond organ trio Pedalmania and Misinterprotato, who join us all the way from Australia.
This combination of music and food, arguably two of the best things in the world, should be a great experience for the lucky attendees.
For more information visit channel4.com/taste
This combination of music and food, arguably two of the best things in the world, should be a great experience for the lucky attendees.
For more information visit channel4.com/taste
Friday 6 June 2008
Quick Festival Update
The Jazz Festival is nearly upon us, so here's a quick update.
The printed programme is in the final stages of preparation, and to be sent to the printers today, and will be with us within a week or so. If you want to request a copy then head to www.birminghamjazzfestival.com send us your details and request a programme.
If you wish to volunteer and be a part of the Jazz Festival then visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com, fill in the form and we'll get right back to you.
For all details regarding artists / performance times / venues and ticket prices visit: www.birminghamjazzfestival.com.
The printed programme is in the final stages of preparation, and to be sent to the printers today, and will be with us within a week or so. If you want to request a copy then head to www.birminghamjazzfestival.com send us your details and request a programme.
If you wish to volunteer and be a part of the Jazz Festival then visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com, fill in the form and we'll get right back to you.
For all details regarding artists / performance times / venues and ticket prices visit: www.birminghamjazzfestival.com.
Tuesday 3 June 2008
Birmingham Jazz Festival welcomes The Cobweb Collective
The Cobweb Collective promotes some of the most enterprising young bands in Birmingham, with a strong link to the Conservatoire. Four bands due to be showcased are: Lydia Glandville Trio, Sam Wooster Trio, Jimmy Brewer Trio and Ben Kane Trio. See them on Thursday 10th July 2008 at The Yardbird Jazz Club (9pm).
www.cobwebcollective.com
www.cobwebcollective.com
Monday 2 June 2008
Jazz Festival Comments
It's always nice to hear people saying nice things about the festival.
Here's a nice post on Created In Birmingham: http://www.createdinbirmingham.com/2008/05/29/24th-birmingham-international-jazz-festival/
The programme is coming along nicely and is soon to hit the streets.
Visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com to sign up for updates, to volunteer or just for more information on the festival, it's always nice to hear from you and to hear of your ideas to help us create the best kind of Jazz Festival.
More soon......
Here's a nice post on Created In Birmingham: http://www.createdinbirmingham.com/2008/05/29/24th-birmingham-international-jazz-festival/
The programme is coming along nicely and is soon to hit the streets.
Visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com to sign up for updates, to volunteer or just for more information on the festival, it's always nice to hear from you and to hear of your ideas to help us create the best kind of Jazz Festival.
More soon......
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