Jazz in Wales

News about gigs, festivals, famous names, new artists and more compiled by DJ Andy Roberts in Cardiff, Wales. Send your updates to andy @ jazzinwales.co.uk

Friday, March 30, 2012

Brecon jazz bidders deadline passes

Interested groups had until today to submit their plans to run the Brecon Jazz Festival.

The Arts Council of Wales invited tenders after the Hay Festival organisation decided not to renew their three-year agreement to manage the August event.

A new operator will be appointed by the end of April.

See today's report on BBC Wales Today.

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Scott Hamilton flies in for Jed Williams tribute gig

Tenor saxman Scott Hamilton will fly into Cardiff on April 5 for a concert to raise funds for a bursary supporting young Welsh jazz talent.

It's run by Jazz4Jed, a charity set up in honour of the late Jed Williams, founder of the Brecon Jazz Festival at which Hamilton has been a regular attraction.

Hamilton will play Cafe Jazz, St Mary Street, Cardiff on Thursday 5 April 2012 to launch this year's bursary worth £1,000 to a young Welsh jazz musician.

He'll be backed by three leading figures of the Welsh jazz scene - Paula Gardiner on bass, Paul Jones on piano and Mark O'Connor on drums.

Promoter and Jazz4Jed founder Geoff Amos said: "Scott Hamilton is a big name for this intimate setting, and he jumped at the chance to honour Jed Williams who he worked with many times in the heyday of Brecon Jazz.


"The gig will be a fundraiser for the 2012 bursary to help jazz talent in Wales - a cause that was always close to Jed's heart."

The first bursary winner in 2011 was Jenny Bradley, a sax player and member of Wonderbrass who used the money to travel to New York to study with musician, producer and performer Jeff Baker (aka King Django).

Jazz4Jed will also be setting up jazz workshops for young musicians in Wales.

See www.jazz4jed.co.uk for more details.

Monday, March 05, 2012

Charleston/Bellydance Fusion in Hereford - 25 March


Alanya is hosting a Cheeky Charleston Choreography Workshop on Sunday 25 March 2012 at Bodenham Parish Hall, Hereford, HR1 3LB.

Learn basic Charleston steps and a fun Charleston/Bellydance fusion routine - suitable for those with some dance experience.

The workshop runs from 2 till 4.30pm and costs £9, including tea/coffee and cake.

Contact Abbie Mason on 07962 161081 or email info @ alanyabellydance.com

See www.alanyabellydance.com for more about her work.