Farnborough Jazz Club

After a great deal of thought and due to adverse weather conditions we have taken the disappointing decision to cancel tonights Christmas Party at the Farnborough Club.  Having phoned many people in outer Kent area’s we learnt that the majority are even now, unable to get out of ther drives, and more snow is due.  Keith and I, and the band are gungho and wanted to go ahead with tonight, however, we cannot allow the dangerous conditions you all might face, if you (band included) cannot get home.  So keep your sausage rolls till next year, have a good Christmas and see you on 8th January 2010.

Diane and Keith

Tonight is our Special Christmas party with The Original Eastside Stompers. We are expecting to have a really great time, as always with Christmas. However, we are getting a little concerned about the snow here in London and Kent and it might be difficult for the band, as well as yourselves to get here. Therefore, can you please phone 01689 603299 for an update to find out if it is on, or not. I’m sorry, but I’m not sure if I can get a message on this email address, if it all happens too late in the day, but just in case, please keep an eye on here too. Thanks.
Diane and Keith

Oh goodness, Christmas is looming up on us and I am definitely not prepared! Today, (Friday 11th December 2009) will be our ‘Christmas with Vintage Jazz’ night, so if you all want to do the same thing as our Christmas week and appear dressed in your ‘Sunday Best’ party attire, bringing goodies to eat, then please do so, sorry it’s short notice. It will be a fun night, regardless.
I have to tell you about last Friday (4th December 2009). Great Augustus! Were they superb. Yes, I’m talking about the Yerba Buena Jazz Band. I have currently had a bad time with family (& friends) illness and didn’t want to go to the club at all. Keith insisted that I did. Once there, I didn’t really want to talk to anyone. I didn’t want to speak on the mike and I certainly didn’t want to dance. However, music is my saviour and not only did I get through the night, but I got through it with such enjoyment, my feet couldn’t help but tap, I danced and clapped and cheered, as did everyone else. YBJB have everything, as far as I am concerned. I particularly enjoyed the scat vocals from Mike and Dave. Of course, Jerry Card was missed, but what a great job Nick did on drums. The line-up was: Mike Barry (leader) - cornet; Dave Rance - 2nd cornet; Graham Wiseman - Trombone; Johnny Rogers - Reeds; Nick Rossi - drums; John Arthey - sousaphone; Peter Gregory - banjo and John Collinson - piano.
Next week, 19th December 2009, is our Christmas Party with Original Eastside Stompers (£8). As advertised, dress up, bring food, with candelabra’s and lets go for it.
Don’t forget (sorry to announce), but there will be no jazz at the club on Christmas Day. That goes for New Year’s Eve too. The Sports Club have their own private party that night. So just in case, I don’t get to give a Newsletter, next week, let us wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year to you all.
Diane and Keith.

Hi jazzers everywhere,

Two weeks ago, (20th November) we had a wonderful tribute evening for Jerry Card.   I have been unable to write before now, due to family commitments (and problems to do with dear friends too).   However, I really don’t wish the weeks to flash by and I haven’t written about that evening.   It was lovely to see Jerry Card’s wife, Patsy again and all the family (including two very young and pretty ladies, who were nieces, I believe).   Thank you to all of you for making that long journey.   The band were terrific with the line-up as previously listed.  They played with such fun, proving just how great musicians are when it comes to celebrating someone’s life.   Hope they will carry on this line-up and play for us again some time in the future.   So to all you fans, keep watching this space.

Then last Friday, (27th) we had Vintage Jazz.   We are sorry that Harry, a great clarinettist, has moved on, but what has happened, with John Lee on clarinet, we now have a different band.   So my message to all you fans out there, Vintage has had a new lease of life, playing different numbers (with the same dance tempos though).  So come on down and breathe in some of this new magic!!

We’re looking forward to listening to the YERBA BUENA CELEBRATION BAND this Friday, 4th December.   The expect line-up is:

Mike Barry on trumpet;  Graham Wiseman on Trombone;  Johnny Rogers on Reeds;  Dave Rance on drums;  John Arthey on sousaphone;  Peter Gregory on banjo and John Collinson on piano.

Start looking out soon for the listing showing some of the exciting bands we are trying to line up for next year too.  Just a snippet, January 22nd will see the return of that fantastic band we had in February 2008 from Holland.  They are the Limehouse Jazz Band.   Do you remember, their leader took the mickey out of me unmercifully ha ha.  This is a message to you Robert, not only have we entered the twenty-first century, but we have managed it before reaching the twenty-second one!!!  Not only do we have an email address (diane@farnboroughjazz.co.uk and keith@farnboroughjazz.co.uk) but we also have this website!!  AND NOT ONLY THAT, WE EVEN KNOW THE POST CODE OF THE HALL TOO (BR6 7BA).  Seriously Robert, we are looking forward to your presence and your lovely sense of humour.

Diane and Keith