DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF LIVE MUSIC!
Sessions are on Saturday nights (usually twice monthly) encompassing a variety of musical styles including Traditional, Mainstream, Big Band, the American Song Book, Rhythm and Blues, Boogie Woogie & Gypsy Jazz. Something here for most tastes!
Boston Spa Village Hall
199 High St, Boston Spa, Wetherby LS23 6AA
Pay on the door admission...
£12.00 cash or card
DOORS OPEN 7.00pm
MUSIC FROM 8.00pm - 10.30pm
OUR STORY
Jazz in The Spa – formerly Jazz at The Crown – began in the autumn of 1987 with regular Saturday sessions alternating two local Traditional Jazz Bands. From this beginning with modest attendances, the venture slowly flourished. The organisation of the sessions was subsequently taken over by two local jazz enthusiasts, Les Brown, and the late Tim Mallinson. Their efforts proved successful, and the venture matured over the years to gain national recognition and to have one of the most appreciative and supportive audiences in the UK. As the same time, the Club began to present bands and world class solo artists from around the UK and abroad.
In 2004, following renovations at the hotel, the club was forced to seek an alternative venue and with the enthusiastic help of local entrepreneur, Ken Waller, relocated to the local Village Hall. The move coincided with the introduction of Cabaret Club style seating and a ‘Bring your own Bottle’ policy which have proved to be a winning formula.
THE VENUE
Right in the middle of the village is the spacious, recently refurbished Village Hall which is the venue of Jazz in the Spa. Ample parking is available at the rear. Access and facilities for disabled visitors are guaranteed. Cabaret style seating and subdued lighting add to the ambience of each session and a warm welcome is certain.
We feature a different band or group every session playing in a variety of exciting and melodic styles. Visitors can expect Traditional and Mainstream formats interspersed with Rhythm and Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Big Bands. Not only are we proud to feature talented local musicians but welcome musicians from other parts of the UK and overseas.
Don't forget to bring your favourite tipple. We don't have a bar but you are welcome to bring along your own alcohol, beverages and glasses. Please take all bottles and cans home for recycling as there are no facilities at the Village Hall.
Going to Jazz in the Spa alone is better than missing out. Don't be shy, come along and we'll meet & seat you to ensure you enjoy every minute of your Saturday night in good safe company.
Groups are also very welcome. Why not bring along some friends to celebrate a birthday? With notice we can arrange a special area for you all to sit together.
Come and Join Us. You’ll love the friendly atmosphere!
Ring Ken on 07775 984907
Bring a Bottle...
on your own & Love JAZZ?
Saturday night at the spa...may 2024
New Orleans Jazz & Blues
tipitina
May 4th|8.00pm
about the band
Tipitina are the real thing, a hugely talented combo performing the red hot and rocking music from the New Orleans of Doctor John, James Booker, Professor Longhair and Fats Domino.
Singer Debbie Jones is a powerhouse. Her roots are in Gospel – she rocks and she rolls through the wonderful music of New Orleans with style and personality. Meanwhile Pianist Justin Randall is quite simply the finest and most exciting New Orleans style piano player from outside of Louisiana.
Jazz
jeff barnhart
May 18th|8.00pm
about the band
A welcome return visit from our old friend Jeff Barnhart, stride pianist extraordinaire and raconteur from the USA.
On this occasion with the superb John Hallam on reeds and the effervescent Phil Lucas on trumpet and vocals. Add the talents of Graham Smith on drums and Ed Harrison on bass and an evening of first class entertainment is guaranteed.
Saturday night at the spa...JUNE 2024
Jazz
ENRICO's swing company
June 1st|8.00pm
about the band
Classic jazz from this super-talented ensemble led by local hero and long-time friend of Jazz in the Spa, Enrico Tomasso on trumpet with the charismatic Spats Langham on guitar/banjo and vocals, Trevor Whiting on clarinet/saxophone, Nick Ward on drums and Malcolm Sked on bass. Also featuring rising star Cia Tomasso on vocals.
Expect a varied and entertaining programme of jazz from these absolutely top class musicians.
Gypsy Jazz
emma fisk's hot club du nord
June 22nd|8.00pm
about the band
Emma Fisk's Hot Club du Nord bring to life the classic 1930s and 40s repertoire of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli's Hot Club de France. Featuring British Jazz Awards Nominee Emma Fisk on violin and the exceptional talents of James Birkett and David Harris (guitars) and Bruce Rollo (double bass), the band encompasses a wealth of experience, knowledge and love of the hot club/ gypsy jazz style. Their musically sparkling performances; engaging manner and infectious joy in the music have made them a popular choice across theatres, art centres, festivals and jazz clubs.
Jazz
spats langham's hot fingers
with emily campbell
June 29th|8.00pm
about the band
Hot Fingers welcomes you to an eclectic mix of vintage acoustic music. As well as the red hot jazz of 1920’s New York, there will be sophisticated 1930’s Swing. The band re-create the ‘French Coffee House’ sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar Aleman. This is mixed with vocals from the song-writing greats, crooners such as Bing Crosby and Al Bowlly. From Jump-Jive to swing, from the Charleston to Bossa nova, Hot Finger’s wide range of styles and rhythms makes them popular with both sit-down audiences and dancers alike. The band comprises Spats Langham (banjo, guitar, ukulele), Danny Blyth (bass clarinet, guitar) and Malcolm Sked (sousaphone, double bass). They will be joined by the superb vocalist Emily Campbell who adds a touch of class with her plaintive vocals, drawing inspiration from the likes of Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald.
Saturday night at the spa...JUly 2024
Jazz
kate peters & derrick harris
July 13th|8.00pm
about the band
As part of the annual Boston Spa Festival we are excited to present the combined talents of Kate Peters and Derrick Harris.
Kate Peters is a uniquely talented and versatile vocalist based in the north of England. A graduate of Leeds College of Music, Kate has worked in a wide variety of styles and areas of the music industry. Her versatility as a vocalist has enabled her to perform and record everything from Dance Music to Jazz to Musical Theatre.
As well as leading his own groups, guitarist Derrick Harris frequently guests as a soloist with bands up and down the country. Derrick also works regularly with orchestras such as the Royal Northern Sinfonia, The Halle Orchestra and The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Most recently he appeared at Jazz in the Spa with the superb Georgina Jackson back in March.
Latin Jazz
carioca soul
July 27th|8.00pm
about the band
We are super excited to present something new to Jazz in the Spa. Inspired by the music of Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66, Carioca Soul perform an eclectic mix of Bossa nova and Samba mixed with contemporary Brazilian music in a melting pot of Latin/funk and soul. Led by talented MD/pianist Wayne Pollock (support to Jools Holland at The Royal Albert Hall) and featuring the vocal harmonies of Jenny Chamberlain-Smith and Kate Peters with John Marley on bass, Danny Templeman on percussion and John Settle on drums.
So dust off your Cuban heels, those infectious Latin rhythms are going to be perfect for a hot summer's night!
future dates at the spa 2024
Roaring twenties
August 3rd|8.00pm
the windy city weatherbirds
August 17th|8.00pm
The Honeybirds
September 7th|8.00pm
storyville jass band
September 28th|8.00pm
carl sinclair boogie band
October 5th|8.00pm
schwing
October 19th|8.00pm
red stripe band
November 2nd|8.00pm
the EUGENE Farrar band
November 16th|8.00pm
ALLIGATOR GUMBO
December 7th|8.00pm
THE SWING COMMANDERS
December 21st|8.00pm
Gallery
news
thanks les
Les Brown has decided to retire from running Jazz in the Spa after, wait for it, 38 years!
He has been involved with the jazz since it's inception at The Crown all those years ago. Known as "Mr Jazz in the Spa", Les booked the bands and did all the administration involved in running the club so will leave a big void to fill.
He was given a good send off on the 16th December 2023 at the club and presented with a card signed by the Jazz in the Spa regulars plus a specially created book full of pictures of JITS from it's beginnings in The Crown through to present day in the Village Hall.
Les hasn't disappeared though, he'll still be in the audience whenever he can, just without the burden of previous responsibilities!
Thanks for everything Les, enjoy your retirement.
Les Brown (left) presented with a card and specially created book of JITS memories by Geoff Shaw (Jazz in the Spa's chairman)
Jazz in the Spa donation
St John's School for the Deaf in Boston Spa has been raising funds to buy P:instruments - plastic trombones and cornets for the pupils to learn to play.
Jazz in the Spa is extremely pleased to have supported this venture by donating £1,000 which was presented to the school at a concert featuring pupils playing pBones, pCornets, drums and piano.
Attending the concert were 4 members of Jazz in the Spa including Les Brown (pictured with Headteacher, Ann Bradbury and some of the performers).
entertainment in the spa
Check out our sister site: www.entertainmentinthespa.com
Also run by the Jazz in the Spa team, we aim to bring you some of the best live entertainment from other genres such as Rock'n'Roll, Pop, Soul, Motown and Comedy.
Please visit our new website for more information and to book tickets. Note that tickets are only available online for these events but our friendly team can do this for you at any of the Jazz in the Spa nights if you prefer.
Our next show is Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri on 27th April which has now sold out however we have some more exciting new shows coming up so please book early to avoid disappointment!
Contact
...and if you fancy some daytime jazz why not look in on our friends in York
JAZZ, SWING AND BLUES
Dringhouses Sports Club
St Helen's Road, Dringhouses, York, YO24 1HR
Every Thursday 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Pay on the door admission... only £5.00
Drinks at club prices. Club membership NOT required.
Tea & Coffee available. Free Parking
Next week's session
25th April: Enrico Tomasso with the Derrick Harris Quartet
For more information contact 07896 716856
Facebook:Dringhouses Jazz
Local musicians with a different band each week