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...OCTOBER 2024
Swing
Schwing
October 19th|8.00pm
about the band
Another debut for Jazz in the Spa, Schwing combine the finest ageless popular music with vintage styles covering the "Gatsby" era, Sinatra / Bublé / Rat Pack, the blues and grooves of New Orleans and the dance-floor filling Jive and Rock'n'roll of the 1960's. They describe themselves as a "Vintage Party Band".
Led by piano player and singer, Anthony Kinsey with Danny Preston on bass and vocals, Laetitia Narel on drums and Andy Morel on sax, this is guaranteed to be a fun night from beginning to end.
Saturday night at the spa...NOVEMBER 2024
Boogie, Swing and more!
RED STRIPE BAND
November 2nd|8.00pm
about the band
“Imagine a smaller version of the Jools Holland Orchestra without the annoying front man!” Time Out
The Red Stripe Band have now enjoyed over 25 years in the business. They have played at virtually every jazz and blues festival in the UK and Europe including a memorable show at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Expect to be entertained with both original songs and other boogie woogie, swing and rock n roll classics in an engaging, ever moving and comical show.
Jazz
the EUGENE Farrar band
November 16th|8.00pm
about the band
The Eugene Farrar Band is more than just a jazz band. Their diverse and eclectic repertoire makes the band the ideal choice for any live show or social event. After 7 years the band makes an illustrious return to the institution that is Jazz in the Spa. Slick yet spirited renditions of jazz and swing classics, sit along some unusual cabaret numbers, bringing sophistication to the evening. Featuring Eugene on trombone and vocals, Andy Wallis sax and clarinet, Laura Jackson vocals and sax, Chris Lloyd piano and vocals, Phil Kampen bass and Ken Hickey drums and vocals.
Saturday night at the spa...DECEMBER 2024
Saturday night at the spa...DECEMBER 2024
Jazz
ALLIGATOR GUMBO
December 7th|8.00pm
about the band
Alligator Gumbo have been playing together since 2011. Based in Leeds, they have played extensively around the country to rave reviews - from rowdy bars to some of the UK's most prestigious jazz festivals.
Playing jazz from the hey-day of the New Orleans swing/jazz era, in particular the "roaring 20s", when music was raw and largely improvised with melodies and solos happening simultaneously which has now become defined as the 'New Orleans' sound. Alligator Gumbo strive to keep this style alive in their renditions of popular songs from this unique time and place.
Western Swing
THE SWING COMMANDERS
December 21st|8.00pm
about the band
Our Christmas special!
The Swing Commanders are a stunningly vibrant and versatile group that perform an exciting mix of 1940s Classics, Boogie-Woogie, Western Swing, 50's Jump Jazz and more! Every member of the Swing Commanders sings and plays at least one instrument, sometimes three! Yet what makes them stand out even above their incredible music ability and performing skills is their joie-de-vivre. People who experience the band for the first time are amazed at the energetic showmanship, the instrument swapping, the intricate arrangements, and sophisticated vocal blend.
future dates at the spa 2025...so far
Savannah jazz band
January 4th|8.00pm
The anchormen big band with
naomi murray and alan cross
January 25th|8.00pm
alan barnes & john hallam
February 1st|8.00pm
jump, jive'n'wail
February 15th|8.00pm
T J Johnson
March 1st|8.00pm
worth valley hot seven
March 15th|8.00pm
the big easy
April 5th|8.00pm
spats langham
May 3rd|8.00pm
john hallam with dave browning & phil lucas
May 17th|8.00pm
the northern swing orchestra plus georgina jackson
June 14th|8.00pm
bob haddrell quintet
June 21st|8.00pm
louis, louis, louis
July 12th|8.00pm
dixie beats
July 26th|8.00pm
shades of jazz
August 2nd|8.00pm
the honeybirds
August 16th|8.00pm
carl sinclair boogie band
October 4th|8.00pm
echo 42
October 18th|8.00pm
AMY ROBERTS WITH ANDY HILLIER
November 1st|8.00pm
dixiemix
November 15th|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 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.
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
10th October: Ken Hickey Quintet
For more information contact 07896 716856
Facebook:Dringhouses Jazz
Local musicians with a different band each week