Brecon Jazz Festival Opens this Weekend
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Brecon Jazz Festival opens this coming Friday evening with the Art Themen, Julian Marc Stringle and Bruce Adams Sextet and will continue over the weekend with headlining slots from Courtney Pine, Dennis Rollins and Anouar Brahem.
Other gigs not to miss on Friday are the Stan Tracey Octet (7.30pm, Big Tent on Captain’s Walk), Empirical (8.30pm, Theatr Brycheiniog), Seth Lakeman (9.30pm, Market Hall) and Sarah Jane Morris (11.00pm, Theatr Brycheiniog).
Saturday brings performances from Abdullah Ibrahim (5.00pm, Market Hall), Courtney Pine (7.30pm, Market Hall) and the Anouar Brahem Trio (11.00pm, Brecon Cathedral). During the afternoon Art Themen will be playing the John Coltrane Songbook at 12.10pm in Brecon cathedral while trombonist Dennis Rollins will be playing at 2.30pm on the stage of the Market Hall.
Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro (5.15pm Theatr Brycheiniog) will be performing their album Traditions in Transition on Sunday before Dennis Rollins and his group Badbone & Co close this year’s festival at 7.30pm in the Big Tent on Captain’s Walk. Brecon Jazz Festival encountered severe financial problems last year. So much so that its future was in doubt. New financial backers and organisers have ensured the event has continued and hope this year’s strong line up and cheaper ticket prices (from £5-£15) for the 50 concerts booked will help to attract more visitors, create a friendly family atmosphere and ensure the future of the festival.
– Rosie Hanley
For more go to www.breconjazz.org