Jazz breaking news: Andy Hamilton MBE: A Celebration Of His Life
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Birmingham’s Symphony Hall is hosting a star-studded afternoon concert on 26 June to commemorate the life and work of saxophonist, composer and bandleader Andy Hamilton (pictured), who died earlier in the month at the age of 94.
Hamilton, whose funeral will be held earlier in the day, came from Jamaica to Britain in 1949, where he earned a reputation as the ‘grand elder statesman of the Birmingham jazz scene’, receiving an MBE for his services to the city in 2008. He was known for his generosity and infectious idealism, establishing new music venues, working with local schools and community groups, and inviting performers from across the world to play with his band, The Blue Notes.
A testament to these qualities, the event will feature tributes and performances from a panoply of friends and admirers, including Jean Toussaint, Winston Clifford, David Murray, Gary Crosby, Nana Tsiboe and Helen McDonald, along with the Notebenders Big Band and The Blue Notes. There will also be a display of photos by Russ Escritt, documenting Hamilton’s work with The Blue Notes, which first appeared in a 2008 exhibition at the Symphony Hall celebrating Hamilton’s 90th birthday.
Admission is free, although there will be a collection for the local organisations Hamilton was involved with. Doors open at 1.45 for a 2.30 start. Visit www.thsh.co.uk for more information.
– Orlando Bird