You’ll do a Double Take on my birthday this Saturday August 18 as I turn 40 (unbelievable right?) while a band of the same name, featuring guitarists John Illingworth and Steve Rodda, play at Stray’s Tapas and Jazz in Newark from 3-5pm. The Swing Zippers guitar duo featuring Elliott Lewis and Vic Klimasevskij perform at the Pelican club in St Mary’s place from 7-8.30pm.
They return to the Brewhouse and Kitchen on Trent Bridge the following day on Sunday August 19 from 2-4pm, while guitarist Nik Svarc’s band are at The Lion in Basford on from 1.30-3.30pm; he is joined by Garry Jackson on double bass and Steve Hanley on drums.
Mandy Tatton sings at The Bell Inn on Angel Row from 8.30-10.30pm on Monday August 20; expect her ensemble to feature Pete Johnson on guitar and Ben Martin on saxophone.
Kay Corominas sings and plays guitar along with Glenn Johnson also on guitar at The Crimson Tree in Sherwood on Wednesday August 22 from 7.30pm; together they are known as Latin/jazz/soul/pop outfit The Sugar Tree. Concurrently, Loughborough based reeds star Ken Godfrey brings his Central Jazz Band to the Risley Park Jazz Club for an evening of traditional jazz featuring Dave Vickers on trombone and Alan Birkinhead on banjo and vocals; their show runs from 8.30-11pm and admission is £9.
Many regular gigs are on a summer break and will recommence at the end of August, also Peggy’s Skylight opens on George Street in Hockley next week and I will bring a full report on what to expect – if you have not already contributed to their Kickstarter to buy a grand piano please do look them up online.
Where no entry fee is mentioned assume your purchases from the venues will pay for your entertainment.
Sadly I close this week with a tribute to alto saxophonist John Smith who was well known here in the 1950/60s; he passed away on August 4 at age 85 and his funeral is on Tuesday August 21 at 9.30am at Gedling Crematorium. He was somewhat eccentric and called everyone Dad, while he was nicknamed Sparrow in a reference to Charlie Parker’s Bird. RIP.
By Jeanie Barton
