Jazz extravaganza coming to Croydon (From Wimbledon Guardian)
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Jazz extravaganza coming to Croydon
12:50pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in Freetime By Nick Hitchens
BBC Big Band
A jazz extravaganza is to be held in honour of the Fairfield Halls’ 50th anniversary.
Since its opening in 1962 the Croydon venue has played host to some of the biggest names in the industry, including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich.
In celebration of the anniversary the BBC’s Big Band will hold a huge concert, recorded for Radio 2’s Big Band Special.
Following this a free jazz event in the foyer will include a rendition of personal memories of jazz lovers enjoying the music for five decades.
To put this together the BBC Big Band is asking for anyone who has enjoyed a jazz concert at the Fairfield Halls to contact them with your memories.
The concert, conducted by Jiggs Whigham, a former member of the Kenton Band, will include classic tracks reflecting some of the arts to have appeared over the years, while the free event will be introduced by musician Julian Joseph Alan Barnes.
To become involved in the programme send your memories to bbcbigband@aol.com.
A Swinging Celebration; Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon; October 26, 8pm; tickets £22.50 to £12.50; call 020 8688 9291 or visit fairfield.co.uk.
