On the right track for all that jazz

Pupils at the Minster School have been learning to play the blues.

Musician Mr Andrew Hall, of Boundary Road, Newark, led a workshop for around 15 pupils as part of a scheme to educate youngsters on the origins and history of jazz.

The scheme is funded by the Ken Colyer Trust that was set up in memory of the English jazz trumpeter who attracted a large following after moving to New Orleans.

Mr Hall lived in New Orleans himself for 35 years.

He taught the pupils how to play a composition called Canal Street Blues, which was recorded by Louis Armstrong in the 1920s.

Before that Mr Hall and his band serenaded pupils as they ate lunch.

More than 10,000 people are expected to pack Newark for a spectacular jazz festival in May, which will feature 70 concerts in 30 venues.

The third annual event is promising to cement the town’s newly gained stature as one of the top festival venues.

There are even plans for a jazz train to bring visitors from Nottingham and Lincoln, with musicians entertaining passengers.

The festival, on May 16-18, will provide a musical jamboree, with sounds of swing spilling into the street from pubs, restaurants and shops.

It is expected to provide the town with one of the best trading weekends of the year.

For the first time, a New Orleans gospel singer, Shirley Alexander, will fly from the United States to perform in Newark Parish Church.

The festival was formed by local business people to encourage new visitors, aid the local economy and raise Newark’s profile.

One of the festival directors, Mr Paul Sparks, said about 9,000 people attended last year’s event, which according to recent figures, put it in the top 30% of the country’s annual jazz festivals.

Mr Sparks, of Sparks Marketing, said every business that participated last year reported an increase in turnover. Many events were fully booked well in advance.

Mr Sparks said: “The event has attracted so much attention over the past two years that top performers are now approaching us, asking to be involved.

“Jazz is so varied there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. Many visitors know little about jazz but love listening to amazing musicians playing live.”

The main sponsor is Stray’s Books and Stray’s Coffee on Middlegate.