Pete Allen – Newsletter August 2023

A couple of dates in August. The Newbury gig features the wonderful Shireen Francis, please see details below. A new album will be out shortly and there are details of my 45th anniversary as a band leader.August 2nd
The Conservative Club, Sidmouth, 3pm to 5.30pm.  Admission £15 at the door, preferably by cash or cheque payable to P ALLEN.

August 6th
6th   The Bacon Arms, Newbury, 2.30 pm to 5 pm.  With special guest SHIREEN FRANCIS (vocalist).  Admission is £15 at the door, preferably by cash or cheque payable to P ALLEN.

Shireen Francis
“Quite simply, one of the best British jazz vocalists of this generation”  -BBC Radio

Hear Shireen sing Cole Porter’s Miss Otis Regrets

A warm, engaging and soulful performer, Shireen Francis has developed her own unique blend of jazz with flavours of gospel, blues, calypso, and reggae.  Performing with some of the country’s top jazz musicians, the combination of Shireen’s stunning expressive voice coupled with her innate musicianship has delighted audiences all around the world.

Born in London of Jamaican and Goan heritage, Shireen initially learned her craft in Afro-Caribbean music.  However, inspired by artists such as Marlena Shaw, Dianne Reeves, and Carmen Lundy, she soon moved into jazz singing and writing her own material.

During her 25-year career, Shireen has performed at top international venues and festivals, including Ronnie Scott’s, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, 606 Club and Pizza Express Dean Street. She has performed with acclaimed artists such as John Etheridge, Jim Mullen, Benny Green, Humphrey Lyttleton, Mark Murphy, Anita Wardell and Billy Ocean.

Shireen is also an inspirational and intuitive teacher who runs her own courses and workshops.  With many years of jazz performance and teaching experience behind her, she guides and nurtures her students in the art of “singing in the moment”, enabling creativity and enhancing performance.

Recording

The band has recorded a new album and this will be released on Upbeat Recordings soon

PETE ALLEN’S “45th ANNIVERSARY” JAZZ DAY

SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER 2023
2.30 pm to 10 30 pm at:

THE BACON ARMS
Oxford Street, Newbury, RG14 1JB

Large FREE car park/Licensed bar/Light snacks/meals also available throughout the day

The Hotel has accommodation, to book call Hotel direct:- tele: 01635 31822;
email: Bacon.Newbury@phoenixpub.co.uk;
website: www.baconarmspub.co.uk.
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS:
ANDY DICKENS (trumpet)
GARY WOOD (trumpet)
ENRICO TOMASSO (trumpet)
DIGBY FAIRWEATHER (trumpet)
SEAN MOYSES (banjo)

DON’T MISS OUT,  CELEBRATE PETE’S *45 YEARS* LEADING
A FULLY  PROFESSIONAL BAND, THAT’S SOME ACHIEVEMENT!!

TICKETS  £20 EACH AVAILABLE NOW!
from Jane Mac-Gregor, 12 Douro Close, Baughurst, Tadley, RG26 5PG
tele: 01189 812598, email: nana.macgregor@btinternet.com

Best Wishes

Pete