Congratulations to the National Youth Jazz Orchestra celebrating fifty years

Debbie Dickinson 17th May 1957 – 1st March 2019 It is with overwhelming sadness that I received the news that Debbie had passed away. Debbie was an incredibly talented educator, International live sound engineer, music event manager, tour manager, music producer and creative collaborator. Debbie was an Associate Professor at City, University of London and…

All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2020 Nominations Announced The nominations have today been announced for the 2020 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.The Awards, organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) with the support of PizzaExpress Live. The recipients of the 2020 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, will be announced Tuesday 30th June 2020. The Parliamentary Awards celebrate…

The Arts Council has announced a rescue package but has suspended national lottery grants that would help jazz musicians and jazz promoters organise tours and plan ahead – to organise a tour or project you have to plan over a year ahead. The suspension of the national lottery grants will now add to the misery. The…

So ran the headline in the Observer on Sunday 24th May 2020. It was an article by Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital Culture Media and Sport. (  https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/may/24/the-world-looks-to-british-theatre-so-lets-get-it-back-on-track ) The article presented the new task force and working groups which was the same old storey with the usual suspects in place. Of course…

Pete Allen News Letter – July 2023 Welcome to my news letter for July 2023. We have some great gigs coming up. On Sunday 2nd July we move to our new venue in Newbury the Bacon Arms, Oxford Street, Newbury, RG14 1JB. 2.30pm to 5pm.  With special guest DAVE MOORWOOD (banjo/guitar).  Admission £15 at the door, preferably by…