Ther’s never been a more popular guest at The Sands than clarinettist JULIAN MARC STRINGLE whose rock-star good looks match his incomparable gifts as a musician! Julian began playing clarinet at the age of 12; was mentored by the legendary Acker Bilk early on, and by Millenium year had already been called by the late Sir John Dankworth:‘an immense talent! Probably the best clarinettist to emerge in British jazz for several decades. His playing has ‘world class’ written all over it’. Julian was commissioned by Sir John to play all his later classical works in concert at Wavendon and elsewhere, and also won the Best Clarinettist category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards; the longest running awards that recognise talent from the world of UK jazz music. When not touring as a soloist, Julian also leads his poll-winning ‘Dream Band’ (with guitarist Dominic Ashworth) which plays regularly at London’s legendary 606 Club and was also the fellow-founder of Digby Fairweather’s poll-winning ‘Half Dozen’, formed in 1995 and still playing today. So don’t miss this unforgettable evening. Phone (01702) 468123 (after 2pm) for tickets to make sure of a seat, as the club is regularly booked to capacity these (happy!) days! As you know the music is FREE (we start at 8pm) – and so is parking on Southend seafront. Oh, and the address? Icon Building Western Esplanade, Southend SS1 1EE. Look forward to seeing you!