The last time VAL WISEMAN came to join us at THE SANDS she was greeted by something of an all-star audience including our jazz-loving (and much beloved) MP Anna Firth, and a house-full of afficionadoes of the Great American and British Songbooks who came to hear what (in all of our opinions!) is the greatest – and most regularly under-rated – Swing singer in or beyond the UK. For the past thirty years (or a few more!) Val has been the star of the touring ‘Lady Sings The Blues’ presentation which has paid tribute to the legendary Billie Holiday all over the UK (and Europe) and recorded two successful albums. And last time her concert for us was a reminder of Billie’s repertoire from all of her golden years. Tonight however Val will be paying tribute to all the great Divas of jazz – Ella, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Peggy Lee and many more as well as presenting selections from her original tribute to the Bronte sisters called ‘Keeping The Flame Alive’. Helping her do so will be our Rat Pack Quartet: Digby + TimHuskisson (piano) Roger Curphey (bass) and Alan Clarke (drums). Dining from 7.15/ Music from 8.30 – and it’s FREE! Address: Sands by the Sea, Icon Building, Adventure Island, Western Esplanade, Southend SS1 1EE. For tickets call: 01702 468123