For the past fourteen years I’ve been collaborating with my great friend Jim Bayne to raise funds for his wonderful Charity ‘Softpower’ which builds schools for children with special needs in Uganda. IN 2022 Jim chose to change his base of operations from The Hunter Club in his home town of Bury St Edmunds to The Jazz Centre UK here in Southend, and I’ve been honoured to carry on collaborating with him in fixing tremendous all-star concerts in the theatre at the Beecroft Art Gallery where The Jazz Centre UK has held sway ever since 2016. This afternoon Jim has surpassed himself with an all-star bill including VAL WISEMAN (the star of the travelling tribute-show to Billie Holiday called ‘Lady Sings The Blues’) plus ROBERT FOWLER and JULIAN MARC STRINGLE (clarinet/saxes) NICK DAWSON (piano/vocals) DAVE GREEN (double bass) and ERIC FORD (drums). Shades of ‘Jazz At The Philharmonic’ come to mind! Anyhow for this afternoon the music plays from 2-4pm and the tickets are £15.00. You can book on the Jazz Centre website: www.thejazzcentreuk.co.uk or Jim himself on 01284 762508. Definitely an all-star concert not to miss so I look forward to seeing you there!