Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Latest news from the Brecon Jazz Club team -  Hello everyone - some Brecon Jazz Festival (BJF) concert updates - THAT HAMMOND (ORGAN) SOUND! If like us you love the sound of the Hammond organ in a jazz set, then our 'ORGANIC' concert is for you. Actually, there isn't anyone who doesn't like the Hammond organ, is there? The only Hammond in the festival this year, we've booked leading artist Jean-paul Gard and he will be fronting with a festival favourite, the wonderful Saxophonist, Dominic Norcross. Yes, you will have heard Dominic play at our jazz club, and perhaps on Festival strollers & fringe gigs too in the past. You won't have heard him team up his Welsh sax virtuosity with the Hammond organ! This is a special, and they are here with a fantastic team of John Davies on guitar and Eddie John on drums. For only £12 per person, and having your lunch a little later, you can either fit this in or make it the highlight of the day/weekend. Please join us to ...

Latest news from the Brecon Jazz Fringe team - Jazz in the bar 2012 @ Theatr Brycheiniog, Canalside, Brecon, LD3 7EW. 8pm start, £6 on the door, Tuesday, 14 February with Paul Munnery's Swing Street band. Paul leads on trombone, with vibes, keyboards, maybe a guest too. Described as 'free-wheeling jazz from the New York nightclub scene of the 1930s - swingers, blues, ballads'. Returning by popular demand, bringing great music back. Line-up: Paul Munnery (trombone/slide guitar), Henry Davis (piano), Rachel Hayward (vibes, guitar), Keith Tolley (double bass), Dion Cochran (drums). You will also notice the date...come for jazz supper. too, restaurant open from 6.15 : group table (fine to be 'solo') or ask for own table. 6.30 Jazz 'Valentines' Supper & Performance for £16 per person on Tues 14 Feb with Theatr Restaurant. Combo ticket/price includes meal, jazz & raffle ticket - what a bargain! Bookings & payments are to the restaurant ple...

Pictures from Brecon Jazz Public meeting held at The George Hotel, Brecon - http://www.flickr.com/photos/29563596@N00/sets/72157628744306811/

Off to Brecon for a public meeting on the future of Brecon Jazz and Brecon Jazz Fringe festivals. Meeting is 6pm at The George Hotel, Brecon.

BBC News - Brecon Jazz: Brewery and concert promoter hope to run event A Cardiff events company and Carmarthenshire brewery both say they are interested in securing the future of Brecon Jazz. It follows the decision of the Hay Festival to end its three-year contract. Promoters Orchard Media and Events said it intends registering "an expression of interest" to take over the Powys music event held every August. Llandeilo brewer Evan Evans said it was also willing to help fund events.

Leading West Wales brewer Evan Evans has offered to help save the Brecon Jazz Fringe Festival after the withdrawal of the Hay management company. Evan Evans, who own the George Hotel in Brecon, one of the main fringe venues, is determined to see jazz live on in Brecon and is prepared to put its money behind the deal. Evan Evans Group Chief Executive Simon Buckley said: "Brecon Jazz is a Welsh institution that, sadly, over the last few years, has lost its way. Far from being a splendid street festival, where it had a carnival atmosphere, the festival has moved towards ever more expensive fixed venue gigs. "It's time to re-focus and provide what the festival followers want. "Over the last few years, the George Hotel has developed its involvement with the Fringe Festival, where thousands of jazz revellers have enjoyed some of the very best music free of charge. The fringe is the way forward for Brecon Jazz. "The Jazz Festival is an important part of our business a...

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue . . . there’s a wonderfully varied line-up at The George Hotel during the Brecon Jazz Festival. The hotel is staging a significant ‘Fringe’ programme during the three-day festival which starts on August 12. The programme is being presented by the owners of The George Hotel, the award-winning Evan-Evans brewery of Llandeilo. Headlining on Saturday, August 13, will be the legendary Mike Harries Root Doctors. The veteran Welsh musician is 78 years young and is living proof that music is always the best medicine. Saturday also sees the spotlight fall on Li Harding (above), whose powerful, gospel-tinged vocal style wins over crowds wherever she performs. She will perform with The Gary (Amigos) Phillips Trio. Last up on Saturday will be one of the Rhondda Valley’s favourite sons, Morty (Gareth Mortimer of Racing Cars fame), who will take the stage with The Frantics. The weekend programme has been assembled by music promoter ...