Excited to be invited back for the third year running, the Somethin' Else Big Band returned to open the eagerly-anticipated Wood Street Jazz Festival, delivering a fantastic set of toe-tapping, finger-clicking classic Big Band Swing and Latin music.

 

This year we welcomed an all-star section, featuring multi-award winning guitarist Nigel Price and legendary bassist Andy Cleyndert. The band were also excited to feature guest vocalist Peter Jones. 

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The event was held in and around a large marquee on Wood Street Village Green, transforming the village into an vibrant, family-friendly jazz hub for the afternoon with a programme which this year featured Sara Dowling, one of the most exciting new singers to emerge on the British Jazz scene, saxophonist Mark Crooks, soloist with the internationally acclaimed John Wilson Orchestra, and the guitar duo of International World music artists Giorgio Serci and Pete Roth. All proceeds from the afternoon went to local charity Challengers, who provide vital play and leisure opportunities and parental support for local disabled children and young people. Thanks to Jeff Lloyd and Paul Miller for the photos.