Pizza on the Park news

The news that Pizza on the Park has been given a reprieve until September to continue putting on live music (rather than the original June) is music to my ears!

There's a rather interesting article in the Times, which you can read by clicking here.

There is a good possibility that I'll be doing a gig there - for the last time ever! - in September. Watch this space for more.

Campaigning for Jazz

Pizza on the Park is set to close. This would be a terrible loss to the London jazz scene. Having performed at Pizza on the Park monthly for most of 2008 and some of 2010, I am deeply saddened by this news. This wonderful venue - the best listening room in town - really gave me a leg up to becoming better known in the jazz scene, both in London and nationally.

To join the campaign against closure, there's a rapidly growing facebook group.

The LondonJazz has blogged the situation (click here).

There's an interesting article in the Guardian (click here), which may convince those who believe its fate is already sealed, that there is hope.

Another campaign which I urge you to contribute to, is the following, led by jazz services: http://www.jazzservices.org.uk/JazzBusiness/JazzOffAir/tabid/206/Default.aspx

It is campaigning for more jazz on the BBC, as more and more channels are being cut, amid a growing fan-base for jazz.

Thanks for your support. Goodness knows, in the current political climate, it is desperately needed!

News - February and March

Jazz Singing Competition

On Wednesday, I leave for Lithuania. I will be being judged on my jazz singing ability in the International Jazz Voices 2010 Competition, and hoping that it won't be too cold! The semi-final is on Thursday, with the final being on Friday, and the victory gig on Saturday. On Sunday I'll return to England.

The semi-final program dictates that I sing two songs - one from the compulsory list (Girl from Ipanema - which I've chosen to sing in Portuguese) and one of my own choice (I only have eyes for you). The final gives the choice of two from the compulsory list (Honeysuckle Rose/Georgia on my mind) and one of my own choosing (I can't get started).

Later this year, I hope to be involved in two more International jazz singing competitions - one at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, and another in Poland (Voicingers).

UK Jazz Radio

UK Jazz Radio has selected my debut album as their CD of the month for two months running. Listen to this Internet-based radio station by clicking here.

Pizza on the Park

I have just heard the sad news that Pizza on the Park will definitely be closing in June this year. A terrible loss of an iconic London venue, the effect to live jazz and to musicians in this country will be far greater than one can conceive at this time. This kind of venue is much-needed in a city where jazz venues are dwindling in number. Having sung there on 12 occasions over a period of 2 years, I am very saddened by this news, as I am fond of the place where I met and performed with many a superb jazz musician. A great loss from the memory of jazz legends to the future stars of live music performance.

Monthly Newsletter

From this month, my newsletter will be arriving monthly. If you don't wish to receive monthly updates then please let me know via email.

Forthcoming gigs - February and March

Thursday 18th February Pizza on the Park, 11 Knightsbridge, London SW1 8:30 start (doors open 7pm) Booking is advised: 08456 027017 or www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk Darren Altman (drums), Rick Simpson (piano), Matt Ridley (bass) We will be previewing material from my new album - and I will be able to sign exclusive pre-release copies after the performance and during the interval. Wednesday 17th March ALBUM LAUNCH The official launch of my album, this gig will feature the quartet and a special appearance from vibes virtuoso Jim Hart. I will be signing copies of my album during the interval and after the performance. The show starts at 7:30, and will be finished by 10pm, giving you a chance to catch a train home in reasonable time! Either this, or stay to catch the late-night band. 606 club, 90 Lots Road, London SW10 0QD 7:30 start (doors open 6pm) Booking is strongly advised: 020 7352 5953 or www.606club.co.uk Darren Altman (drums), Rick Simpson (piano), Tom Farmer (bass), Jim Hart (vibes) The club has excellent food at fair prices. Sunday 21st March Hugo’s restaurant, 25 Lonsdale Road, London NW6 6RA 8pm Book a table: 020 7372 1232

News - January

Snow! What an exasperating weather condition. A sprinkling too much, and our transport system shuts down, we run out of grit, and people are forced to stay in. Such a situation presented itself in early January, coinciding with my first gig at Pizza on the Park. A stalwart few were in the audience, including a gentleman who I happen to share a birthday with, making the total tally of shared birthdays in the room 3 (including my twin sister). My next, and last performance at Pizza on the Park is Thursday 18th February. Hopefully snow will not be a problem. This month, I visited a great new jazz venue called the Hideaway in Streatham. The performance was from Julian Stringle and his band. Breathtaking. The Hideaway is a fantastic little place, aptly named because it’s hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Streatham High Road. Top-class London jazz acts are featured here every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. More information is on www.hideawaylive.co.uk. This month’s Tomorrow’s Face gig at the Bull’s Head was very successful - a bigger audience than usual, and it gave me a chance to practise my piano skills as our pianist didn’t show. This venue still needs great support, and we’ll be there again on Sunday March 28th.

Next gig

Sarah Ellen Hughes next appears at Pizza on the Park on 18th February 2010.

This will be her last performance at this great venue, as she will then be spending the next few months touring her forthcoming album.

Her brilliant band features:

Darren Altman (drums)

Matt Ridley (bass)

Rick Simpson (piano)

Also, check out her Album launch on 17th March at the 606 club.

Tom Farmer will be on bass, and the band will be joined by the fantastic vibes virtuoso Jim Hart.

Forthcoming gigs - January and February

Following a successful run in 2008 at Pizza on the Park, I will be returning there with my quartet for two dates only. Live jazz may well be a thing of the past at Pizza on the Park following talks in mid-2010 about the lease of the venue, so this could be the last chance to catch my quartet at this historic venue.

Thursday 7th January

Pizza on the Park, 11 Knightsbridge

Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner

Music from 8:30; doors open 7pm

£15 on the door

For more information visit www.geddesentertainments.com

Thursday 18th February

Pizza on the Park, 11 Knightsbridge

Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner

Music from 8:30; doors open 7pm

£15 on the door

For more information visit www.geddesentertainments.com