2:13pm Friday 2nd May 2008
By Ellie Hargreaves
Keswick's Theatre by the Lake is getting ready to play host to the ever popular Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival from Wednesday (May 7) to Sunday (May 11).
As well as featuring some of the most exciting toe tapping talent from around the world, including stars such as Keith Nichols, Alan Barnes, Randy Sandke and Jeff Barnhart, there are also a number of local performers set to take the limelight this year.
Keswick School Jazz Orchestra is also due to play. The band, now three years old, has over thirty members and due to the sell-out success of last year's concert has doubled its appearance this year with two performances - taking place on Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9 from 6-7pm at Southey Street Methodist Church.
The Band has also attracted some inspirational guest soloists with upcoming 20-year-old jazz artist Amy Roberts joining them on Thursday, and the legendary American trombone player Jim Fryer on Friday.
Other local performers include Cockermouth based singer Caroline Sweeney and the Brian Melville Band.
Expect a mixture of modern jazz and swing music at their performance on Sunday, May 11 at 12pm at Keswick Masonic Hall.
Theatre by the Lake's executive director, Patric Gilchrist, said: "The Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival's reputation is growing year on year; it just keeps getting better and better. People come to visit this festival from all over the world and it's great to see the benefits locally with school groups and regionally based jazz bands being able to thrive from such an atmosphere. Once again this year promises to be a spectacular success."
This year the festival is releasing a limited number of evening stroller tickets covering all events from 7.30pm on Fri 9, Sat 10 and Sun 11 May.
Tickets (Fri £10, Sat £15 & Sun £10) are now available from Theatre by the Lake's ticket office on 017687-74411. Or visit www.theatrebythelake.com or www.keswickjazzfestival.co.uk
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