"Afternoon at the Proms" brings big band classics to Beeston today
A 17-piece big band, a guest vocalist, and a set list of jazz classics - the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra brings its "Afternoon at the Proms" to Beeston today.
Around 5 degrees at the moment, and up to 10 degrees by 12pm. There will be some rain around lunch time, but either side of that you'll find some dry patches. The wind is not an issue right now, but gusts reach 30 mph by 9am and will last all day.
Today from 2pm until 5:30pm, Beeston Youth & Community Centre will be taken over by the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra (NJO) to bring you An Afternoon at the Proms.
Derek Lawton from the NJO told the Briefing that we can expect familiar songs from big band classics including Count Basie, Buddy Rich, and Gene Krupa. There may even be a James Bond theme on the set list. The 17-piece band will be joined on stage by a vocalist, Amanda Bonsall, who will treat us to songs from Diane Schurr and others.
The band has been around since 1969, albeit with a hiatus in the middle for a chunk of time. It reformed in 1995 when Tommy Saville (pianist and composer) took over as musical director. Tommy is 101 years old now. According to Derek, who has taken over that role, Tommy is as sharp as ever: "He still comes along to see the band, and tells us when we're off tempo."
"We're expecting to play two sets, around an hour each," Derek told us. "Though, we may run over."
The NJO usually performs at the Royal British Legion Club, not far from today's event.
"We've not played at the Community Centre before," Derek said. "I don't think we'll fit on the stage. We may be setting up just in front of it."
An Afternoon at the Proms was originally Proms in the Park, which was supposed to happen in September last year, but was called off due to bad weather.
The event is free, but registering for a ticket is required.
