Jazz Cafe Big Bash – Saturday 13 April 2013

The co-operative set up after the closure of Newcastle’s famous Jazz Cafe is holding a night of jazz, poetry and dance on Saturday 13 April at the Black Swan (part of Newcastle Arts Centre).  The Jazz Cafe Big Bash starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 1am; admission is £5 (£4 for students).

The programme features some of the region’s finest jazz musicians including a rare pairing of blues singer Mo Scott and jazz pianist Paul Edis, the exciting Strictly Smokin’ Big Band and the award-winning afro-funk band Hannabiell and Midnight Blue, as well as local poets Jenni Pascoe, Steve Urwin and Scott Tyrell and DJ Serena Cee from Swing Tyne.

As well as showcasing some great music and poetry, the Jazz Cafe Big Bash is intended to raise the profile of Pink Lane Jazz Co-op.  People will have the opportunity to find out more about the co-op and will be welcome to become members, volunteers and/or donors.

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op was set up by a group of local residents, jazz lovers, musicians, poets and others who were inspired by Newcastle’s iconic Jazz Cafe, which closed following the untimely death of the proprietor Keith Crombie on 29 December 2012.

The co-op’s aim is to support the rehearsal, performance, promotion and development of jazz, poetry, dance and related arts.  It is promoting a series of gigs at various venues until it can hold events at the Jazz Cafe in Pink Lane.

One of the founders of Pink Lane Jazz Co-op, Dave Parker, said: “We know that the Jazz Cafe will never be the same without Keith [Crombie] but we hope that the co-op can continue some of the things he established there, particularly the performance of live jazz in relaxed surroundings and the encouragement of creative talent.  We want people to join the co-op and help to make this happen.”