If you have not yet discovered the monthly Sunday evening jazz at the Riverside Arts Centre (RAC), courtesy of Mood Indigo Events, then you have been missing out on something special. In the heart of Sunbury we have been treated to some sensational quality playing. Mood Indigo was set up by Janet McCann and Terence Collie to put on and promote high quality jazz in the area. They work tirelessly to bring some real talent together to celebrate jazz. They also both perform and boy you should hear Terry on the piano!
The duo have also been running an annual jazz festival based out of Hampton. This year, the 5th festival will include Sunbury in the line up so you can join in at the RAC. There is a great line up of artists at the three venues: Riverside Arts Centre, Hampton Hill Theatre and Parkshot in Richmond. Do check the website at the end of this article for the full schedule. Amongst artists are internationally acclaimed and multiple GRAMMY-nominated pianist, composer and arranger Geoffrey Keezer. He started his career as an 18 year old, playing with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. He closes the festival on Sunday June 4th with a group that also features Canadian vocalist Gillian Margot.
There will also be an eclectic mix from the seventeen piece Gareth Lockrane Big Band to Dom Pipkin’s solo show. The next generation of breakthrough talent with British Jazz Awards “Rising Star” 2016 Alexander Bone will also feature and regular festival performers the Richmond Youth Jazz Band have a slot too. There will be a free open-to-all jam session and for the first time a workshop masterclass.
Co director Terry Collie said “We are essentially a two-person team and are committed to organising gigs throughout the year. We put on this event because we love this music; for us it’s a joy to experience the wonderful live performances every year and we love giving both musicians and audiences an opportunity to enjoy this amazing art form in an intimate, great-sounding concert environment. This festival brings to the TW postcode the highest quality music for exceptional value.”