THE MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND played for us here at our Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 7th December 2018.  Sorry that I was unable to put a newsletter onboard – I will reveal why at a later date.  Trombone player and band leader ROB PEARCE brought his lovely band, playing in such form.  They are such a happy band (giving that super Mardi Gras feeling (complete with beads everywhere, plus presents for the raffle from New Orleans).  It was his usual band members, LEIGH HENSON on trumpet, JOHN ELLMER on his many reeds, JOHN STEWART on banjo & guitar, STEVE SMITH on bass and PAUL BAKER on drums.  Mike Witt took many photos, which I will upload here soon – I promise

Your hosts – the Granties 

Hey it’s the Mardi Gras JazzBand with band leader Rob Pearce (trombone), Leigh Henson (trumpe/vocalst), John Ellmer (reeds&things), Marc Easener (bass /sousaphone), John Stewart (banjo/guitar) and Paul Baker (drums). at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 13th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Rob Pearce seen here with his own band – Mardi Gras at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 24th June 2016. Photo by Peter Marr.

Another Friday is fast approaching (FRIDAY, 10^th AUGUST 2018) and you are wanting to know who we have booked for you at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB, yes?  Great news, it’s the marvellous ‘MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’.  Keith and I love them, because they are always full of fun (well they’re not called the Mardi Gras for nothing).  They play a mixture of jazz for all preferences.  I said last time, band leader (trombonist) ROB PEARCE, is a frequent visitor of New Orleans, really ‘living’ his jazz.  Rob again, is joined by LEIGH HENSON (trumpet), plus JOHN ELLMER (reeds by the dozen), JOHN STEWART (banjo & guitar), STEVE SMITH (bass) and PAUL BAKER (drums).  Come on over to Farnborough Village.  We are in the Sports Club and will be enjoying ourselves with a pint, or two (etc) of Shepherd Neame’s brew.  We have a great atmosphere here, have a free carpark.  So, don’t be shy, come and listen and for still only £10, see how we keep young here.

UNDER 25YR OLDS –  IN FOR FREE  limited period!

Diane and Keith

Rob Pearce of Mardi Gras JazzBand  seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club taken at Diane’s birthday party 12jan2018 by Mike Witt.

Super band leader, ROB PEARCE, who plays trombone, often visits New Orleans, so he just ‘lives’ his music.  Oh, by the way, he just recently got married too (just before Keith and I) to a beautiful young lady (Liz) who often joins him here at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB.  Tonight, 27^th APRIL 2018, Rob’s super band will be LEIGH HENSON on trumpet, plus  JOHN ELLMER on his many reeds, JOHN STEWART on banjo & guitar, STEVE SMITH on bass and PAUL BAKER on drums. Looking forward to seeing you all tonight to dance the night away.

Your hosts – the Granties 

P.S.  I shall return tomorrow to update this photo.

John Lee plays tenor sax (seen here on 22nd April 2016 playing for for Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band (behind are Jim Douglas, Laurie and Pete Skivington) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) . Photo by Mike Witt)

P.S. Plus Sunday’s gig too, ‘4-IN-A-BAR+1’, who play ‘Smooth Dinner Jazz’ at YE OLDE WHYTE LYON, LOCKS BOTTOM, Kent this SUNDAY, 29TH APRIL 2018, 3:00PM-6:00PM,  The musicians are JOHN LEE on tenor sax, TIM HUSKISSON on piano, ROGER CURPHEY (double bass), with KEITH GRANT (drums) and me (DIANE), singing a few songs.  (Always the last Sunday of each month).  Treat yourself and book a roast lunch (Tel: 01689-852631) served between 12:00 & 5:00pm.  Last time everyone loved the music, with many enjoying the newish chef’s Sunday roast. This delightful Shepherd Neame pub (dated 1626) is situated in Locks Bottom, BR6 8NE, next door to Sainsbury’s & PRU Hospital. Sainsbury’ parking has changed on Sundays £2 ‘til 4:00pm (refundable for goods Sainsbury’s) with a walk-thru to pub at far right corner (face Sainsbury’s).

Oh yes, also please read previous input about  info re heart attacks if you are on your own and what you can do.

Hey,  all you lovely jazzers, the  FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) is up and running again and I bet you have missed us too.  So we expect you all to come pouring through that door this coming Friday, 2nd February, 2018 to enjoy the fabulous ’MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’. 

Rob Pierce on trumpet, Mardi Gras JazzBand at Diane’s 75th party 12 January 2018 at Farnborough Jazz Club. Photo by Mike Witt.

Trombonist band leader ROB PEARCE is back to start our club’s year off with his band and their wonderful top notch music.  Oh by the way, a happy new year everybody.  Rob’s super band will have LEIGH HENSON on trumpet, JOHN ELLMER on his many reeds, JOHN STEWART on banjo & guitar, STEVE SMITH on bass and PAUL BAKER on drums.  You have had plenty of time to get rid of those naughty Christmas inches, but if not (and I certainly haven’t), you know what will help.  Well practically all of you know we love to dance here, which is part of what makes for our happy atmosphere.  That obviously includes a lovely little bar (with club prices) run by Ian, Kath and Barb.

So please join your hosts,

Diane and Keith (the Grantees)

John Stewart on guitar and Paul Baker on drums with Mardi Gras Jazzband at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 13th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The ’MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’ will be our band here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) this Friday, 8^th December 2017.  Trombonist ROB PEARCE (band leader) has booked  LEIGH HENSON on trumpet, JOHN ELLMER with all his reeds, JOHN STEWART with his banjo and guitar,STEVE SMITH on bass and PAUL BAKER playing drums. After a fabulous evening last week, they have a brilliant act to follow, but Rob’s boys will have little trouble following, we have no doubt.  So get down here, with your dancing shoes and be a part of the happy atmosphere we ALL create.

Your hosts, as always, (well during the last two months anyway – to the day, hmm)

The Grantees

Mardi Gras JazzBand at Keith & Diane’s Wedding 8oct2017, Donnington Manor Hotel. Band leader Rob Pearce-trombone, Leigh Henson-trumpet, John Ellmer-reeds, Jonathan Vinton-piano, Andy Lawrence-d.bass & Paul Baker-drums, Seen here sitting in – Keith on drums, Roger Curphey on d.bass & Diane singing ‘I cant give you anything but love’. Photo by Anje Jenn.

Oh my, the cold nights are certainly drawing in since the clocks ‘fell back’, but not to worry, the ’MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’ (the band we had at our wedding) will warm the cockles of your hearts if you come this Friday, 10^th November 2017.  I know a lot of you will agree and join us here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent), so it should be another cracking good evening to last you another week.  Band leader trombonist, (and old married man) ROB PEARCE will be joined by LEIGH HENSON (trumpet), JOHN ELLMER (with all his reeds), JOHN STEWART (banjo/guitar), STEVE SMITH (double bass) and PAUL BAKER on drums – a lovely line-up.  Any newcomers, just to tell you, we enjoy dancing, we have plenty of free parking and of course, lovely Shepheard Neame’s beer.

Your hosts, The Grantees

P.S.  We received our first anniversary card – married 1 month – with the sentiments, ‘and they said it wouldn’t last!’ (thanks Jean).

Rob Pearce, band leader of Mardi Gras JazzBand, plays trombone at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 19th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

We have the ’MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’ tonight, Friday, 29^th September 2017.  So get down here and join us at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  What band of merry men do we have here for you?  Well, trombonist & band leader (& newly married) ROB PEARCE, has booked PETE RUTHFORTH (trumpet), JOHN ELLMER (a conglomeration of reeds), plus I think a warm Farnbronian welcome to newcomer  TOM BRIARS (sousaphone), JOHN STEWART (banjo/guitar), ANDY LAWRENCE (double bass) and PAUL BAKER on drums.  So expect to hear some fabulous jazz.  If you don’t, without a doubt, we’ll be saying to you next time we see you (as an old friend used to say), “Oh did you miss a gig”.  See you all for an 8:00pm start – yes?

Your hosts,

Diane and Keith

Leigh Henson (trumpet) and Rob Pearce (tombone) with Mardi Gras JazzBand play    at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on         19th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Well, here we go again, another Friday (being 18^th August 2017) and as usual, it is bound to be full of fun and great music, because we have the great ’MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’ back again at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  Band leader & trombonist ROB PEARCE, has booked the following super musicians to join him, vocalist LEIGH HENSON on trumpet, JOHN ELLMER on (usually lots of) reeds, JAMIE PARSONS on piano, ROGER CURPHEY on double bass and not forgetting PAUL BAKER on drums.  Our lovely girls – Cath and Barb – will be behind the bar, serving you with a smile.  So come and join us – music will start at 8:00pm, ending at 11:00pm as usual.

Your hosts, Diane and Keith

Mardi Gras JazzBand’s front line – John Ellmer (tenor sax), Leigh Henson (trumpe)t and Rob Pearce (trombone) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 13th May 2016.         Photo by Mike Witt.

Brilliant – the guys in the ’MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’ have agreed to play for us again here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) on Friday, 12^th May 2017.  Keith and I always enjoy them because they really make the evening swing.  Trombonist & band leader ROB PEARCE, will have with him vocalist LEIGH HENSON, on trumpet, JOHN ELLMER on reeds, JAMIE PARSONS on piano, DAVE MOSES on double bass and not forgetting PAUL BAKER on drums, now how’s that for a great line-up.  So see you all for an 8:00pm start.

Before I close, I just want to tell you of the wonderful party a lot of us went to yesterday (Tuesday) to celebrate Brian ‘The Hat’ Stout’s life.  What a party it was too!  I’m sure Brian would have been thrilled to know (that as he requested) Rima and his lovely family arrange and made sure it was such a great ‘do’.  There were so many of his friends from the cycling clubs and the various jazz clubs too, joining in the celebration – we all really enjoyed ourselves, with many hats being worn.  Now we know we have a dancer where he’s gone to – and if there’s no cycling, I’m sure he will quickly arrange for that too aye.

Diane and Keith

Brian ‘The Hat’ Stoat (2017) was a keen cyclist, lover of jazz and a great dancer (2)

Brian ‘The Hat’ Stoat (2017) was a keen cyclist, lover of jazz and a great dancer (1)

Mardi Gras JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 24th June 2016. Band leader Rob Pearce (trombone). and Paul Baker (drums) Photo by Peter Marr.

The ’MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’ will again be set to entertain you at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) on Friday, 16^th DECEMBER 2016.  Trombonist & band leader ROB PEARCE, will be joined by   trumpeter & vocalist PETER LEONARD, reads man extraordinaire, JOHN ELLMER, pianist TIM HUSKISSON, bassist and Sousaphone player MARC EASENER and  including drummer PAUL BAKER.  As I said last time, you will certainly enjoy what you hear, even what you see, so again join us this evening for an 8:00pm start.

Keep Jazz ‘live’

Your hosts, Diane and Keith