Mardi Gras JazzBand – Welcome to Farnborough Jazz Club

News letter for last Sunday, 5th June 2022

Diane — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 11:14:57 +0000

We had a lovely audience for Mardi Gras JazzBand on Platinum Jubilee Sunday (5^th June 2022). The band members worked hard themselves, mustering up a few friends. Plus a few of our own friends, some young people, who had often seen Keith’s posters and decided to come, plus old friends who bought extra raffle prizes that certainly added to the fun, due to me still trying to work the raffle machine (you had to be there to understand). Rob’s guys were brilliant, somehow there was a difference between how they sounded in the past. Keith and I both felt it. Was it because of the long Covid lock-downs? Were they all forced to practice more? I don’t mean they were bad before, I just noticed a certain relaxed beautiful togetherness. Please take that as a wonderful compliment guys. I loved the fact that the Social Club members all popped in to say what a great band, some remaining to watch.

Diane and Keith

Mardi Gras Jazz Band, 5th June 2022

Diane — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 13:57:43 +0000

FARNBOROUGH JAZZ – 2022

Each first & third Sunday Monthly (2–5)

At FARNBOROUGH SOCIAL CLUB, KENT

SUNDAY AFTERNOON 5^th JUNE 2022

WE WILL BE CELEBRATING

OUR HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II’s

OWN PLATINUM JUBILEE

WITH MUSIC FROM

MARDI GRAS JAZZ BAND

Presented by

ROB PEARCE – trombone

LEIGH HENSON – trumpet

JOHN ELMER – reeds

RICHARD SIMMONS – piano

STEVE SMITH – d bass

PAUL BAKER – drums

Mardi Gras Jazzband .show off their crazy socks at the request of Diane at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 1st March 2019. L2R Pete Clancy, John Ellmer, Leigh Henson, Rob Pearce, Paul Baker and John Stewart. Photo by Mike Witt.

ENJOYING THE TASTE OF

NEW ORLEANS‘ FUN

(19jun2022

BOB DWYER’S BITS & PIECES)

Mardi Gras Jazzband, Friday, 13th March 2020

Diane — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:51:45 +0000

The MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND is back to entertain you this Friday, 13^th MARCH 2020 at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent). Trombonist band leader, ROB PEARCE has booked trumpeter LEIGH HENSON and JOHN ELLMER, with his many reed instruments to front the band. In the engine room will be JAMIE PARSONS, playing piano, with STEVE SMITH on double bass and drummer DOMINIC COLES. Rob tells me he has some new tunes for us to enjoy, so looking forward to seeing you all. Don’t worry – we won’t have a crowd of 5,000 and I promise not to enforce your forfeit and kiss you, so you will be safe to come out and enjoy yourselves. Just a reminder, music starts at 8:00pm – ending at 11:00pm. You can get a few dances in during that time, as well as a few pints too – Keith can vouch for that (I suppose I can as well – hmmm). I’ve even got back to bringing out the red tablecloths. Bring your family with you, this band appeals to ‘young tastes’ too, being the music is a real Mardi Gras party flavour. Your hosts, Diane and Keith

(I hope to obtain a photo of Jamie later)

Lovely pic of John Ellmer on tenor sax with Tim Huskisson on piano, Rob Pearce on trombone and Leigh Henson on trumpet part of the Mardi Gras JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 19th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Dominic Coles on drums with Mardi Gras Jazzband.

Steve Smith (double bass) with Mardi Gras Jazzband plays Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent)

Mardi Gras Jazzband, Friday, 20 December 2019

Diane — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 11:18:20 +0000

(this is an old Christmas cartoon painting by Keith to Diane)

MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND is to be our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent)’s last jazz band of 2019 AND this Friday, 20th DECEMBER is not only our last gig of the year, but OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY TOO. We always have a wonderful turnout every year (whoever we have playing) and so you all help us make our parties swing full of fun and excitement. This year’s band will be bringing tons of their fun and excitement too. It is MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’s first time of playing our Christmas gig because ROB PEARCE (with his lovely wife, Lisa Jane) plus some of the other guys in the band, often spend Christmas in New Orleans. Most of you know, trombonist Rob leads this band and the fun they have in New Orleans means ‘party time’ – hence their great band name. Rob is bringing with him, PETE RUDEFORTH to play trumpet, with JOHN ELLMER on his many different reed instruments, The brilliant engine will be PAUL BAKER on drums, plus STEVE SMITH on double bass and JOHN STEWART on banjo &guitar. We have already received many bookings, so if you want to be included, then book your seat as soon as possible please, so not to be disappointed in missing out – you don’t have to be a member. It does help me to organise the tables, if you phone beforehand (Tel: 07704190009, or email: [email protected]). You can bring your own food and candelabras, though not your own drink pretty please, we must help the Sports Club make it worth their while keeping their club-priced bar open for us. Oh! and yes, we always include many more raffle prizes at our Christmas parties. So start your Christmas frivolities with our party …. plenty of dancing and off-road free parking. One last thing, we will be closed throughout January, so our next club date will be 7th February – with Golden Eagle Jazz Band starting our new year 2020 off. Best wishes for Merry Christmas, a Happy Healthy New Year and thanks for supporting us during 2019 – from Diane and Keith – your hosts.

Keith and my next two performances of ‘4-In-A-Bar+1’ at Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Locks Bottom will be SUNDAY 29th DECEMBER 2019 and SUNDAY 26th JANUARY 2020

Mardi Gras Jazzband .show off their crazy socks at the request of Dane at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent. 1st March 2019. L2R Pete Clancy, John Ellmer, Leigh Henson, Rob Pearce, Paul Baker and John Stewart. Photo by Mike Witt.

Mardi Gras Jazzband at Farnborough Jazz Club March 2019 – that’s Rob Pearce under that hat – with John Stewart on banjo

Pete Rudeforth on trumpet, seen here with John Tyson on drums playing with Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough JC 11Sep2015 . Photo by Mike Witt.

Rob Pearce, trombonist and leader of Mardi Gras JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club, 1st March 2019. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Ellmer plays sax with Mardi Gras JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) 1Mar 2019.

John Stewart on banjo with Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Paul Baker (drums) with Mardi Grass JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club 1Mar2019, Photo by Mike Witt.

Steve Smith (double bass) with Mardi Gras Jazzband Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent)

Mardi Gras JazzBand, 22nd November 2019

Diane — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 12:20:50 +0000

MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND’ is run by trombonist ROB PEARCE. He has his lovely band here tonight, Friday, 22 NOVEMBER 2019 at our Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). He is bringing with him LEIGH HENSON on trumpet & flugelhorn, JOHN ELLMER on his many different reed instruments, PETE CLANSY on double bass, with DON COLES on drums AND this week, TONY PITT on banjo. This is a band who always bring happiness wherever they go. They often go to New Orleans, so that’s the sort of fun I mean. This year, this band is our Christmas party entertainment (Friday, 20^th December). We are already receiving bookings. So, if you want to be included, then book your seat as soon as possible, so not to be disappointed in missing out. Christmas always include many more raffle prizes. You can bring your own food (though not drink please, the bar must make it worth their while staying open for us), but you can bring candelabras if you want. (photos to be added this afternoon, need to shop for tonight’s raffle prizes now!!!!! ) Your hosts, Diane and Keith.

Mardi Gras JazzBand, Friday, 27th September 2019

Diane — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 21:32:07 +0000

Hi everyone, the exciting MARDI GRAS JazzBand are back here tomorrow evening, this Friday, 27^th September 2019 at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent). Due to their enormous popularity, they have been approached for many dates, thus becoming fully booked all week and turning away many gigs. Of course, as they are regular visitors to New Orleans, they play lots of different and exciting songs and hence their great popularity. These super guys in the band are band leader, ROB PEARCE playing trombone, LEIGH HENSON on trumpet & flugelhorn, JOHN ELLMER, with his many reed instruments, plus ROGER LEWIN, playing piano, with STEVE SMITH playing double bass and lovely drummer, PAUL BAKER. I’m sure a lot of you will be looking forward to a bit of fun and to dance the night away so get here early, grab a seat, joining us your hosts, Diane ‘n’ Keith. (Ok – took me more than couple of hrs to publish these photos! Also, sorry Rob – didn’t have one of you – think you were over side of the room to Alan – Diane)

Leigh Henderson (trumpet) of Mardi Gras at Farnborough JC Kent 1Mar2019. Photo by Alan Walker.

John Ellma plays sax with Mardi Gras JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) 1Mar 2019. Photo by Alan Walker.

Paul Baker (drums) with Mardi Gras JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) 1mar2019. Photo by Alan Walker.

Paul Baker (drums) & John Stewart (bajo/guitar) with Mardi Gras JazzBand at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) 1mar2019. Photo by Alan Walker.

Pete Clancy (bass) of Mardi Gras JB at Farnborough JC Kent 1stMar2019. Photo by Alan Walker

Mardi Gras JazzBand, Friday, 19th July 2019

Diane — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 14:02:34 +0000

We’re going to the MARDI GRAS, why not come too. It’s this Friday, 19^th July 2019 at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent). That is when the MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND will be with us, bringing the New Orleans sparkle of magic with them… they go regularly. I promise, you will hanker to go there yourselves, but if you cant, just grab some of that magic from here.

The musicians are trombonist band leader, ROB PEARCE and with him will be LEIGH HENSON on trumpet & flugelhorn, plus JOHN ELLMER, who usually brings all manor of reed instruments with him to play. ROGER LEWIN is back for his second visit to us, playing piano (although he had played here some years ago). Then there will be STEVE SMITH on double bass and of course, PAUL BAKER on drums, smiling away at the back.

I shall be wearing my beads they gave to me, during their last visit here. Yep, looking forward to a bit of fun and dance the night away. Come on … join us – your hosts, Diane and Keith. P.S A rush job in the end, Sorry, I found I had repeated photos, plus unable to find a picture of Steve (sorry Steve). Hopefully my time will be more peaceful soon to allow me to sort out and publish the lovely photos sent to me from both Alan Walker and Mike Witt.

Mardi Gras Jazzband at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) 1st March 2019. Showing off their cheeky socks at Diane’s request . L to R: Pete Clancy (d.bass), John Ellmer (many reeds), Leigh Henson (trumpet/flugelhorn), Rob Pearce (trombone), Paul Baker (drums) and John Stewart (banjo/guitar). Photo by MIke Witt.

Mardi Gras Jazzband, 24th May 2019

Diane — Fri, 24 May 2019 09:50:46 +0000

It’s MARDI GRAS time tonight, Friday 24^th May 2019 at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent). That is when the MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND do their stuff. These guys make regular visits to New Orleans and so they do really know their stuff, often wearing lovely happy blazers, complete with Mardi Gras beads. You will be sure to enjoy the true spirit of New Orleans tonight. The musicians trombonist band leader, ROB PEARCE has booked, is LEIGH HENSON on trumpet & flugelhorn, plus of course JOHN ELLMER on his many reeds and PAUL BAKER on drums. Joining us for the first time is ROGER LEWIN on piano. So please let’s give him a great big warm Farnbronian welcome. Your hosts, Diane and Keith

Mardi Gras Jazzband, 1st March 2019

Diane — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 13:06:21 +0000

We have the MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND here for you tonight, Friday 1^st March 2019 at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent). The last time Mardi Gras JC were here, it was our first night of the year. It spelt disaster as we had the first heavy snow and we were unsure if we should cancel. But what a brilliant evening for those of you who braved the elements and turned up to listen, enjoyed a dance and had a pint or three. Rob had been in London all day, attending a big British Lion’s rugby do, so he arrived at our club with huge intentions to give us a huge party and that he did. He played brilliantly and his lovely band joined him in the same spirit. So now I can tell you to turn up tonight, because they just must match that evening, hmmm. The musicians with trombone player and band leader, ROB PEARCE, will be LEIGH HENSON on trumpet & flugelhorn, plus of course JOHN ELLMER on his many reeds. In the engine will be JOHN STEWART on banjo & guitar, PETE CLANCY on bass and PAUL BAKER on drums. Say, if you are Welsh, what better reason but to come out for the evening – It is St. David’s Day. Join your hosts, Diane and Keith

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

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

Pete Clancy seen here playing double bass with Sussex Jazz Kings at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 29th April 2016.
Photo by Mike Witt.

FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB IS OPENING TONIGHT 1ST FEBRUARY 2019 WITH MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND

Diane — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 13:49:40 +0000

IT IS RAINING AND WARMER HERE, SO WE ARE GOING AHEAD WITH TONIGHT 1ST FEBRUARY. I’ll tell you though, we have ummed and ahhed as to if we should cancel or not.

Yippee, I am ready, fun provided by MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND.
Trombone player and band leader ROB PEARCE will have with him LEIGH HENSON on trumpet, JOHN ELLMER on his many reeds, JOHN STEWART on banjo & guitar, STEVE SMITH on bass and DOMINIC COLES on drums.

I cannot believe it though! We closed for the whole of January and of course, the weather was fine. But our first day back and ice & snow! Well, what else aye! Anyway, rain is here and temperature is up. Many of you realise that if we ever need to cancel, it is a huge job to reach the many unknown numbers of you who may turn up, especially those not on computers. During which time, the weather can change and warm up. But we have to make the decision earlier in the day, to give time to reach you all. Once we decide to cancel and start calling people, there is no going back. The main reason for any cancellation is always due to the car park having no movement during the day, so snow or ice doesnt disappear. However, the nursery school is open today, so there has bee plenty of cars in the car park. So let’s be seeing you all – get there!

Rob Pearce of Mardi Gras JazzBand taken at Diane’s birthday party 12jan2018 by Mike Witt

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.

Smiley John Stewart on Banjo with Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Your hosts Diane and Keith