One of Britain's most famous jazzmen has been signed up for a village festival.Kenny Ball, jazz star for half a century, is to be the guest of honour at the Stradbroke Real Ale and Jazz Festival, taking place from May 11 to 13 in the village near Eye.
One of Britain's most famous jazzmen has been signed up for a village festival.
Kenny Ball, jazz star for half a century, is to be the guest of honour at the Stradbroke Real Ale and Jazz Festival, taking place from May 11 to 13 in the village near Eye.
Mr Ball, who lives near Stansted Airport, has been signed up by Stradbroke's own veteran jazzman, Bob Kerr. The two have known each other for 20 years.
Mr Kerr, who has also been on the jazz circuit for several decades, said: "This year is the tenth anniversary of our festival and we thought we should mark it by signing up one of the big names in jazz. Although I've known Kenny Ball for 20 years I've admired him for much longer."
Mr Kerr, whose Whoopee Band plays through the UK and abroad, said this year's Strad-broke festival - in a marquee at the back of the Queen's Head pub - would also feature the Dixie Jazz bandits, Mary Lou Lambert, Rosie Val and the Cambridge Jazz Company.
Kenny Ball will appear without his band on the Friday night while the Whoopee Band will lead an all-star line-up on the Saturday night.
Tickets for the festival can be obtained from the Queens Head on 01379 384384.
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