A WEEKEND festival dedicated to jazz singing is to be held in Howden.
This year marks the second Hear and Now festival which will feature multi award winning singers Norma Winstone and Ian Shaw.
Norma is considered to be the doyen of British jazz singers and Ian the UK's foremost male jazz singer.
Among the inter
national artists to perform are April Barrows of Nashville and New Yorker Sandi Russell.
There will be an appearance by Trudy Kerr of Australia, from Ireland's Christine Tobin and the unique Norwegian vocal group, Royst.
Also taking part will be the up and coming young Sheffield-based singer, Sally Doherty, and the popular jazz pianist Jonathan Gee who has also developed into a stylish singer.
The prestigious array of accompanying musicians will also include pianists John Horler, Tom Cawley and Piero Tucci, drummers Steve Brown, Phil Johnson and Dave Wickens, bassists Geoff Gascoyne, Andy Cleyndert, Colin Elliot and Steve Rose and Nashville-based guitarist and record producer, David Hungate.
Two morning workshops will take place, one for would-be singers, the other for singers with some experience who want to learn more about jazz singing.
Sunday afternoon will be devoted to The Jazz Factor, a showcase masterclass for emerging young singing talent.
A panel of experts will offer each young performer advice and constructive encouragement. Last year The Jazz Factor proved to be one of the highlights of the festival with high levels of professionalism from those taking part.
Hear and Now festival takes place at Howden's Shire Hall on Market Place on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18.
Tickets are from £8, with a full weekend ticket at £52, and are available on (01430) 432510.
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