Dixieland comes to Ards

The sounds of Dixieland come to Ards next weekend when the Bourbon Swing Jazz Band take to the stage.

One of the best bands in Northern Ireland to play in the tradition of the famous early jazz from New Orleans, the band draws capacity crowds and is expected to attract a full house when they play the latest Friday Night Live gig in the Town Hall Arts Centre.

With influences ranging from King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton to Louis Armstrong, the Bourbon Swing Jazz Band draws upon a substantial repertoire of tunes from the early 20th century, staying faithful to the tradition of the Louisiana delta.

The band includes Victor Staley (banjo), David Smith (bass), Harry Burns (drums), and Trevor Foster or Ivan McCormack (clarinet), and is led by Bill Cheney on trumpet, all of whom have played at international jazz events from Sacramento, Australia and New Zealand to France, Scotland and England.

The Bourbon Swing New Orleans Jazz Band performs on Friday March 26 at 8 pm in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. The event is €bring your own€ and tickets priced £5 are available from the Centre, on: 02891 810803.