If you love jazz and the blues, then this is for you.
Organisers of this year’s Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival, which starts next Friday 15 July, are calling for volunteers to help the 10 days of amazing music-filled events hit the right note.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the festival in any way is invited to a get-together on Tuesday 12 July, at Velvet Music Rooms in Broad Street, from 7pm.
They will be able to meet festival director Jim Simpson and the volunteer coordinator, plus learn more about volunteer roles needed such as drivers, technical and distribution staff, and site coordination.
As an added bonus for the would-be volunteers, there will be live music from The Sarah Warren Band, courtesy of Henry’s Blueshouse, from 8pm. Admission is free.
The 38th Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 July with 193 performances, including nearly 50 on Westside, with 186 of the performances free to attend.
The festival offers music ranging from hot jazz to cool blues, together with the likes of Big Band swing, Dixieland, jitterbug, jive and even barbershop.
And there will also be free workshops on various musical instruments as well as free dance classes and a Meet the Author session with crime writer Paul Finch.
All in all, the festival has attracted a total of 386 musicians in more than 70 combinations and 91 venues, delivering a total of almost 400 hours of live music – with not a DJ in sight.
Anyone wanting more information can obtain the free 64 page festival programme from The Festival Information Centre at Velvet Music Rooms, from all 91 venues, or obtain an electronic version from www.birminghamjazzfestival.com or admin@bigbearmusic.com
Volunteers interested in attending Velvet Music Rooms on July 12 are asked to email admin@bigbearmusic.com
However, if they are unable to attend the information evening but would still like to volunteer, then they can contact Sarah Yang on 0121 454 7020 or email sarah@bigbearmusic.com
Pictures: Volunteers from previous jazz festivals.
