Following the Government’s announcements of 16 March, Codsall Arts Festival Committee has agreed with The Chicago Teddybears that the performance on Fri 27th March will not take place due to circumstances beyond our control (coronavirus).

The Chicago Teddybears Society Jazz Band originated in Manchester in the 1970s. The name came from a short-lived American television sitcom set in Prohibition-era Chicago. Fortunately, the band has proved more durable than the television series and has entertained audiences across the UK and Europe for nearly fifty years. During that period, inevitable changes in personnel have expanded the band’s repertoire to encompass many styles of jazz – from Dixieland through New Orleans to mainstream and on to swing and jump-jive. Always lively and exuberant, the band’s versatility sees them playing at weddings, corporate events and garden parties as well as more traditional jazz clubs and festivals.

The current band members are:

Brian Singleton. The longest serving member having played drums with the band for over 30 years.

Rae Owens. A member for over 25 years, Rae plays string bass, sings and fronts the band.

John Hallam. One of the best-known players of reed instruments in the UK, John has played regularly with the band for more than 10 years.

James Lucas. Joined the band in 2013, playing trumpet and – occasionally – tenor horn.

Andrew MacKenzie. Joined the band in 2014. Andrew plays trombone and sings.

Ed Lee. The newest member having joined in 2015. Ed plays keyboard and sings.

For this event, unreserved seating will be at tables and you are invited to bring along a picnic. The bar will open at 6:30pm.

Please note that it is not permitted to consume alcohol not purchased at the bar.

www.chicago-teddybears-sjb.co.uk