News Big Bands at Brenchley bandstand
You are invited to head to Brenchley Gardens this summer and enjoy some fabulous music in beautiful surroundings. A series of free concerts are scheduled to take place on the bandstand every Sunday afternoon from 23 June to 14 July
They have been organised by the Maidstone Area Arts Partnership, with funding from Maidstone Borough Council.
A variety of acts will take to the bandstand in the park to perform from 3pm and entrance is free, so pack up a picnic, bring a blanket - or chair to sit on, and enjoy the music and beautiful surroundings of the Gardens.
The concerts – which start on Sunday 23 June, will begin with the Maidstone Youth Music Society (MYMS), featuring performances by three of their ensembles, as well as the choir. MYMS is a friendly society for young musicians, aged 10 to 18 years, playing string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
On Sunday 30 June, the Jon Hamilton Big Band will take centre stage with guest vocalist Ruth Fahie. Originally formed in 1988. The Tonbridge-based big band comprises 17 regular instrumentalists and three vocalists and their music consists of a huge range of styles from the classics to relative unknowns.
BAE Systems Brass Band will bring their extensive repertoire to the park on Sunday 7 July. The band is based in Rochester has played in concert halls throughout Southern England as well as performing concerts across the continent.
The final concert is on Sunday 14 July will feature the Invicta Jazz Orchestra. This friendly ensemble comprises around 40 amateur musicians, aged from teens to retired. Their repertoire is heavily varied, ranging from Jazz standards and the Big Band Era of the 20s to modern arrangements, and includes both vocal and instrumental numbers, so there’s something for everyone.
Cllr Paul Harper, Chair of the Economic Regeneration & Leisure Committee said:
Following the success of this year’s Proms in the Park, we’re delighted to be able to offer even more fantastic live music in the town this summer. These concerts offer something for everyone with a real mix of styles and genres.
Brenchley Gardens is a beautiful park in the heart of town and it’s great to see the bandstand being used for its intended purpose.
Each concert will start at 3pm and last approximately one and half to two hours. Guests are advised to bring their own chairs or blankets as seating is limited.