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In 2003 a small committee was formed to organise a one off fundraising Black Tie Jazz Dinner to help raise funds for restoration work on St. Bartholomew’s Church in Orford, Suffolk. A marquee was ordered, menus fixed, 250 tickets sold and a little known singer/pianist booked to entertain. Unfortunately, shortly before the event was due to take place, the little known entertainer hit the big time and had to pull out of his commitment in Orford. The event went ahead with the captivating Victoria Newton proving to be a worthy replacement with her Latin American influenced performance encouraging the diners to work off the calories after dinner.
To make up for the cancellation the original singer/pianist offered another date and agreed to perform at a Picnic Jazz event later in the year in the gardens of a large house on the river in Orford. As a result, Jamie Cullum was responsible for launching an event that has been repeated every year since then raising funds for local worthy causes.
With a capacity limited to around 300, Jazz at The Pavilion has become a popular, intimate event on the Suffolk social calendar as well as attracting jazz lovers from further afield. Headline acts have included: Jacqui Dankworth, Gwyneth Herbert (twice), Sarah Moule, Joanna Eden, Lianne Carroll, Clive Carroll, Toby Allen and Tina May with Tony Coe, John Etheridge, Winston Clifford and Mark Hodgson.
Jazz at The Pavilion 2012 will be the tenth event and there will be a special line up of supremely talented entertainers including The Melissa James Trio and The Anthony Strong Trio.
Tickets can be reserved by contacting Jacki Maslin 01394 450799 or orfordjazz@wellassociates.co.uk
