Jazz & Beer - The Sussex Jazz Kings

The Sussex Jazz Kings were formed in 2002 as a ‘get together’ band for their local pub, but within a few weeks word had spread around that cornetist, Dave Stradwick, who had led Vintage Jazz, was leading a new band and by 2004 the band was playing regularly on the jazz club circuit, performing at jazz festivals, as well as running their own jazz club in Box Hill, Surrey. They were very popular with their following and although losing their venue at Box Hill, they quickly set up shop in Reigate, at a local golf club and then Reigate Manor Hotel. They played there up until Dave’s recent passing.

The band wished to play out gigs in the book with a dep cornet player, usually the fine cornetist, Peter Leonard. However, they collected some new bookings off their own back and are now fulfilling them this year. Unfortunately, they were to lose their banjo player who passed away last September, but fortunately have acquired the services of Bill Stagg who was a mainstay of the legendary Bill Brunskill Jazz Band for 25 years.

The present line-up has four of the original line-up, Iain McAulay (trombone), Bernard Stutt (clarinet), Peter Clancy (bass) and Pete Lay (drums/interim bandleader), along with Peter Leonard (cornet) and Bill Stagg (banjo).

Sunday 3 November 2024 - 12.15pm
Tickets: £15