Eastbourne Beer Fest Showcases Local Talent

3 October 2007

Local musicians are being called upon to showcase their talents at a leading performance venue, as a local jam night kicks off the opening of the Eastbourne Beer Festival on Thursday 11th October.

The popular weekly jam night regularly attracts up to 100 people and this year, returns to the festival on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and is open to all budding musicians to turn up and join in on stage at the Winter Garden’s Gold Room.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “We are keen to encourage local musicians and this is a great opportunity for them to show off their talents while gaining valuable stage experience. We also want to invite others along to a fun evening where they can listen to local music and enjoy the best start to this year’s Beer Festival.”

The jam night usually takes place every Thursday at the Smugglers Inn in Pevensey and was launched some ten years ago by local musicians. This year the jam night is being held every evening during the Beer Festival and already has acts lined up including The Purple Bubble, Faye & Ben, Glam Ryze and The Blues Kings.

Musicians of any ability are invited to take part in the fun and can jam either with their own band or with others, using the drums, guitar and PA system provided or by bringing their own instruments. The sessions usually attract a wide range of musical tastes with musicians ranging from 18–80 years old performing on guitar, drums, keyboard, sax, harmonica and even the banjo.

As well as the jam sessions, drinkers at the festival can look forward to a varied programme of rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, blues, folk and acoustic sets from local musicians, plus the return of festival favourite, the Oompah Band which will perform on Saturday night.

The Tar Babies will swing back to the Sixties on Thursday while EG Riley’s Rockin’ Soul will make you dance on Friday. Band of Two bring an Irish folk flavour, and flying the flag for local music will be performances from Big Al, singer/songwriter Marcella Aldous and Showcase 2007 winner, Joel White.

On Saturday afternoon visitors can also join in the fun as both Long Man Morris and Hunters Moon Morris dancers provide a traditional atmosphere, and there’ll be the chance to have a go at pub games such as Shuffleboard, Toad in the Hole, Shove Ha’penny and Bar Skittles.

To book a slot on stage at the jam nights contact Dave Dowling on 07966 681 812 or davdjd@hotmail.com or alternatively turn up on the evening, doors open at 6pm. For more information on Eastbourne Beer Festival visit www.eastbournebeerfestival.co.uk or telephone 01323 412000.