Shire Hall 'buzzing' with all things Jazz
Published on 24th May 2007 in News
The workshop singers show off their skills.
Howden was alive with the sound of jazz last weekend as the Shire Hall hosted its first Hear and Now Festival.
The festival, which Howden Live chairman Reid Wilford believes is the first to be devoted to jazz singers, featured performances from award-winning artists Ian Shaw, Anita Wardell, Liane Carroll and Tina May and other artists, workshops, and a version of The X-Factor - The Jazz Factor.
"I thought it was tremendously successful - far beyond what I expected," said Mike Pinfold, Howden Live's jazz promoter.
"The atmosphere was amazing and every one of the artists said how much they enjoyed it."
The fun began on Friday, when a £30,000 baby grand piano had to be manoeuvred up the Shire Hall stairs.
"It was a fairly hazardous exercise but they handled it skilfully," Mr Wilford said.
Around 30 people went to beginner and advanced singing workshops on Saturday and Sunday mornings and the chairman commented: "The quality was tremendous.
"Everyone gave everything to it and the teacher, Louis Gibbs, really enthused them."
The evening performances were similarly applauded; in the words of Mr Pinfold, Liane Carroll "sang her socks off" and Ian Shaw provided a "fantastic finale" to the weekend on Sunday night.
"He got the audience behind him and got them singing with him."
Friendly locals made everyone feel at home
Organisers also believe that Howden benefited from the increase of people using the town's hotels and shops - and said the guests appreciated the hospitality shown to them.
"People commented on the warmth of the people in Howden - they all said how friendly and accommodating they were," said Mr Pinfold.
Asked whether there might a second Hear and Now, organisers said it would be a definite possibility - once they have recovered from arranging the first.
Hear and Now Review - See Entertainments page 22