Jazzing up the weekend

A host of talented musicians are gathering for Appleby Jazz Festival, with the uplifting Don Weller Quartet helping to launch the three-day event with a performance tonight (Friday).

Dave Newton will take his seat at the piano, Dave Barry on drums, Arnie Somogyi on bass, with Don Weller playing the tenor sax with the authority and energy jazz-enthusiasts have come to know so well.

Another highlight of the programme is the Bryan Spring and Gordon Beck duo, as two acclaimed musicians use the plat-form of Appleby's festival to perform together for the first time - a rare jazz-fusion of piano and drum not to be missed.

Saturday and Sunday bring fresh sounds and melodies, starting with the bassist, composer and bandleader Mick Hutton's powerful World War 4.

Kicking off the evening session will be Gordon Beck's Jazz Tracks, which feature acoustic piano played against pre-recorded music on digital tape.

Other Saturday per-formances include Stan Tracey's Tribute to Monk, Steve Waterman Quartet, and Alan Barnes & Dave Newton Duo.

Andra Sparks, who has turned to singing jazz after 20 years of classical song, forms part of Sunday's line-up, accompanied by Iain Dixon on sax, Trevor Tomkins on drums, Jeff Clyne on bass and Nick Weldon on piano.

The David Newton Trio and the Bryan Spring Trio are also among the performances, with Alan Barnes & Art Themen Go Latin providing a compelling finale of Latin-based jazz.

l For tickets contact the booking office on 017683-53332, between 1pm and 8pm (except Mondays).

On site camping is available through the booking office.

l A festival of global sounds is being staged in the Eden Valley next weekend.

Appleby Extra (Friday, August 3 to 5) will feature a programme of music.

For further information, contact Eden Arts, which is behind the venture, on 01768-899444 or at edenarts@aol.com.

For credit card bookings, phone 01768-892947, or visit Penrith and Appleby tourist information centres.