Midsummer Jazz 2009 a Swinging Success!

More than 700 jazz fans and music-lovers soaked-up a sensational open-air festival of jazz in perfect weather on Midsummer’s Eve.

Topping the bill was the world famous Pete Longs All Star Goodman Orchestra – a 15-piece swing band fronted by female vocalist Joan Viskant and band-leader Pete Long, who recreated Benny Goodman’s famous Jazz concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938. Stunning instrumental solos and vocals ensured top class entertainment … Indeed, Pete's experience of working with The Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra was plain to see and hear!

Supporting the Goodmen Orchestra were The Dave Shepherd Dixielanders, who kicked-off the stage concert with a stirring performance by Dave, who is a leading jazz clarinetist, and his line-up of the UK’s best jazz musicians.

Earlier in the evening, as people arrived they were greeted with the distinctive and lively sound of Southern Rag-a-Jazz, a band of strolling musicians. Lavish picnics were quickly established and our visitors, many of whom were suitably dressed for an evening of jazz in the open-air, settled down to enjoy the stunning tree lined surroundings of the arena. The large stage, state of the art sound and lighting (direct from the previous weeks Isle of Wight Festival) ensured everyone had a clear view and could fully appreciate the music.

As ever the Steam Railway provided one of its now legendary Real Ale bars which was nicely supported by a variety of refreshments and a very tasty barbeque.

Midsummer Jazz now has its home at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, following the 2008 decision by the National Trust to discontinue its popular jazz concerts at Mottistone Manor. The Steam Railway has therefore taken forward the tradition of presenting quality jazz in the open-air, and preserving a very special evening on the Island’s events calendar.

Towards the end of the evening, as the sun went down, the floodlit backdrop of trees added to the atmosphere. Our visitors comments and praise was most encouraging, but there was one question on the lips of many – “Will the railway do it again?”

You bet we will!