The idea for BAZFEST, started after a great night in Great Ayton at “Jazz at the Vicarage� . Sally and Baz Lewis and Denise and Stuart Bell wondered why more live music wasn’t happening in Great Ayton and decided to do something about it.
The first BAZFEST happened just a few months later in Sally and Baz’s garden with thirty guests, and music supplied by musician friends entertaining the appreciative crowd under canvas.
The next BAZFEST, the following year, started in a similar way, but the inclement weather drove the players into the Great Ayton W.I. Hall. That night was also a great success.
The W.I. needed to modernise the Hall to conform to EU Regulations and needed funds. Bazz wondered if people would be prepared to buy tickets to raise money for the next event in order to raise money to help the W.I.
Sadly Bazz died suddenly in September whilst performing with Stuart at a local Folk Club. Sally, Denise and Stuart wanted to keep BAZFEST going in his honour so they set up BAZFEST PRODUCTIONS.
The BAZFEST philosophy- to provide quality live music to the village and raise money for local causes-was born!
The following March, the first tickets for BAZFEST, sold out within days. There was a bar, a hot supper and quality acoustic music, and the night was compared by comedian and poet Steve Vipond. From the moment the first band started to play the night was a roaring success. Due to local musicians playing free of charge and local businesses donating raffle prizes, a profit
of £1,500 was donated to the W.I.
In response to excellent feedback and requests for more, the BAZFEST team realised that they could put on more nights like this.
Since that date regular BAZFEST events have seen performances by THE HAPPY CATS (INCLUDING Marty Craggs, formerly of Lindisfarne) , ACOUSTICA, Middlesbrough’s own BRYAN ADAMS EXPERIENCE. COPPERHEAD STILL and THE SEAVIEW PLAYBOYS
March 2007 featured a real scoop!!! STEVE ARVEY- a genuine Chicago Blue guitarist, backed by British Blues geniuses BLUES MOVE graced the stage.
April saw the return of THE HAPPY CATS.
October 2007, saw the legendary British band, DR FEELGOOD, perform at a packed W.I. Hall, receiving a tumultuous reception.
Forthcoming events include:
December 7th 2007 : The Guisborough Big Band (Big Band Swing
Jazz)
March 15th 2008 : Jon Amor and his Band (British Blues Rock)
May 17th 2008 : Sherman Robertson and Blues Move (Texas Blues)
BAZFEST PRODUCTIONS have raised funds for the following charities:
Great Ayton W.I.; The Great North Air Ambulance Service; The Holistic Cancer Care Project at James Cook University Hospital; The Acoustic Neuroma Association of Great Britain.
Details for all BAZFEST PRODUCTIONS events can be obtained by contacting Sally Lewis on 01642 723753, Stuart Bell on 07890040260
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