The BBC brings Jools Holland to Blackpool for a Big Band Spectacular
4 June 2015
by Visit Blackpool
From today the public can enter a ballot for tickets to A Big Band Special: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra live at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool.
The event will see Jools play some of the hits from the most influential Big Band musicians of the post-war era.
He will be joined on stage by special guests for the one-night only gig, taking the audience through his own personal view of Big Band music, giving an insight into the ‘greats’ such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Lionel Hampton.
The concert is being filmed for BBC FOUR and will be shown in July.
Jools Holland says:
“I’ve always been a fan of Big Band music and I think this is a great way to take the music genre to a wider audience.
“We are going to have one big party on the 24th June and I’m looking forward to playing at the iconic Empress Ballroom which is steeped in music history.”
The charismatic musician, who also hosts BBC2’s legendary music show Later as well as a regular Radio 2 series, will be making Blackpool his home over the next month whilst he films a documentary in the seaside town to coincide with the Empress Ballroom performance.
In a separate programme, Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman and historian Lucy Worsley join Jools to present a BBC TWO documentary which explores life in post-war Britain, and tells the story of how Big Band music helped keep the Nation’s spirits up during the War. They’ll delve into how society was different: what people wore, how they dated and, of course, how they danced. Exploring the relationship between Big Band, Society and the Second World War, they’ll get to the heart of how Big Band came to dominate the UK’s musical scene.
Peter Salmon, Director, BBC England says:
“Blackpool played an influential part in the Big Band era and has always been a mecca for dancing and music, so having Jools here to celebrate in the town is fantastic.
“It will be a Blackpool night to remember and one which the whole country will be able to enjoy again when it airs on BBC Four.”
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
“I am delighted that Blackpool Council and the Winter Gardens have been able to help the BBC hold a free concert of this magnitude in Blackpool.
“So many people will have memories of travelling to Blackpool to watch Big Bands perform, it’s the perfect location to host this event.
“The concert itself and the two TV programmes that follow will be fantastic exposure for the town. Blackpool has a long and proud tradition of hosting Big Band stars and I’m sure the Empress Ballroom concert will be great occasion for all in attendance.
“I look forward to welcoming Jools Holland and the BBC to town as they explore the history of Big Band music.”
Link to ticket ballot.
Ballot opens at midday on 4th June and closes at 4pm on Friday 12th June.