Oxford is set for its swinging-est Christmas ever, with the arrival of the first ever Halfway to Seventy-Five Christmas Jamboree!
Bringing a night of festive fun and fabulous music to the Bullingdon on Oxford’s Cowley Road, it’s an offshoot from the popular festival held annually at the Isis Farmhouse.
Special guests at the inaugural Jamboree are CC Smugglers - a band which Cerys Matthews calls “the best live band on the scene at the moment”, and Bob Harris describes as “just brilliant”. Fresh from a UK tour including a sell-out date in London, their unique blend of roots, swing, bluegrass, ragtime and country will ensure feet won’t keep still!
They’ll be joined by Oxford-based 9-piece the Savoy Jazz Swingtet, and stars of Halfway to Seventy-Five’s 2016 summer festival Hannah Johnson & the Broken Hearts.
The Savoy Jazz Swingtet, led by trumpeter and broadcaster Al Ryan, is a 9 piece band made up of the finest professional musicians from Oxfordshire, including Bob Cutting (lead trumpet with the acclaimed Herb Miller & John Miller Orchestras), broadcaster, jazz historian and writer Alyn Shipton, and featuring the vocal talents of Karen Wymbs. Formed in 2008 the Savoy Jazz Swingtet has played at some of the most exclusive venues in Ireland and the UK as well as playing for dignitaries including former US Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
Evolving from the much loved and highly acclaimed Toy Hearts, Hannah Johnson & the Broken Hearts continue to seek inspiration from honky tonk, classic country, western swing, blues and standards. Combining original material with classics of the genre, the songs are delivered joyously by musicians at the very top of their game.
Get your dancing shoes on because this one’s going to be a party!
The Halfway to Seventy-Five Christmas Jamboree, Wednesday 21st December, 7.30pm-midnight, the Bullingdon Oxford. Advance tickets are £12 and are available from wegottickets.com, Truck Store Oxford and Rapture Witney.