Hello Big House dwellers!

Really great gig at the Jailhouse last week, Alex Bondonno and his tribute to Horace Silver. And just back from a powerful performance of Elgar's Dream Of Gerontius at Arundel Cathedral - big piece, big space, big glass of wine, perfect.

Continues to be fairly quiet on the musical front which is perfect timing as it allows us time to focus on Bacharach. We're also working on Ellington's Far East Suite with Phoenix Big Band ready for next February. And I'm getting lots of time to read around a new life-story for next year's festival. You won't be able to guess who it is, trust me!

Friday November 6th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute
 

CineVic presents The Last Waltz

Remember this? I certainly do. The Band. And just about every musician from the time. 50 years ago, so a little anniversary screening for everyone who remembers it!

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/cinevic-presents-the-last-waltz/

Wednesday November 11th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute
 

CineVic presents The Invite

Joe and Angela's marriage is on the rocks. When they invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbours over for dinner, the evening takes an unexpected turn. Starring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz.

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/cinevic-box-office-presents-the-invite/

Thursday November 12th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute
 

Jazz @ The Vic featuring Mark Bassey

The Big House Trio are back, this time with the ever-inspiring trombonist Mark Bassey.

In 1985 Mark was invited to join the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. During the subsequent decade he played with Loose Tubes, Brotherhood of Breath, Mike Westbrook, Stan Tracey and John Dankworth and Cleo Laine.

His playing covers many styles from swing to bop, as well as more contemporary fields. Musical associations include Julian Arguelles, Alan Barnes, Liane Carroll, Mike Gibbs, Charlotte Glasson, Nikki Iles, Billy Jenkins and the BBC Big Band, Lemke-Nendza-Hillmann Trio, Daphna Sadeh, Terry Seabrook, Stan Sulzmann, Clark Tracey, Kenny Wheeler and Denis Colin. He has recorded widely with many people and released two albums under his own name: Mark Bassey’s Telling Stories and Bassey Plays Basie.

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/jazz-the-vic-featuring-mark-bassey/

Saturday November 14th 11:00 at Sullington Manor Farm
 

Jazz Brunch at The Old Workshop

I'm in London at the christening of our granddaughter, but sublime vocalist Ela Southgate is picking up the reigns, with Matt Wall on guitar and Mike Comber on double bass, all making for a delightful jazz brunch.

https://www.sullingtonmanorfarm.co.uk/event/jazz-brunch-november

Friday November 20th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute
 

National Theatre Live presents Golden Boy

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side.

Brought to life with a live string quartet and filmed live from the Almeida Theatre, Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates (Vanya) directs this propulsive drama exploring ambition, identity, and the high price of success.

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/national-theatre-live-presents-golden-boy/

Tuesday November 24th 7:30 at Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton
 

Burt Bacharach - his life story in words and music

Composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music. With over 700 songs to his credit, more than 1,000 different artists have recorded Bacharach's songs.

His life is revealed as his four wives gather at the Brill Building at the behest of Hal David to share memories of Burt. More complex insights are shared at the wake following the funeral.

A cast of 5 are joined by a live band of 12 musicians to celebrate the life and the music of Burt Bacharach.

https://www.hangerfarm.co.uk/whats-on/burt-bacharach-his-life-story-in-words-and-music/

Wednesday November 25th 2:15 & 7:15 at The Minerva Theatre, Chichester
Thursday November 26th 2:15 & 7:15 at The Minerva Theatre, Chichester

More Bacharach, four performances in all, this time at The Minerva Theatre.

https://www.cft.org.uk/events/burt-bacharach

Thursday November 26th 8:00 at Arundel Jailhouse
 

Jazz at The Jailhouse featuring Tim Whitehead

A rare opportunity to experience one of the finest jazz saxophonists currently around.

“For my money, the finest tenor player in Britain today” - Andy Hamilton, Jazz Review

“Whitehead more than justifies his growing reputation as one of Britain's most thoughtful composers and improvisers” - Chris Parker, The Times

“Whitehead is one of the most creative, exciting and passionate saxophonists in Europe” - Ian Carr, A Rough Guide

Have a lovely week. See you Friday for The Last Waltz :-)

Best wishes, Mike