The Festival theme for 2008 was ‘Treble Dutch’ and it certainly proved to be true. Not only were there the three wonderful bands from Holland, Oriental, Freetime and Big Easy Rascals but they were accompanied by a large contingent of families, friends and fans bringing a great international atmosphere to the weekend. They arrived by boat, plane, car, mini-bus and motorcycles! Mr Jaap de Wit (senior) – string bass, sousaphone, bass saxophone, trombone and occasional vocal played energetically in two bands, the parade and jam sessions totalling at least 8 times in two days. Mr Jaap de Wit (junior) reported on Monday “we are all safely home and my dad is still alive” !          Photos courtesy of Barry Kesterton   To the amazement of a ‘concerned’ committee the sun shone again ensuring the success of the outdoor street music, parade led by marshalls and dancing horses, Seindorf y Oakeley Brass Band, hardworking buskers and Bermo Batala Samba Band, who delighted all on the beach with their third and final session.   It is impossible to pick out special soloists, bands or sets. All were excellent bringing their own varied styles and individuality to the event. Quality favourite bands such as Mart Rodgers Manchester Jazz, Richard Leach’s 7 stars of Jazz, Savannah Jazz band, Allen Beecheys Bright Stars of Jazz, Spats Langham Hot Combination and the Peter Frank Allstars plus annually appearing local bands, Dr Jazz, Jazz Rag, Gadjo, Gwynedd and Anglesey Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Marcia Pendlebury Quintet delighted audiences. Brilliant soloists were Amy Roberts, Tom Kincaid, James Evans, Sue Mott, Dave Mott, Jamie Brown field and Jack Cotterill. Two bands bringing new sounds to the festival were show band Red Stripe and Cajuns Denbo (Zideco) who played to packed out venues with many people up dancing.   Photo courtesy of Barry Kesterton   We continue to promote youth by workshops in the local schools, an open youth concert/workshop facilitated by Mr Huw Warren and band, Isabel and Malcolm’s jam session, young singers in the Gospel Service and by booking several young bands and soloists. The encouragement is apparent by the very young joining the parade, visiting sessions and progressing from workshops to band and even solo appearances.   Photo courtesy of Barry Kesterton   The Festival drew to a close with three storming sessions by Martin Bennetts Old Green River Band, the T.J.Johnson Band and the Oriental Jazz Band plus all the soloists. One keen jazzer said “I had a great journey from Inverness. Only 4 trains, 3 buses, 11 hours and I’m fine – glad to be here!” Thanks Lennie, hope it was worth it.   A big thank you to all the musicians, local community, visitors, volunteers and funders. Without the grants, donations and sponsors there would not be a festival. The Committee balance the books for 2008, heaved a few sighs of relief and started planning for 2009 – possible theme “Some Rascals of Jazz”?   Photo courtesy of Jilli Whipp   We hope some of you enjoyed our little booklet on the “History of Jazz in Abersoch”. Maybe next year some more articles will be added.   “Music is one of the greatest gifts, makes friends and alters the quality of life positively”   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   The 2009 Festival aims to be another fabulous weekend with a great line-up of musicians – some questionable ‘Rascals’ of jazz!? Many favourite bands and soloists will be playing, Gentleman Jim McIntosh promises a ‘PARTY SESSION’ with special guests and we continue to support youth with workshops, performances, concerts and other activities. We are proud that Kate Browning (reeds) from Wales has progressed through the ranks from workshops and as a member of the Gwynedd and Môn Youth Jazz Orchestra to festival soloist with several bands. We wish her well in her first year at Leeds College of Music. On that ‘note’ see below bands and soloists who have verbally agreed to play June 11th , 12th, 13th and 14th 2009.   Bydd Gwyl 2009 yn anelu i fod yn benwythnos gwych arall gyda cherddorion ardderchog - rhai o 'gnafon y byd jas'! Bydd llawer o’ch hoff fandiau ac unawdwyr yn chwarae. Mae Gentleman Jim McIntosh yn addo ‘SESIWN BARTI’ gyda gwesteion arbennig a pharhawn i gefnogi ieuenctid gyda gweithdai, perfformiadau, cyngherddau a gweithgareddau eraill. Rydym yn falch fod Kate Browning (reeds) o Gymru wedi rhagori ei ffordd trwy’r gweithdai ac fel aelod o Gerddorfa Jas Ieuenctid Gwynedd a Môn i fod yn unawdydd gyda nifer o fandiau mewn gwyliau jas. Dymunwn yn dda iddi yn ei blwyddyn gyntaf yng Ngholeg Cerddoriaeth Leeds. Ar y ‘nodyn’ yna, rhowch gip ar y bandiau a’r unawdwyr sydd wedi cytuno ar lafar i chwarae ar Fehefin 11eg, 12fed, 13eg a 14eg 2009   EUROPEAN Big Easy Rascals (Holland) Oriental Jazz Band (Holland)   VISITING ABERSOCH FOR THE FIRST TIME Abersoch Allstars Deeside Dixies Gentleman Jim McIntosh and the Jazzaholics James Evans Incredible String Four Panama Jazz Band   RETURNING MUSICIANS AND BANDS Bermo Batala Samba Band Cajun Denbo (Zideco) Dr Jazz Gadjo Gwynedd and Môn Youth Jazz Orchestra Huw Warren Band/Workshop Jazz Rag Malcolm and Isabel’s Special Jam Session Marcia Pendlebury’s Quintet The Red Stripe Band The TJ Johnson Band Richard Leach’s 7 Stars of Jazz Savannah Jazz Band Seindorf yr Oakeley Brass Band   SOLOISTS Amy Roberts Dave Mott Jack Cotteril Jamie Brownfield Jonny Boston Kate Browning Susan Mott   Top Parade Bands ‘Enkhuizen’ Holland, Morris Jones UK Competitions Gospel Service Band   Next “JAZZ IN ABERSOCH” Saturday 6th December at 5 Degrees West “THE AMY ROBERTS ALLSTAR BAND” With Amy Roberts, reeds, Jamie Brownfield, Trumpet, Andy McKenzie, Guitar/Banjo, James Swinnerton, Double Bass, Malcolm Hogarth, Piano. Jack Cotteril, Drums.   There is a shortage of accommodation in Abersoch and may we suggest that you consider renting self-catering accommodation for yourselves and friends? Contact Beresford Adams, Quality Homes and Abersoch TIC. Hafan y Môr are offering special rates to Abersoch Jazz Festival goers. All details on our accommodation list.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GRANT FUNDERS & SPONSORS 2009 » Llyn AONB » Mr Warwick Leadlay The Festival committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all our grant funders, sponsors and donors.