POCKLINGTON Arts Centre will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on Friday (March 6) with a party night.
A private reception at 7pm will be followed by a public performance by North Yorkshire’s only contemporary New Orleans-inspired brass band, the New York Brass Band from old York.
This seven-piece powerhouse, complete with percussion, sax, trumpets, trombones and sousaphone, will raise the roof with their rousing brand of Mardi Gras jazz from 8pm.
Looking forward to Friday’s celebrations, director Janet Farmer says: “New York Brass Band are a far cry from being your typical brass band. This is up-on-your-feet dancing, party-loving, Mardi Gras-style funky brass music that will be a lot of fun.
“As Pocklington Arts Centre celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, we felt a band like this added a true party vibe to our diverse programme of live music.”
Hailing from the ancient streets of York, New York Brass Band are at the forefront of a funky brass revolution now sweeping Great Britain.
“Inspired by Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels, Hot 8, Youngblood and Brassroots, New York Brass Band pack a powerful punch of relentless drums, rumbling tuba and wailing horns,” says Janet.
“Nothing kicks a party into gear like the sound of a smokin’ New Orleans Mardi Gras jazz band.
Although New York Brass Band’s inspiration is drawn from New Orleans musicians, their repertoire ranges from Marvin Gaye to George Michael, from Cee-Lo Green to Stevie Wonder, with some funky, gritty northern originals thrown in for good measure.
Their past performances include Glastonbury Festival from 2014 to 2017; Bestival on the Isle of Wight; Durham Brass Festival; Cork Jazz Festival; Le Tour de France; the Monaco Grand Prix and England’s cricket Test matches.
New York Brass Band have entertained guests at celebrity parties and weddings for comedian Alex Brooker, Liam Gallagher, ex-Scotland footballers Joe Jordan and Gordon McQueen and Jamie Oliver.
Tickets for Friday cost £11 each on 01759 301547 or at pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.