Count on winning tickets to Back To Basie at Bexhill Festival of Music

One of the headliners this year is the swing tribute band Back To Basie, which will be playing at the De La Warr Pavilion on Friday June 15 at 7.30pm – tickets £15.

William ‘Count’ Basie was born in New Jersey in 1904, and formed his own orchestra in 1935. He led the group for almost 50 years.

Back to Basie was voted the Best Big Band in the British Jazz Awards in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2011.

Launched in 2001, Back to Basie has since been presenting Count Basie tribute concerts throughout Britain and Europe to universal acclaim. The orchestra presents its usual show on the concert circuit with its fantastic award-winning singer, Jacqui Hicks.

Other highlights in this year’s programme include a crooner evening with Tom Fitzpatrick at Number 48 cafe in Devonshire Road tomorrow (Saturday) at 7pm – tickets £20 including three course meal; and the Squadronaires Big Band at the De La Warr Pavilion, also tomorrow at 7.30pm, tickets £15.

To book gigs at the De La Warr Pavilion, call 229111, and for Number 48 cafe, call 736600.

Popular local band The Exiles will be playing at the Old Bathing Station on De La Warr Parade on Sunday from 3pm and again at the Sovereign Light Cafe on West Parade on Sunday June 17 from 3pm.

And Battle Town Band will be playing at Hartfield House, Hartfield Road, on Sunday, June 24 for a relaxing afternoon overlooking the sea with afternoon tea. Tickets £10 – call into the Bexhill Observer office or call 845715.

There’s plenty more in the programme – for more information visit the website at www.bexhillfestivalofmusic.co.uk

l To celebrate the launch of Bexhill Festival of Music, the organisers have a pair of tickets to give away via the Bexhill Observer.

Answer the question: where was Count Basie born and in which year? Send send answers to [email protected] by June 8 and the winner will be selected by ballot.