Swing orchestra revives 1940s sound

An amateur swing orchestra under the direction of a top BBC musical director will bring back the lush sounds of the 1940s era at a charity performance later this month.

An amateur swing orchestra under the direction of a top BBC musical director will bring back the lush sounds of the 1940s era at a charity performance later this month.

The Downham Market Swing Orchestra formed by Cy Payne, who worked with many famous artists including Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John, Julio Iglesias, is set to delight audiences with Glenn Miller swing tunes, aiming to raise over £1,000 for Cancer Research.

The show will be dedicated to former Watton resident Jean Reetz, nee Higham, who died of Cancer in 2006.

“Cy Payne has kindly agreed to give a performance at the Queen's Hall, Watton, in memory of my mother, Jean Reetz on 29 April, her birthday,” said Linda McCaffrey, one of the show's organisers.

“She absolutely loved swing music, particularly Glenn Miller,” she added.

One of the performers will be Ryan McCaffrey, who has an honours degree in jazz, and was one of the original members when the Downham Market Swing Orchestra formed 11 years ago.

The show will be held at Watton's Queen's Hall at 8pm on Tuesday, April 29. It will include a raffle and refreshments.

Tickets cost £6 and are available from Adcock & Sons on 01953 881 248.

For more information contact Linda McCaffrey on 01366 388839.