April’s trombone poetry venture was a return trip out East, where the recital turned into an informal discussion about the whys and wherefores of various poems. Other contributors to Eastbeat, in Kingsley Hall, Bow, shared their poems and reflections. It was a rewarding evening, trying to answer new questions, trying to look at writings in new ways. Thanks again to Mike Parsons.

Either side of this event were a couple of outings and hootings with the Mick Colllins Legacy Jazz Orchestra: the monthly Monday in Sundridge Park affair and a happy, hoppy trip to The Ivy House. The band is doing a fine job these days, with Mick’s archives being deftly curated by trombonist Bill Todd and oblique announcements being uttered by some other trombonist. Catch the band again this Bank Holiday Monday.
Meanwhile, The Yiddish Twist Orchestra has just made some stupendous recordings at Ray Davies’ Konk Studios. There are rumours of a Click Beetle reunion. There is definitely a reunion of various deranged gentlemen in Shoreham later this month.
And trombone poetry heads back to Lancashire!
Sunday 6 May, 17:30-20:30
trombone poetry + poets: Phil Burton, Stef Portersmith, Maureen Fenton, Iris Howden, Steve Tucker, Jenni Palmer, Andrew Collinson, Alison McNulty + Words Aloud
Clitheroe United Reformed Church
Castle Gate
Clitheroe
BB7 1AZ
Monday 7 May, 20:00 doors, 20:30 start
Mick Collins Legacy Jazz Orchestra
Sundridge Park Working Mens Club and Institute
134 Burnt Ash Lane
Bromley BR1 5AF
Friday 25 May, 20:00 start
50th Anniversary of Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra
Ropetackle Arts Centre
High St
Shoreham-by-Sea
BN43 5EG
Wednesday 30 May, 19:30 start
Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra
Hull Truck Theatre
50, Ferensway
Hull
HU2 8LB