THE acclaimed jazz singer Gary Williams has been engaged to replace Antonia Couling at the Tavistock Sings Music Festival. Antonia is indisposed through a serious ear infection. Gary Williams first came to public attention when he appeared with the BBC Big Band on Pebble Mill paying tribute to Vic Damone. He rapidly became their regular singer, touring across the country and broadcasting on Radio 2?s Big Band Special. Since then Gary has become a favourite with the country?s leading big bands and orchestras, including Opus One and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra with whom he recorded songs for their Swing Sing Swing album. He is a regular guest of the BBC Concert Orchestra for Friday Night Is Music Night. He?s been a regular guest on Channel 5?s Open House with Gloria Hunniford, working alongside stars such as Donny Osmond and Burt Bacharach. Internationally Gary has presented concerts in Florence, Portugal, Finland, Iceland, Jordan (for the British Council) and as a regular headliner for the world?s largest cruise lines. He recently enjoyed his West End debut, recreating the role of Frank Sinatra for ?The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas? at The Theatre Royal Haymarket and The Strand. Tavistock Festival Director, Simon Ible said: ?It is remarkable that Gary Williams is available for this event. He is one of the UK?s hottest male jazz vocalists ? so this is quite a coup to have him sing in Tavistock. The jazz trio includes the brilliant pianist James Person.? The ticket price of £15 includes buffet lunch and coffee. There is also a licensed bar. Box Office: Tavistock Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall Building, Tavistock. Telephone 01822 612938. Or you can Email on: [email protected]">[email protected] The Tavistock Sings Music Festival 2005 includes appearances from the Ten Tors Orchestra, Tavistock choirs, The Stannary Brass Band, Cabaret Evening, Baroque Chamber Music and new this year a May Day Dawn Chorus in the heart of Dartmoor. Tavistock Sings! Festival dates Thursday April 28 to Monday May 2: l Thursday 28: 19.30 Local choirs perform ?The Land where the Bong Tree Grows? (Wilson), tickets £9, £5 children and students. Parish Church. l Friday 29: 19.30 Festival Supper and American Showtime Cabaret, Kelly College, £25 in advance from Tavistock Tourist Information. Black tie. l Saturday 30: 12 noon, La Beata Olanda, 17th century virtuoso violin music from Austria and Italy, performed on period instruments. Catholic Church. Admission free, parting donations. 19.30, Festival Gala Concert, Ten Tors Orchestra, Elaine Cocks, clarinet. Parish Church Tickets £14, £5 children and students. l Sunday May 1: 5.30 May Day Dawn Chorus, and music workshop, Merrivale Stone Circle and Molly Owen Centre. 11.00-12 noon, traditional music and dancing in Bedford Square. 12.15pm Sunday lunchtime jazz, Gary Williams, £15 including buffet lunch. Town Hall. 16.00 Stannary Brass Band, Bedford Square. 1800 Festival Evensong, Parish Church choir, Millington, Wood, Shaw. 19.45 Choral Concert, Parish Church choir. Free admission, parting donations. l Monday May 2: 10.30 Singing Day, choruses from Bach?s B Minor Mass, Simon Ible. Tickets to sing, available from 01822 618225, £12. Free public performance 17.00. The Festival is promoted by Tavistock Forward. Full details from http://www.tavistockforward.org.uk">www.tavistockforward.org.uk
