The Big Band playing outside Barnaby’s Lounge in its first outing last year.

Treat for the street with Barnaby’s Big Band

Barnaby Davies will be wheeling out his Big Band to provide a couple of hours of entertainment for passers-by and music-lovers outside Barnaby’s Lounge in Robertson Street on Sunday 26 May, as Nick Terdre explains.

“It’s a Treat for the Street,” says Barnaby, “A spirit booster after such a bad weather winter, and the recent water disaster. A family event. A great chance for young people to see and hear a real life Big Band, which is so rare these days.”

As behoves a big band, the 16-strong ensemble is mostly brass — four trumpets, four trombones and five saxes, plus guitar, bass and drums. They are largely from Hastings and nearby towns, with one new addition, a trombonist, from Canterbury.

“The players are all pro/semi-pro, so they can pull off a stonking performance, sight-reading without any rehearsal”says Barnaby.“We are so blessed with talent.”

The band’s last outing was a fundraiser in neighbouring His Place church to help finance urgent roof repairs. The well-attended session raised £700 and, Barnaby says, helped put the Henry Ward Hall (where the performance took place) on the map as a music venue.

Barnaby’s Big Band played a fundraiser in His Place church last December.

This time Barnaby hopes for some donations to help pay the musicians’ travel expenses.

“I’d like the band eventually to be a working band — garden parties, weddings, etc.” Barnaby says. “It’s not easy, but a lofty “goal”.

“I’d also like to do two more outside gigs for the people in late July and early September.” The latter will coincide with the Coastal Currents Art Festival, marking the first anniversary of the Big Band’s first performance when it helped launch Coastal Currents last year.

For those who want to make a meal of it, food (and drink) is also available from the Lounge, and Barnaby reports that he has just gone into partnership with Hastings chef Luca Mattia, offering meat from Hastings’ Beak and Tail butcher’s along the road with seasonal veggies. Vegan options are also available.

A Treat for the Street, featuring Barnaby’s Lounge Big Band Outside Barnaby’s Lounge, 46 Robertson Street, Hastings TN34 1HL. Sunday 26 May, 1 – 3pm.

Details of music events, including live jazz on Friday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes, and food and drink offerings can be found on Barnaby’s Lounge website.

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