The much-missed Swansea International Jazz Festival is back this summer. The city’s celebration of jazz has had two years off because of the pandemic, and had already switched to a more low-key autumn event because of budget uncertainties in 2019. But now, thanks to a partnership between the city council and Swansea Jazz Club, it’s … Continue reading
Category Archives: Wales
‘Beautiful’ – Q&A with Molly-Grace Cutler playing Carole King
Molly-Grace Cutler is touring the UK as Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. In this interview she discusses her role and the show, as she prepares to open at Cardiff’s New Theatre tomorrow (Tuesday 24 May). Continue reading
Catch Me If You Can: Linda Purl on the twisty, turny thriller touring the UK
As the gripping stage thriller Catch Me If You Can heads for Cardiff, Piece of Pink Pie is pleased to share this Q&A with one of the stars, Linda Purl. The play, which also stars Patrick Duffy and Gray O’Brien, opens at the New Theatre on Monday (28 February) and runs all week, before continuing … Continue reading
Swansea Jazz Club is back
I was delighted to learn that Swansea Jazz Club is back in action! Artistic director Dave Cottle has revived the club after the COVID-19 hiatus, with a busy autumn (2021) programme, featuring many top UK jazz artists. Dave has been presenting live jazz in the city for 25 years, including the Swansea International Jazz Festival … Continue reading
Festivals link up for lockdown online
Four of Wales’ best-loved festivals have joined forces in lockdown to create Gŵyl 2021, a free, online festival of music and comedy. The best of Festival of Voice, FOCUS Wales, Other Voices Cardigan, and Aberystwyth Comedy Festival have been captured over recent months in Wales and internationally within coronavirus guidelines, to create an event which will be available across the UK at http://www.bbc.co.uk/gwyl2021 … Continue reading
How Carys’s ‘Fat ‘n’ Clean’ charity song could have been much dirtier
Many performers have been keeping busy online during the coronavirus lockdown – none more so than actress, singer and writer Carys Eleri, who has released two hilarious comedy songs for charity. Downloads of Fat ‘N’ Clean and Beyond The Fence are raising money for Tarian Cymru, a campaign to make and distribute personal protective equipment … Continue reading
Swansea Jazz Festival returns
Swansea International Jazz Festival is back! It returns for the sixth consecutive year (October 2 – 6), but with a slightly different look. The event has grown to replace Brecon as Wales’s premier jazz festival, thanks in part to support from the Arts Council of Wales and Swansea City Council. But due to budget uncertainties … Continue reading
Swansea Jazz Festival takes time out
Around this time of year, I’m usually looking forward to the announcement of the line-up for the Swansea International Jazz Festival, but not this year. Sadly, the festival isn’t going ahead in 2019. Continue reading
Swansea jazz festival triumphs again (with or without Herbie)
When James Taylor introduced his Quartet’s version of the theme from Blow-Up at Swansea International Jazz Festival last night [Sunday June 17, 2018], he told the audience it was written by Herbie Hancock. “And,” he announced, gesturing to the wings, “he’s here tonight!” For a split second, you sensed some people believed it – because … Continue reading
Big bands, acid jazz, funk, soul and more at Swansea International Jazz Festival
Whether you’re a fan of the big band sound, acid jazz, funk or soul, you’re in for a treat at the fifth annual Swansea international Jazz Festival, which takes place in the city’s maritime quarter, 14 – 17 June. With ticketed shows, free events and workshops, the festival takes place at 15 venues. Festival organiser, … Continue reading