Gigs
The Denny Ilett Orchestra presents The Big Band Swing Dance | Henley
Sat 26 Sep 2026 | The Henley Jazz Festival | The Denny Ilett Orchestra presents The Big Band Swing Dance | Henley Town Hall Ballroom, Henley-on-Thames | Doors 7pm | Tickets £25 plus booking fee from herehere
The Denny Ilett Orchestra brings a 17-piece big band with an all-star line-up to The Henley Jazz Festival. Specialising in classic swing repertoire, the orchestra evokes the sound and dance-floor feel of the 1930s-40s, with arrangements influenced by legends such as Harry James and Duke Ellington. The stunning Henley Town Hall Ballroom provides the perfect setting for a night of dancing.
Led by Denny Ilett, the orchestra features Simon Gardner, Tom Gardner, Stuart Henderson and Enrico Tomasso on trumpets; Ian Bateman, Winston Rollins, Pat Hartley and Mark Frost on trombones; Karen Sharp, Lisa Grahame, Richard Exall, Ollie Weston and Duncan Lamont on saxophones; Colin Goode on piano, Andy Crowdy on bass and Sebastiaan de Krom on drums.
Make a night of it with 1930s-40s dress encouraged and a prize for the best outfit, though dressing up is entirely optional. Swingland will offer a free swing dance taster before the orchestra strikes up, giving newcomers a few steps to try. With a licensed bar and a dance floor ready for action, it’s a rare chance to dance the night away to an all-star jazz
Dinner Jazz at The Angel | Annie Parker Quartet
Sat 26 Sep 2026 | Annie Parker Quartet | Annie Parker jazz flutes, Phil Craddock piano, Howard King bass, Jim Wade drums | The Angel, Woolhampton RG7 5RT | Music from 8pm | Free entry. Call 0118 971 3827 to make dinner reservations
Fronted by the exuberant Annie Parker on flute and bass flute, this joyful quartet of musicians simply enjoy playing jazz together in sometimes slightly unexpected and spontaneous ways. With a repertoire that spans Miles Davis to the Beatles, expect an evening of great music in good company!
