Appeal to keep jazz concerts going

Rochdale Online's jazz reviewer Tony Sheldon has made a heart felt appeal to get the people of Rochdale to come along to 'Jazz on Sunday' concerts so that they can survive.

The club has been losing money at nearly every gig, and the reserves have been rapidly dwindling.

Tony Sheldon said: "The club has now hit a major crisis, the fees of the bands have been increasing which is not unexpected in the current economic climate, and even more so with the increase in the cost of fuel, while despite the variety and expertise of the talented musicians, attendances have gradually tailed off during 2008, and there is now a great danger that the club may have to consider whether it is viable to continue."

The ‘Jazz On Sunday’ concerts in Rochdale have been entertaining the traditional jazz enthusiasts and all those fans of music who came to ‘try it’ and got hooked for over twenty five years.

The concerts take place on alternate Sunday evenings at the Flying Horse in Town Hall Square. The next three sessions are on 13 and 27 July and 10 August.

Mr Sheldon continued: "The organisers, all honorary, have been continuing to provide top class musicianship whilst the fans for reasons unknown have only been noticeable by their absence.

"The question that needs to be asked is “Do The People Of Rochdale Want A Jazz Club” which is open not only to membership but also the general public who have no obligation to commit themselves to every gig.

"The next few weeks are critical in “Tipping The Balance”. As the reviewer who has just completed seven years I am willing to answer any questions in a public relations role, but the club needs ‘bodies’ not just words of support.

"Do you Rochdalians want a jazz club in the town? The next few gigs will provide the answers."

Tony Sheldon can be contacted on 0161 740 3714.