Bands Bands Bands!

This year we are very lucky to have not one, but three fantastic swing bands to play for us at the Hopathon. They'll each be doing a set in the evening - tickets for which are the bargain price of £10/£8! Sponsored Dancers get in free.... First on at 7pm is-

Better Than TV
Based in Cambridge Better than TV are an extremely versatile band playing everything from swing standards to improvised Jazz. Regulars at CLH's The Speakeasy on a Monday will be familiar with their brass led swingin' sound.

The Rob James Swing Trio
Formed in July 2008, instigated by “Rob James” Cattermole a Cambridge based Jazz Singer and Guitarist. Rob has played guitar for 20 years and has sung over the past 4 years. A keen enthusiast for small combo Swing Jazz music popular in America during the 1940's, Rob decided to form a Trio styled on the famous Nat “King Cole Trio”. Musicians that play within the Trio have typically studied at respected musical institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music and are currently teachers in their instrument as well as regular performers in larger well known swing bands.

The Colin Hazel Trio
Back by popular demand after their smash hit performance at CLX08 we are very pleased to bring you Colin Hazel and his trio for another toe-tapping performance! Colin has always loved playing in the stride piano style of the 30s pianists, such as Teddy Wilson and Fats Waller, but had no outlet for this kind of music until he discovered the Cambridge Lindy Hop scene. Now with like-minded musicians in tow, mixing the sound of the swing era piano trios, jump blues and early soul, he likes nothing more then to play these old-fashioned grooves for todays swing dancers.

Even if you can't make it to the Hopathon during the day with three bands like these the evening will definitely be one not to miss!