Jazzing up their daily commute…
Reporter : Judith Grinter
Unsuspecting commuters were treated to two early-morning jazz gigs at Huddersfield railway station this morning.
The Jeremy Platt Trio will perform at the station using a piano which has been donated to the station for passengers to play while they wait for their trains.
The 20-piece Greenhead College Big Band will then took over helping to lift commuters’ spirits on their way into work.
The gigs launch this year’s Marsden Jazz Festival which will see more than 150 hours of live music take place at 24 venues this weekend, including more than 70 free gigs.
A performance inside Britain’s longest canal tunnel and a gig featuring a Mercury Prize 2017 nominee are among the highlights.
Chas Ball, Chair of Trustees at Marsden Jazz Festival, told Saddleworth News:
“We’re delighted we’re able to kick off this year’s festival with two gigs at the station, and it will be great to see the piano we’ve donated getting used by professional musicians.
“We’re encouraging people to use public transport to get to the festival, and our free jazz bus to get around while they’re there, so I hope festival-goers will try
Barney Stevenson, Artistic Director, Marsden Jazz Festival
Andrew Croughan, TransPennine Express, Huddersfield Station Manager
Chas Ball, Chairman, Marsden Jazz Festival
Cllr Andrew Cooper, Kirklees Council.
out the piano while they wait for their trains.
“It’s a really family friendly festival and I’d definitely encourage anyone who hasn’t been before to give it a go as the whole village comes alive with the sound of live jazz throughout the weekend.”
Andrew Croughan, Station Manager at TransPennine Express, told Saddleworth News:
“It is great to be able to have a piano for public use as a new positive facility at the station. We are always looking for new ways to bring life to Huddersfield station beyond that of simply a place that people go through on their way to and from work.”
Kirklees Green councillor Andrew Cooper, who helped to arrange the donation of the piano to Huddersfield railway station, told #Saddleworth News:
“I’ve seen pianos for use by commuters being played at Sheffield, Leeds and London St Pancras stations and I was impressed by how they gave a showcase for local talent and entertained people on their way to and from work or holidays.
“Having a piano in one of the busiest railway stations in Yorkshire will provide entertainment to thousands of travellers and be a new element to the musical culture of our town.”
Tickets for this year’s Marsden Jazz Festival are on sale now and can booked online at www.marsdenjazzfestival.com, by calling 0800 6125 649 or at the Mechanics Hall in Marsden throughout the festival weekend.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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