After the restrictions of last year, it gave us great pleasure to host a family event for the town’s annual Jazz and Blues weekend at the end of August. This popular musical celebration attracts many visitors to Congleton, and the Bath House & Physic Garden provides a lovely green space for an outdoor event where the audience can enjoy (and join in with!) a varied programme.
Audience participation was very much encouraged when the Madhatters took to the lawn with a selection of familiar sing-along songs.
They were followed by the Beartown Ukes, who gave an entertaining demonstration of the wide-ranging versatility of massed Ukuleles.
Later on, the headline performance was given by John Dhali, a Congletonian who has gained wide attention for his uplifting and soulful music, and attracted an audience from well beyond the town.
He was supported by Sinini Ngwenya, who captivated the audience with haunting rhythms from Southern Africa, as well as with some more well-known songs that they could join in with.
All performers contributed to a warm, easy-going and convivial atmosphere – something that we had all missed for much too long.
We were also blessed with a sunny day, and the garden was looking splendid. The audience took advantage of the space to relax and enjoy not just the music but the sunshine and the surroundings.
