The organizer of a Rochdale jazz club that has offered live music since the 1970s is preparing to invite visiting groups to do it again.
Dubbed “Jazz on Sunday,” the club met at the Newtown National Club in Castleton every two weeks until the coronavirus pandemic struck.
For Tony Sheldon, who has fought for various moves and financial hardships for the club, the gradual lifting of the current foreclosure restrictions cannot come soon enough.
“The bands that have performed for us regularly and our loyal audiences – like most people – missed the live shows,” he said.
“I actually hope there will be more enthusiasm to go out on Sunday night and enjoy some fantastic live jazz.
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“Live music is something many of us took for granted before the pandemic, but we really missed it. It’s like that old saying ‘you don’t know what you have until it is left “.”
Tony, who is celebrating his 82nd birthday when all lockdown restrictions are due to be lifted on June 21, has already been contacted by several groups keen to start playing again.
Previous favorites of the Nixon Street club include Martin Bennett’s Old Green River Band, Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band, and New Orleans Frog and Henry.
Tony is waiting for the green light from the Newtown National Club committee before reserving acts, but says Martin Bennett and Greater Manchester band the Tame Valley Stompers will be the first to be booked.
And he called on the faithful before to return to the club to support the live music.
“I just hope they haven’t gotten too used to sitting on a Sunday night watching TV, instead of going out to enjoy the atmosphere of a live concert.”
