Wymondham College

Who you may all cry? Not just another band playing songs from our parents’ era?
Hang on a minute and read on! It’s not just any old band in a bid to raise money for the school – we have timeless rock-stars in our midst ...... Yep, there’s a lot of words on this page, but makes great reading so keep scrolling down!

THE OFFICIAL CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS SHOW has been playing to packed venues throughout the UK, Europe and the Far East for the last 12 years. They are also very busy playing on the corporate circuit for large household names including the Richard Branson, F1 Maclaren Racing Team and the Post Awards party for the Brits in 2009 at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

And get this .... The members of the band come from a ‘Who’s Who’ of the music industry and bring a special chemistry to the stage to make The Official Chicago Blues Brothers Show the number 1 tribute show this side of the Atlantic! OK, we admit these extraordinary bunch of musicians were famous long before most of you were born, but come on, how many of you listen to your parents’ music and admit it’s pretty good? (Well, maybe not openly admit!)

Still not impressed? .... Ok, here’s in band
DAVE LAND (Trumpet & BVs – that’s backing vocals) Yes, Wymondham’s very own trumpet teacher Dave Land is one of them! He may be trumpet teacher to you, but in a past-life Dave toured extensively with Shirley Bassey, Belinda Carlisle, Tracey Ullman and Smokey Robinson, played on the original iconic song Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves, and has played on many different TV and Film recordings. Many West End show credits include Chess, Kiss me Kate, Phantom of the Opera and an impressive 16 years with Starlight Express.
RICHARD PARDY (sax and BVs) has toured with Westlife, Vanessa Mae , Amy Winehouse, Marty Wilde, can be heard on many television theme tunes and radio jingles, can be heard most nights of the week in the West End in such shows as Dirty Dancing, Hairspray and has worked with countless high profile artists and even a few X-Factor finalists.
ROBERTO PLA (percussion) Special guest start Roberto really is special. Originally from Colombia he’s toured with them all: Kate Bush, Motorhead, Joe Strummer (ask your Dads about the Clash), and became one of the busiest percussionists playing with many world names in Jazz & Latin music.
PETE TOBIT (Jake Blues) 30 years in the music industry and this guy has seen it all. His music career has seen him tour with the Commitments, Van Morrison as well as running his own production and booking company in Dubai.
MICHAEL HYDE (Elwood Blues) Michael has performed in many theatrical productions from Grease to West Side Story and made the role of Elwood his own when he joined the band in September 2007.

JOHN SORRELL (Bass & BVs) John is the longest–serving member of the band with a wealth of experience gained whilst he was bass player at the legendary Stiff Records and was in the house band for all Stiff’s famous recordings.

IAN GIBBONS (Keyboards) 14 years with the Kinks followed by world tours with Ray Davies, Ian Hunter and Roger Chapman has made Ian a globally sought-after name. Still keeping his hand in he was even spotted on stage at Glastonbury this summer ...
 

MARC CECIL (Drums) A greatly sought-after West End Show musician, Marc spends most of his week in the West End production of Blood Brothers as well as giving his own drum clinics around the UK. He also tours with one of the UK’s leading Salsa bands Robin Jones ‘King Salsa’

Still not impressed? .... Don’t believe you! Google any of the highlighted names and see for yourself!

So, why, when , where, whatever ....
The PSA have organised a one-off concert on Thursday 14 October for the whole school to attend. Yes, even the Peelies can stay until the very end! While doors will open for the concert at 6.30pm for a 7pm start in the Sports Hall, for many the day will start much earlier. Workshops for musicians, drama students, those wanting to help with lighting and the sound desk etc will take place during the afternoon with the band. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested to get involved and have access to some of the most experienced musicians in the business (and get off lessons, oops, did we say that?)

The aim is to earn money for the school but for everyone to have fun at the same time, so do come along and get involved. Parents and friends are also welcome.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for students and will be available from the beginning of term from the library and through the houses.

DON’T MISS OUT .... COME ALONG AND ‘SHAKE YOUR TAIL-FEATHER’ ON THURSDAY 14 OCTOBER