The first concert of 2026 was staged at a beautiful new venue; the Cornerstone Theatre at Sutton Community Academy in Sutton in Ashfield. Kevin Stewart, a trombonist with the Ravenshead Swing Band completed his role as a Governor at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in February and wanted to leave a gift for the charity and consequently arranged and promoted this concert at which all the participants and the venue gave their time free of charge.
In our experience it is usually a great combination of contrasts when our choir performs with the Ravenshead Swing Band. In the last few years we have enjoyed several collaborations and at the invitation of the band we looked forward to another concert, especially in a new venue and for such a worthy cause.
The big band, jazz sound at the heart of the RCB never fails to entertain and it was great to witness the audience clapping, foot stomping and generally getting involved with some of the classics like La Bamba, In the Mood, American Patrol and Little Brown Jug. Not only were we treated to the sound of the band, their two resident singers Andrew Clarke and Sarah Carlin performed with style and panache. I especially enjoyed the Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes classic “Don’t Leave Me This Way” from Sarah and a very poignantly sung Mr. Bojangles from Andrew.
Our choir was in top form, well-rehearsed, well presented, well accompanied and well led. The audience pleasing songs stirred everyone as we kicked off with Calon Lan (we have promised always to include a song in Welsh in each of our concerts) and our two sets included Christus Salvator, Anthem and the very emotional Tell My Father. World in Union at the end of our set was the finale joint piece which, with the band’s support, lifted the roof having started with a melodic and delicate introduction by our tenor sections. A super piece of music with a united message with which everyone sympathises.
Tony Delahunty the indomitable, affable Managing Director of Radio Mansfield, did splendidly in tying everything together as compere. Not only did he give short and interesting introductions to the songs, placing them in context of their origins he also conducted mini-interviews with Andrew, Sarah and our MD Ian Grice to enhance the connection with the audience – very well-done Tony.
Not only did everyone involved give their best, they enjoyed the experience. Band members, choristers and audience alike were most please to hear of the substantial sum raised to support Kevin’s ambition for his charity. We wish him well in his continuing voluntary service and of course we look forward to then next occasion with the swing band.
A note of thanks to the choir from Carolyn, the band leader, said: “A massive thank you for taking part in our joint concert last night, I know you have a very busy concert schedule already, so it was extra special that you fitted it in! You sounded fantastic as ever. Looking forward to future collaborations. Best wishes Carolyn and the band.
That is what we do – great isn’t it?
Brilliant venue band and choir all in harmony and unison. Cracking article well done all🙂👍👍
What a successful and brilliant time we all had ,performing together and Al’s able to witnyeach others performance too .A thoroughly enjoyable evening ,thanks everyone and all the very best to Kevin .
Nicely written Geoff, you summarise the evening very well. This new venue is a good one, with tiered seating and a big stage. Difficult to find if you don’t know the area, and on such a filthy evening of rain, an umbrella would have been a good investment. I think we would have attracted a larger audience had the tickets been available on the door from the start, as there are still a lot of potential audience members deal in cash only.
All that aside , we had a lovely time, both the band and ourselves performed well and were well appreciated. The cream on the cake was the raising of funds for the NHS, what more could one ask.