Ongar Jazz Club
Founded in 1986
About
Ongar Jazz Club was founded in 1986 as a non- profit making organisation and has developed into one of this country’s leading jazz clubs.
Concerts are held monthly from September through to May. Our AGM (open to all) usually precedes the October concert.
Our charity work helps worthy local organisations and money is raised entirely from the generosity of our members through our monthly raffle. Information about the charities we support can be found here.
There is no fee for membership for the forthcoming 39th Season.
ARTISTS WHO HAVE PERFORMED FOR ONGAR JAZZ CLUB.
Digby Fairweather, Humphrey Littleton, Maxine Daniels, Cy Laurie, Ronnie Scott, Terry Lightfoot, Monty Sunshine, Dave Shepherd, Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, Alex Welsh, Merseysippi Jazz Band, Martin Litton, George Webb, Brian Dee, Chicago Teddy Bears, Neville Dickie, Keith Nichols, Christine Tyrell, Max Collie, Richard Leach, Hugh Rainey, Mike Daniels, Jonathon Vinton, Jeff Barnhart, John Maddocks, George Huxley, Kevin Grenfell, Enrico Tomasso, Julian Marc Stringle, Amy Roberts, Richard Exall, Ian Bateman and many others…
All concerts take place in Budworth Hall Ballroom, High Street, Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 9JG
RESERVATIONS
Too many jazz clubs closed during the Covid-19 pandemic never to re-open. But we’re delighted that Ongar Jazz Club (‘OJC’) is going from strength to strength. We no longer need to make special arrangements for the conduct of our concerts, and you can pay at the door on the evening of a concert. But to be sure of a seat now that we are back to normal playing to full houses, you can make your seat reservation(s) in advance by bank transfer or by using the booking form on the web site.
To pay by cheque, please send your payment to our Bookings Secretary, Paul Keska, together with the Booking Form which you can find on the web site – click here. For bank transfers our bank details are: Barclays Bank: Account: Ongar Jazz Club; Sort Code: 20 29 86; Account No: 10429686; quote as a reference the name of the person making the booking followed by the date of the concert, for example: Bloggs J 20/09/24.
If you find you are unable to attend a concert for which you have pre-paid you may sell or gift your seat reservation. Please note that cheques will be cashed unless you notify Paul Keska of your non-attendance not less than forty-eight hours in advance.
Drinks and Nibbles!
Nerissa and Claire’s Coffee Bar and Restaurant are offering a ‘Help Yourself’ hot and cold buffet menu to be eaten in the Main Hall, at £10 per person – serving from 19.00, no booking required. Hot drinks sold separately are also available. For more information email – nandccoffee@gmail.co.com
The Budworth Bar will be open for alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks – please do not bring your own drinks as you will not be permitted to consume them on the premises – Thank you!
We will publish any changes to these arrangements here so, keep checking the web site for up-to-date information.
The Chairman Speaks
We’ve had a spectacular year for the Club’s 38th Season of concerts and my second year as Chairman of this wonderful music club. Thank you all for your support over the year, it really is appreciated. I should also like to thank the musicians for their various performances and for travelling , often a considerable distance , to play for us.
Our 39th season of concerts is now well underway having kicked off in September with the incredible Midnite Follies Orchestra who transported us back to New York in the 1930s. The band played to a packed hall and was received with great enthusiasm by a very appreciative audience. They were followed in October by the exciting Jivin’ Miss Daisy, and in November bythe ever popular Pete Allen Jazz band who delivered a lively evening of entertainment. Click the links below to see some video of these performances.
all’Turning now to forthcoming concerts, we’ve kept ticket prices for all our remaining concerts during the coming season at £15.00, and tickets will be available on the door at the Budworth Hall. As usual we have organised a varied presentation of music for you , all within the generic title of Jazz which we trust you will enjoy.
Our final concert before the winter break in January 2025, is on December 13th and features Richard Exall’s Shooting Stars. This wonderful band reprises the music of the ‘trad’ boom interspersed with some ‘ jump-jive’ and swing, all played in superb style.
There is no concert during January 2025 as the Budworth’s concert hall will be closed for refurbishment.
We will reconvene in the newly decorated Budworth Hall on February 28th for the return of the Djangoliers. This 4-piece guitar-lead ensemble rocked the club last year and transported us all to the streets of Paris with their music inspired by the great Django Reinhart. Probably one of our most popular bands ever judging by the feedback we have received! On March 28th we have the first visit to the Club of Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters. Paula will not have too far to travel as she lives in Doddinghurst! This new band is proving popular on the jazz club circuit, and spends a great deal of time touring in Europe and around the jazz clubs of the UK. April 28th sees another band new to the Club . The Jake Leg Jug Band plays energetic music in the authentic style of 1920s and 1930s America, Jazz , Blues , Ragtime and Gospel. Songs of murder , betrayal , gambling, liquor and redemption. They are a much-celebrated ensemble ; “a truly unique and talented group of musicians” according to Blues Blast Magazine (USA). On May 23rd we have another returning band for the penultimate concert of the season. The ever-popular Jools and the Jazzaholics will be back, lead by the incomparable Jools Aldridge on Drums along with another club favourite, Kevin Grenfell, on trombone.
The Season comes to a spectacular close on June 20th, 2025, with the absolutely amazing talent of Ben Holder playing jazz violin. This virtuoso musician is backed by his own quartet that will leave you stunned and calling for more!
That’s Season 39 ! All our concerts start at 20.00 in the ball room of the Budworth Hall in Ongar. Food and drink are both available on site and car parking is readily available after 18.00. We look forward to welcoming you to our Club.
Alistair Allan – Chairman, Ongar Jazz Club
THIRTY NINTH SEASON
PROGRAMME 2024 – 2025
Alistair Allan has worked hard to create another great programme of jazz for our 39th Season. So, put the following dates in your diary and don’t miss out – we’ll add full details of each band as soon they are to hand. If you want a printed copy of the programme flyer – click here.
There is no concert in January this year to allow essential building works to be carried out to the Budworth ballroom – there will be a concert in June instead.
Concerts consist of two hour-long sets with an interval of approximately 20 minutes, and end at about 22.30. Our popular raffle in aid of local charities is drawn during the interval – so don’t forget to buy your tickets on arrival.
Find us now on Facebook –
Richard Exell’s Shooting Stars
Richard Exall – Clarinet & Saxophone
Pete Rudeforth – Trumpet
Alistair Allan – Trombone
Graham Roberts – Banjo & Guitar
Mark Arnold – Double Bass
Nick Millward – Drums
RICHARD EXALL’S SHOOTING STARS
13 December 2024
Richard Exall’s Shooting Stars return to the Club following the enthusiastic demand of our members. Richard Exall’s six-piece jazz band plays vintage jazz, jump-jive and swing. Richard studied clarinet at the Royal College of Music with international soloist Michael Collins. He is self-taught on saxophone and formed his own jazz quartet whilst still at college. Richard regularly appears at festivals throughout the UK and Europe, including the Keswick Jazz Festival, Pershore Jazz Festival, Bude Jazz Festival, Swanage Jazz Festival, Upton Jazz Festival, Beckenham Music Festival, and the Birmingham Jazz Festival, and is a familiar face on the London jazz scene.
The Djangoliers
Simon Hurley – Guitar
Rob Ford – Guitar
Zac Barratt – Clarinet
Andy Staples – Double Bass
THE DJANGOLIERS
28 February 2025 8pm
Taking their cue from Django Reinhardt’s war-year’s line-up, in which Hubert Rostaing’s clarinet replaced Stephane Grapelli’s violin, The Djangoliers specialize in performing music written and inspired by the late, great French guitarist. As well as performing many of Django’s classic arrangements and compositions such as ‘Nuages’, ‘Swing 42’, and ‘Manoir Des Mes Rêves’, they also perform tunes from the more contemporary canon of the style known as ‘Gypsy Jazz’.
.
Paula Jackman – Clarinet & Saxophone
PAULA JACKMAN’S JAZZ MASTERS
28 March 2025 8pm
Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters is a 6-piece band that reprises Dixieland jazz from its roots in New Orleans through to its heyday during the British Trad Revival. The band is named as a tribute to Paula’s late husband, and superbly talented banjoist, Brian Masters. There is no banjo in the band because Brian was irreplaceable.
Paula started playing the clarinet at 9 years of age and heard her first jazz band some 5 years later. For many years she fitted her music in alongside a career as a headteacher and Ofsted inspector but, thankfully, can now concentrate on her love of jazz full-time. She is accompanied by a band of accomplished musician’s some of whom are regulars at the Club. The band line up is as follows:
.
Duncan Wilcox – Vocals & Double Bass
Liam Ward – Vocals, Harmonica, Jug, Washboard, Saw & Kazoo
Warren James – Vocals, Guitar & Banjo
THE JAKE LEG JUG BAND
25 April 2025 8pm
The Jake Leg Jug Band bring you the authentic sounds of 1920’s and 30’s America – jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel. With a rare combination of instruments, The Jake Leg Jug Band tackles a series of old-time gospel music songs evoking a bygone era with both their sound and look.
You can expect to hear long-forgotten songs played on a range of vintage instruments including washboard, harmonica, comb & paper, musical saw, bones and – of course – the humble jug! Be prepared for songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption!!
.
Jools & The Jazzohollicks
‘Baby’ Jools Holland – Drums
‘Magic. Mike Henry- Trumpet
Kevin Grenfell – Vocals, Trombone
Karl Hird – Reeds
Warren James – Vocals, Guitar & Banjo
Jim Swinnerton – Double Bass
JOOLS AND THE JAZZAHOLICKS
23 May 2025 8pm
The very popular swinging drummer, Baby Jools will be bringing his Jazzahollicks combo setting a fire under the old-time traditional songbook. Band leader Baby Jools presents his all-star jazz and blues line-up, which will take you on a musical journey to New Orleans – without having to board a flight!
For a taste of what to expect, watch their rendition of St. Philip Street Breakdown by clicking on the band’s image.
Ben Holder – Violin
THE BEN HOLDER QUARTET
20 June 2025 8pm
Ben Holder is one of the most gifted and exciting young jazz violinists in the UK. Taught classically from the age of six, he studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire. During his classical studies, Ben began listening to jazz – classic masters such as Benny Goodman and Oscar Peterson, and of course the great jazz violinists including Grappelli, Joe Venuti and the awe-inspiring Stuff Smith.
Alongside his early studies, and later at college, he embarked on a detailed analysis of these musicians’ techniques and the way in which they merged this most classical of instruments into the jazz idiom. Ben’s innate sense of swing rhythm (something which often eludes classical players) stems from those early listening sessions – and his various awards bear testimony to his abilities. He is first call jazz violinist for many of the North’s top bands and studios.
The Ben Holder Quartet is a stellar line-up of incredible musicians, blending an energetic mix of traditional jazz, mainstream and swing with Ben’s own infectious originals, which hark back to the fun and swing of the 1920s and 1930s.
Resources
Gallery
39th Season
Bands who’ve entertained us during the 39th Season included:
Graham Hughes – Trombone
Alistair Allan – Trombone, & Vocals
Richard Exall – Clarinet & Saxophone
Michael McQuaid – Clarinet & Saxophone
Robert Fowler – Clarinet & Saxophone
Martin Litton aka ‘Professor’ – Piano
Tom ‘Spats’ Langham – Guitar & Banjo
Malcolm Sked – Double Bass
Richard Pite – Drums
Enrico Tomasso – Trumpet
‘Magic’ Mike Henry – Trumpet
Peter Rudeforth – Trumpet
Jivin’ Miss Daisy
Simon Thorpe – Double Bass and Bandleader
Liz Fletcher – Vocals
Alex Garnett – Saxophone & Vocals
Enrico Tomasso – Trumpet
John Pearce – Piano
Matt Skelton – Drums
The Pete Allan Jazz Band /span>
Pete Allen – Clarinet, Banjo, & Vocals
Chris Hodgkins – Trumpet
Roger Marks – Trombone
Dave Hanratty – Bass
Jim Newton – Drums
James Clemas – Piano
38th Season
Bands who entertained us during the 38th Season included:
Ian Bateman’s Jazz Band
Ian Bateman – Trombone
Alan Bateman – Trumpet & Vocals
Trevor Whiting – Clarinet & Saxophones
Sean Moyses – Banjo & Guitar
Craig Milverton – Piano
Tom Clarke-Hill – Double Bass
Nick Millward – Drums
Tad Newton’s Jazzfriends
Tad Newton – Trombone and Vocals
Gary Wood – Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Vocals
Mike Wills – Clarinet & Saxophone
Alan Haughton – Piano
Tomas Pederson – Double Bass
Ronnie Fern – Drums
Rico and His Rythm
Enrico Tomasso – Trumpet and Vocals
Alistair Allan – Trombone
Tim Huskisson – Clarinet & Saxophone
Colin Goode – Piano
Martin Wheatley – Guitar & Banjo
John Sutton – Drums
John Maddocks’ Jazzmen
John Maddocks – Clarinet & Saxophone
Tom Connor – Trumpet
Chris Gower – Trombone
Chris Satterly – Piano
Peter McCurrie – Double Bass
John Hall – Drums
Andy Dickens – Banjo & Guitar
The Djangoliers
Simon Hurley – Guitar
Rob Ford – Guitar
Zac Barratt – Clarinet
Andy Staples – Double Bass
The Windy City Weatherbirds
Magnus Pickering – Trumpet
Joe Pickering – Clarinet
Daniel Pickering – Trombone
Chris Hyde-Harrisonstrong – Double Bass
Adam Merrell – Drums
Harrison Dolphin – Guitar
Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band
Magic Mike Henry – Cornet
Rob Pearce – Trombone
Sarah Spencer – Reeds
Hugh Crozier – Piano
Jim Swinnerton – Double Bass
Rod Brown – Drums
The Harlem Meer Cats
Ned Bennet – Alto-Saxophone, Clarinet
Jeff Williams – Trombone
Alan Berlyn – Trumpet
Colin Good – Piano
Jerome Davis – Double Bass
Matt Redmond – Banjo & Guitar
Richard Pite – Drums
Martin Litton & His Rythm Band
Janice Day – Vocals
Enrico Tomasso – Trumpet
Trevor Whiting – Reeds
Tom ‘Spats’ Langham – Guitar & Banjo
Malcolm Sked – Double Bass
Richard Pite – Drums
37th Season
Bands who entertained us during the 37th Season included:
Digby Fairweather & Friends
Peter Rudeforth (alias Digby) – Trumpet
Julian Marc Stringle – Clarinet & Saxophone
Alistair Allan – Trombone
Nick Dawson – Piano
John Ellmer – Drums
Murray Salmon – Double Bass
Dave Browning’s Jazz Cats
Alan Beeching – Trumpet
Richard Exell – Clarinet & Saxophone
Brian Butler – Trombone
Dave Browning – Piano
Graham Smith – Drums
Keith Donald – Double Bass
Simon Nelson’s Dixie Mix
Simon Nelson – Trumpet
Karl Wirrman – Clarinet & Saxophone
Chris Wigley – Trombone
Kevin West – Guitar & Banjo
Tony Wilkins – Drums
John Benson – Double Bass
The Forest Hill Owls
Harry Evans – Trumpet
Michael McQuaid – Clarinet & Saxophone
Chris Lowe – Trombone
Martin Wheatley – Guitar & Banjo
Nick Ball – Drums
Dave Horniblow – Baritone Saxophone
The Amy Roberts Quintet
Amy Roberts – Clarinet, Saxophone and Flute
Richard Exell – Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone
Richard Busiakeivicz – Piano
Nick Millward – Drums
Gavin Scott – Double Bass
Enrico Tomasso’s Swing Band
Enrico Tomasso – Trumpet
Michael McQuaid – Clarinet & Alto Saxophone
Mark Crooks – Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone
Colin Good – Piano
Nick Ball – Drums
Jerome Davis – Double Bass
Richard Leach’s Street Band
Richard Leach – Trombone
Tony Pipkin – Cornet
Zoltan Sagi – Clarinet
Martin Wheatley – Guitar & Banjo
Nick Ward – Drums
David Deakin – Sousaphone
Pete Allen’s Sextet
Pete Allen – Clarinet, Saxophone, Banjo, & vocals
Chris Hodgkins – Trumpet
Roger Marks – Trombone
James Clemas – Piano
Jim Newton – Drums
Dave Hanratty – Double Bass
Jules & the Jazzohollicks
“Baby” Jules Aldridge – Drums
Mike “Magic” Henry – Trumpet
Kevin Grenfell – Trombone
Karl Hurd – Clarinet & Saxophone
Warren James – Banjo & Guitar
Jim Swinnerton – Double Bass
36TH SEASON
Bands who entertained us during the 36th Season included:
Kevin Grenfell And His Jazz Giants
Kevin Grenfell – Trombone
Jeremy Huggett – Clarinet & Saxophone
Graham Hughes – Double Bass
James Clemas – Piano
Jules Aldridge aka ‘Baby Jools’ – Drums
The ‘All-Star’ Gala Concert Band
Mike Henry – Trumpet
Mike McQuaid – Clarinet & Saxophone
Alistair Allan – Trombone
Malcolm Sked aka ‘Skeddy’ – Double Bass & Sousaphone
Martin Litton aka ‘Professor’ – Piano
Tom Langham aka ‘Spatz’ – ‘Parlour’ Guitar & Banjo
Richard Pite – Drums
Graham Hughes And His Sunshine Kings
Peter Rudeforth – Trumpet
Duncan Hemstock – Clarinet & Saxophone
Graham Hughes – Trombone
Colin Good – Piano
Rupert Gillett – Double Bass
Laurence Corns – Guitar
Bubu Otis – Drums
Peter Rudeforth – Trumpet
Duncan Hemstock – Clarinet & Saxophone
Andy Flaxman – Trombone
Louis Thomas – Double Bass
John Ellmer – Drums
Tim Huskisson – Piano
The Julian Marc Stringle Sextet
Julian Marc Stringle – Clarinet & Saxophone
Anthony Kerr – Vibrophone
Dominic Ashworth – Guitar
Andy Cleyndert – Double Bass
Rod Brown – Drums
The Eagles Jazz Band
Richard Exall’s Shooting Stars
Peter Rudeforth – Trumpet
Richard Exall – Clarinet & Saxophone
Alistair Allan – Trombone
Colin Good – Piano
John Watson – Drums
Sean Moises – Guitar
Graham Read – Double Bass
New Orleans Heat
Useful Links
Below are links to some excellent websites for jazz lovers – click on the title to go straight to each web site:
The Jazz Centre UK – the brainchild of our very own patron Digby Fairweather,TJUK celebrates jazz in all its forms – check out the web site and visit the centre in Southend.
The National Jazz Archive – Founded by Digby Fairweather in 1988 the mission of The National Jazz Archive is to safeguard the heritage of jazz in the UK.
CHARITIES SUPPORTED
Below are links to the websites of some of the local charities we have supported over the years – click on the title to go straight to each web site:
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (‘E&HAA’) – we have supported this vital service for several years. E&HAA invited our members to a ‘behind the scenes’ webinar held on Wednesday 10th March 2021 at 10.00 am. If you were not able to log in to watch the webinar live you can catch a recorded version here – please note the webinar proper starts after 9 minutes 20 seconds.
St. Clare Hospice – this local hospice which offers compassionate care to those facing a life-limiting diagnosis, and their loved ones, is regularly chosen by members for our charitable support.
Dementia Friendly Bowls – the Alzheimer’s Society sponsors this project to enable people with dementia to continue to be active in the community by playing short-mat bowling.
Kids in Need – is a local charity dedicated to supporting children who are terminally or seriously ill, or who have multiple disabilities – here is their letter thanking us for our recent donation.
Little Havens – is a nursing-led hospice that provides care for children and young people up to age 25 from Essex, who have been diagnosed with a complex or incurable condition.
DOWNLOADS
Click on the PDF icon to download a document directly to your computer or tablet.
Concert Booking Form – 
Kids In Need acknowledgement letter May 2022 –
Newsletters:
Members Newsletter February 2023 –
Members Newsletter January 2023 –
Members Newsletter October 2022 –
Members Newsletter September 2022 –
Members Newsletter May 2022 –
Members Newsletter January 2022 –
Programme Flyers:
39th Season Programme – 
President: Digby Fairweather
Committee:
Alistair Allan – Chairman: 01277 896041
Debbie Keska – Treasurer: 01277 365670
Paul Keska – Bookings Secretary: 07768 815390
Patti Nicholson – Publicity: 01277 899504
John Root – 01277 363989
Christine Davis – Charity & Raffle Co-ordinator: 01277 890283
Pauline Lester – Caterer: 01277 890369
Jim Davis – Web Site Co-ordinator: 01277 890283
Get In Touch
Membership
For details of membership and for ticket sales contact:
Paul Keska – 07768 815390