ABERJAZZPEMBROKESHIRE JAZZ N BLUES FESTIVALThis, the fifth jazz festival that Aberjazz have presented, but only the second jazz and blues festival promises a great weekend of music offering wealth of international and local talent. The festival begins on Friday 22nd August and runs through to the early hours of Monday morning 25th August. Performances will take place in various venues throughout Fishguard, Goodwick and Letterston and also include an open-air jazz performance in Lota Park as part of The Round Table’s carnival in Fishguard. Café Celf are offering two ‘jazz buffet’s’ where you can relax and enjoy jazz performed by excellent jazz musicians whilst enjoying a two course buffet. For full details of the programme and other information about the festival please visit www.aberjazz.com.There will be several workshops running over the weekend. On Friday night and Saturday morning Felix Gibbons is running a Samba workshop at St Mary’s Church Hall. On Saturday young musicians have a chance to learn from and play their instruments with Claude Deppa in his workshop at Theatr Gwaun. We also have jazz dance workshops with Hayley Casey at Fishguard Leisure Centre.The performers are:-Li Harding – Fabulous jazz and blues vocalist begins the weekend with her tremendous renditions of jazz and swing standards from the Great American Songbook. Also expect some driving blues numbers, soul and gospel. Li will be accompanied by Gary Phillips. TheatrGwaun Friday 22nd Bar 5 Sunday 24thThe James Campbell Quartet – Enjoy a two-course buffet in Café Celf whilst listening to some great jazz provided by this very talented quartet. Relax and enjoy their repertoire which features accessible jazz with the accent on melody and swing. Café Celf Friday 22ndThe Amigos – You will probably never hear such a wide range of music as you will at an Amigos concert. Their lively and varied repertoire includes gypsy jazz, hot club jazz, Hungarian, Yiddish, Russian, Latin, Spanish and Tex-Med. Letterston Memorial Hall, Friday 22ndBridget and the Big Girl’s Blues – Lead vocalist Bridget recreates the spirit of the 1920s and 1930s blues singers such as Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday with passion and a powerful voice. She is joined Andy Wood on guitar and Syd Greenfield on upright bass. The Pendre Inn, Friday 22ndThe Hoochie Coochie Band – Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates talent and enjoys good blues/rock music. Mojo Morgan leads this entertaining blues band who play timeless classics such as St James’ Infirmary, Stormy Monday and of course Hoochie Coochie Man. Rugby Club, Friday 22ndSkazz – Playing a scandalous mixture of Jamaican Ska, Reggae and Latin, this band from County Clare in Irteland have built up an international reputation after rave reviews in several festivals including Cork Jazz last year. Sports Club all three nights and Fishguard Carnival on Saturday 23rdWonderbrass and Claude Deppa – The biggest funkiest jazz band in Wales. They are always seeking to thrill audiences in their unique style that once heard will never be forgotten. They are joined by top jazz trumpeter Claude Deppa. Playing in a double bill with Skazz. Make sure you don’t miss this one. Sports Club Friday 22nd.Allspice – Local three piece harmony band will entertain while you enjoy a cream tea at your leisure. Bring your voices with you as song sheets will be handed out for a singalong of familiar songs after your tea. Town Hall, Saturday 23rdThe Dave Price Duo - Another opportunity to enjoy a two-course buffet at Café Celf whilst enjoying a jazz performance. As a pianist Dave is comfortable with early and contemporary jazz styles. He will be joined by double bassist, Wayne Warlow, doyen of the Welsh jazz scene. Café Celf, Saturday 23rdMojas – Lively jazz band and very accomplished musicians most of whom seem to play several instruments. They perform many jazz-inspired numbers and also some wonderful world music. A must for jazz fans. Another double bill with Skazz. Sports Club, Saturday 23rdThe Tyler Brown Blues Band – A Pembrokeshire band who have been playing their individual brand of blues music around Wales and beyond for around four years. They deservedly have a large fan base and just keep getting better and better. Playing in a double blues bill. The Railwaymen’s Club, Saturday 23rdVirgil and the Accelerators – Playing as part of a double blues bill with Tyler Brown this sensational blues band simply blew away audiences at last year’s Tenby Blues festival. Fronted by the extraordinarily talented 16 year old guitarist Virgil McMahon, for whom the UK blues press are predicting a great future. The Railwaymen’s Club, Saturday 23rdFreewheelers – A locally based jazz and blues band who have played at Brecon Jazz and Jazz in the Park, Pontypool many times. Fronted by Dennis Wheeler on baritone sax and vocals they play mostly main stream jazz and specifically ‘play good tunes’ The Pendre, Sunday 24thThe Gareth Roberts Quintet – One of only three bands in the UK to receive a Jazz Services Promoter’s Choice Award. All five musicians get together under Gareth’s leadership to play their own unique style of original, exciting but accessible jazz. Theatr Gwaun, Sunday 24thClaudia and the Jazzmasters – Claudia is a newcomer to the Pembrokeshire music scene but is certainly making her mark. When she sings Claudia obviously enjoys every moments as she flits between jazz and blues classics. The Jazzmasters are all wonderful musicians in their own right. Theatr Gwaun Sunday 24thCottonmouth – Pembrokeshire’s own rock and blues sensation. Regular gigging has brought critical acclaim and a hardcore fan base. There have been a few line-up changes but front man Brian Rowe just keeps rolling along. The feel good factor and sense of fun they create is as fresh as ever. The Ship & Anchor, Sunday 24thThe Nik Turner Band – Nik (ex Hawkwind) plays saxes, flute and vocals. He is eccentric, innovative, enigmatic and full of surprises – and so is his band. Playing in a double bill with Skazz. Nik is also hosting a jazz jam at The Sports Club on Sunday afternoon. Sports Club, Sunday 24th