Recommended musicians
The following groups regularly play for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. They generously donate performance fees to support our nursing service and we are delighted to recommend them to you. All have been enjoyed by IRHH staff and volunteers at a variety of events:-
Mr Kite's Benefit Band
Mr Kite's Benefit Band is a group of part-time musicians dedicated to playing polished yet energetic rock music at functions and shows, generally in and around Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The band likes to travel, however, and has performed at dates all over London.
The high musical standard that has always been expected of 'Kite' musicians ensures that in a night's entertainment almost every era and genre of modern popular music is touched upon, from Elvis to Kylie Minogue, Grease! to the Rocky Horror Show, the Beatles to Bryan Adams.
The band started in 1989 as an offshoot of the very successful Pepper concerts. While the concert format proved very popular, it was decided that a small group of musicians from the concert party should take the spirit of Rock'n'roll out into the wider community, at the same time raising more funds. This proved to be a successful concept both with audiences and the band members themselves, and the longevity of the format has been a credit to the various personnel that have made up the band over the years and the extremely dedicated crew that support them.
In case you're not sure, the band's name comes from the title of a track on the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
To ensure a great time you can book Mr Kite's Benefit Band for a private party, wedding or other function by telephoning 01442 875011 or emailing info@mrkite.co.uk. Further information can also be found at the band's website, www.mrkite.co.uk
Gentle Jazz
Spawned in 1997, with just 3 musicians, "Gentle Jazz" was formed from students in an evening class in jazz at West Herts College in Hemel Hempstead , by John Carlton-Ashton, who was the tutor. Peter Clark and Jack Horsnell were founder members of the band. These days, hundreds of engagements later, the band comprises a normal complement of around 8 musicians, not always the same ones. John manages the band & Peter is its arranger.
"Gentle Jazz" today is essentially the product of a jazz workshop, which meets together twice a month to extend its repertoire & have some musical fun. Most of its members are revisiting jazz after gaps of many years, during which they were building their careers & bringing up families. Band members frequently play with a variety of other musical groups, from big bands to small ensembles.
Playing "mainstream" jazz, the band plays in support of charitable organisations, being featured in concerts, dances & supporting events in venues mainly in & around Herts, Beds & Bucks. The band supports functions in aid of The Iain Rennie Hospice at Home without charge. "Gentle Jazz" also will play for private functions, donating the whole of its fees to IRHH.
Enquiries should be directed to John Carlton-Ashton, 01442 254252, mob; 07836 273900, email Johnc-a@ntlworld.com
Dirty Mavis
Popular local band Dirty Mavis have raised over £10,000 and have performed 5 annual Christmas gigs in Little Missenden in aid of The Iain Rennie Hospice at Home.
At their last gig the repertoire included many popular renditions, including 'Valerie' by The Zutons, '500 miles' by The Proclaimers and the perennial favourite Chuck Berry's 'Johnny B. Goode'. With an electric atmosphere, the crowd really got going and thoroughly enjoyed their evening's entertainment.
From the success of their last gig, it looks as though they have built up quite a following, having started out about 10 years ago. Recently joined by Kay, sax and keyboard player, the six members play a wide range of danceable rock and R&B covers from the 60's to the present day.
You may be pleased to know that Dirty Mavis are available for private functions; for more information or bookings, call Martin on 01494 715510 / 07808 811361 or David on 01494 864509.
