Charity Jazz Night with the Wrekin College Jazz Band and the Walsall Jazz Orchestra

Join us for a wonderful evening of Jazz Music with the Wrekin Jazz Band and the Walsall Jazz Orchestra. In support of the Wrekin College Foundation Charity. The Walsall Jazz Orchestra is a 18 piece big band which is unlike the vast majority of big bands , WJO plays contemporary rather than traditional big band music, pieces written by well known composers such as Pat Matheny , Mike Gibbs , Chick Corea and Steely Dan as well as original material written by past and present band members. The band was founded in 1975 by John Hughes a music teacher and musician. Originally a youth orchestra , the word youth was dropped as members found it hard to leave. WJO has performed in many prestigious venues in the UK , USA and Europe. WJO has performed 4 times at Montreux Jazz Festival, Symphony Hall and the Royal Festival Hall to name a few. 2025 marks a huge milestone for WJO its their 50th anniversary, something they are very proud of as John's legacy continues, as sadly he passed away in 2019. WJO has had a number of musicians who have gone on to front their own bands or perform with various artists, Jamiroquai , Sting, Roy Wood, Nearly Dan, Jools Holland and many more. The band have also shared the stage with Gary Burton , Tommy Smith and Pete King to name a few. WJO is a big band with a small group vibe giving us a unique backing for our soloists .