LEGENDARY drummer Ginger Baker has been revealed as one of the headline acts of the Bournemouth Jazz Festival this April. Ginger is best known for founding 1960s supergroup Cream with Eric Clapton and will appear at the event between April 22 and 24.

This is the second year running that Jazz will be showcased locally and festival director Gerry Clarke is optimistic they can build on the success of last year: “We want people to come to Bournemouth and enjoy the perfect jazz weekend by the sea. We are aiming to raise the town’s cultural profile, widen its appeal and build its economy,” says Gerry.

Local venues hosting the festival include The King’s Hall, Royal Bath Hotel and the Bournemouth Pavilion. Paul Clarke is the general manager of the Hallmark West Cliff Hotel and he has been involved in securing funding facilitating the event and says: “The vision of the Bournemouth Jazz Festival is to create a world class event that will attract visitors to Bournemouth and help to establish the town as an internationally recognised jazz venue.”

Ginger Baker’s work in the 1960s earned him praise as “rock’s first superstar drummer”, although his individual style melded a jazz background with his personal interest in African rhythms.

Joining Ginger Baker and his band The Jazz Confusion, will be one of Britain’s most acclaimed sax players in Andy Sheppard and well established British jazz artist Alec Dankworth.

Key features of the weekend are set to include a World Jazz Jamboree that will include styles from Africa, Europe, India, The Middle East and South America.

A Jazz Village will be located in Bournemouth town centre where crowds will be entertained by a live music stand as well as being able to enjoy various food and drink stalls. There will also be a street jazz theme to build the atmosphere throughout town which will extend to Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe.

Young musicians will be able to develop their skills as part of an education programme enabling them to participate in jazz workshops as well as taking part in a schools jazz competition. Local bands will be able to benefit from the expertise of experienced judges.

The event will culminate with an awards ceremony and a concert that will feature The Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Bournemouth University Big Band.

n For more information visit bournemouthjazzfestival.co.uk