Jazz festival is dedicated to town's popular mentor (From The Northern Echo)

Jazz festival is dedicated to town's popular mentor

10:42am Thursday 23rd February 2012 in Darlington By Lauren Pyrah, Deputy Business Editor

MUSICIANS are organising Darlington’s first jazz festival in memory of a popular conductor and mentor who inspired countless others.

Darlington Jazz Festival will be dedicated to cornet player Alf Hind, who died last year aged 78.

Mr Hind is held in such high regard by those who played with him, all the musicians performing at the event have agreed to play for free.

The festival will take place at The Forum Music Centre, on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday April 22, with live music and a workshop on the second day. Confirmed artists include the Durham County Youth Big Band, Bush Band, Queen Elizabeth Big Band, Little Big Band, and Darlington Big Band.

Mr Hind first picked up a cornet aged 12, playing with Cockerton Band, but his passion for music really fired when he played during his national service in the Royal Corps of Signals During his 66 years as a musician, Mr Hind played at the Royal Albert Hall, shared the stage with acclaimed performers such as jazz tenor saxophonist Ronnie Scott, the Drifters and singer Kathy Kirby. He also formed backing bands for comedians Little and Large, Ken Dodd and Freddie Starr.

As a conductor of Darlington Youth Brass Band and Darlington Youth Big Band, both of which he ran, and the Alf Hind Big Band, he inspired hundreds of young musicians.

Shaune (cor) Eland, 49, who is one of the festival organisers, told The Northern Echo: “He influenced so many people in the town.

“He was a mentor to so many musicians, many of whom have gone on to become professional musicians and teachers, and have a love of music because of him.

“We wanted to pay tribute to someone who was such a huge inspiration to so many, and we thought dedicating the first jazz festival him would be a nice way of doing that.”

Mr Hind’s son, Nigel, 41, said: “It is very flattering that they have decided to do this.

“It is hard to put into words how touched we are.”

Tickets for the festival, which are £15 for the weekend, £10 for either day or £6 for a single session, are on sale now. The workshop is an additional £5. Call The Forum, in Borough Road, Darlington, on 01325-363135.