LINTON Jazz is celebrating 10 years of swinging songs and toe-tapping tunes with an anniversary concert at Linton Village College on Saturday March 21. Formed in September 1998, the group played its first concert at the college in March 1999, and is head

LINTON Jazz is celebrating 10 years of swinging songs and toe-tapping tunes with an anniversary concert at Linton Village College on Saturday March 21.

Formed in September 1998, the group played its first concert at the college in March 1999, and is heading back there for its 10th birthday celebration.

Karen Sanderson, Head of Music at Castle Hill Middle School, started up the band with pianist Stephen Inglis.

She said: "I have been playing jazz since I was 12, and have been lucky enough to go all over the world with different jazz bands.

"I really wanted to give something back so 10 years ago Stephen and I decided to start a group where anyone could come along and play, but more importantly have fun."

Linton Jazz plays around five shows a year, and from an initial membership of less than 10 people now has over 30 musicians in the band. The age of members ranges from 12 to over 60.

Some former members of the band have gone to study at music colleges across the country and Ms Sanderson said: "Seeing really talented young musicians come along and then move on to better things is definitely one of the highlights of being involved with the group."

Over the past 10 years, the group has prided itself on the diversity of the material it plays.

Nigel Bennett, who plays trumpet as well as arranging music for the band, said: "We don't play the usual Big Band repertoire. We play more modern stuff as well as standards."

Since forming, Linton Jazz has raised money for numerous charities, including the Arthur Rank Hospice, Save the Children and Linton Church.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost �8 for adults, �4 for OAPs and under 18s, and �15 for a family. Tickets can be purchased on the door or in advance by calling 01223 891708.