Kendal Jazz Club has been in existence for over 40 years, beginning in 1968 in the now-defunct Kendal Hotel, then quickly outgrowing that and moving to the County Hotel.
The Kaycee Jazzmen, led by Les Bull, were the resident band, but the likes of Alex Welsh, Ken Colyer and even Nat Gonella were welcomed as visitors.
When the venue changed to the newly-opened Malt Room in the Brewery Arts Centre in 1973,
the bigger room meant that international stars could be accommodated, and Kendal listeners were able to enjoy Barney Kessel, Stephane Grappelli, Bud Freeman, and many more top performers.
When the venue changed to the newly-
After a long fallow period the current incarnation of the Club came into being through the enthusiasm of Ted Richards, who began promoting weekly sessions in the Ivy Leaf Club.
Under his aegis local musicians were given a chance to shine,and occasionally to support visiting luminaries, notably Alan Barnes: but about 10 years ago, when Roy Cansdale took over as Chairman,it was decided to move to monthly sessions and return to the Malt Room.
This arrangement continued until the end of 2004 and saw many successful concerts being staged, but after leaving the Brewery a much shorter fallow period ensued while the Club searched for suitable premises.
In early 2006 operations resumed at the Riverside Hotel,but in March 2007 the Club leapt at the chance to move to its present location, the acoustically much superior Hawkshead Beer Hall at Staveley.
Under his aegis local musicians were given a chance to shine,and occasionally to support visiting luminaries, notably Alan Barnes: but about 10 years ago, when Roy Cansdale took over as Chairman,it was decided to move to monthly sessions and return to the Malt Room.
This arrangement continued until the end of 2004 and saw many successful concerts being staged, but after leaving the Brewery a much shorter fallow period ensued while the Club searched for suitable premises.
In early 2006 operations resumed at the Riverside Hotel,but in March 2007 the Club leapt at the chance to move to its present location, the acoustically much superior Hawkshead Beer Hall at Staveley.
Since then there have been many memorable sessions with Roy at the helm, and I hope, as the new chairman, to build on this success.
I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Paul and Caroline Harrop have made to the running of the Club.
I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Paul and Caroline Harrop have made to the running of the Club.
There’s certainly some juicy stuff lined up for the rest of this year – check out our Gig Guide!
If you haven’t been to the Beer Hall yet, do give us a try – the atmosphere is great, the beer is superb, and you’re sure of a warm welcome.
Bruce Carnaffin,April 2009
