EDDY Gartry’s seven piece jive party Big Magic Dance Band are rolling into a different town or village hall every Saturday night through the autumn.

The area’s favourite bluesman revives the Saturday night ‘hops’ of bygone days following the success of a jive party night at Llandinam in May.

Now they are set to hit Llanfair Caereinion Institute this Saturday, September 7; followed by Wattlesborough Village Hall on Saturday, September 14; Berriew Community Centre on September 21; Oswestry Memorial Hall on September 28; Priest Weston Village Hall on October 5; Montgomery Town Hall on October 26; and Welshpool Town Hall on November 23.

Jiving has become very popular with dance and jive clubs springing up around the country.

County Times:

"It seems people are once again enjoying the intimacy of their own local village halls for dancing and enjoying live music and we are blessed with a multitude of them around Powys, including some that are barely being used at all,” said Eddy who leads the band on vocals and guitar, with Lydia Homer on piano and Hammond organ, Richie Davies on bass, Paul Recchia and Tanji Moon on drums and percussion, Milton Jones on alto saxophone, Niall Ross on tenor saxophone, Rob Venables on harmonica and trombones and trumpet care of the Powys horn collective.

They also occasionally feature some renowned guest musicians, singers and dancers.

The Big Magic Dance Band are all looking forward to regular Saturday night performances, until the end of 2019. Any village halls that are interested in a ‘Saturday night jive night’ are encouraged to call Steve Thomas on 07730 454864 or 01686-650139, or Geoff Landers on 07740 124513 or 01938-561305; or contact the band by email at: w.gartry@hotmail.com

All band performances are accompanied by a regular, rare vinyl DJ, featuring, ‘Rockin’ Punky Joe’ from Liverpool, ‘Bonie Maronie’ from London and dance boss, ‘H’ from the Welshpool Jive Club.

Real ales and food will be available at all the venues, plus dance prizes and raffles.