The Author's Musical Background

The Band of '78

Formed in 1978, the Eston Campus Band was formed from local Secondary Schools pupils. Conducted initially by Billy Dennis, the band was taken over by his son, Kel Dennis, and went from strength to strength under his musical direction. As time passed the band changed its name to the Eston Concert Band until in 2000 it changed once again, this time to the band of ’78, as mark of recognition towards the year it was formed. Musicians from other schools and colleges joined the band on a regular basis and the band now takes players from across the local area. Primary school children across the local area now receive peripatetic lessons from an earlier age, therefore allowing a longer musical career within the band, and the band benefits from their high levels of musicianship and dedication. The ethos of the band is ‘inclusion, not exclusion,’ and the atmosphere within is more like that of a family than a group of individual members. The Band of ’78 prides itself on its wide musical repertoire, from classic Jazz Standards, through the music of the Big Band era, Latin, Blues and Rock, to sweeping numbers from Broadway shows. It has performed across the UK and Europe, visiting Germany and Holland several times before being invited to perform at Disneyland Paris. Numerous invites to return have produced stunning performances on the main stage in Videopolis and the Fantasyland, and the band returned to Disneyland Paris to perform once again in 2007.

Sadly, Kel Dennis is no longer with us. His untimely passing has been a shock to all members of the Eston Bands.
Visit a tribute page to Kel Dennis at www.myspace.com/keldennis

Almost The Blues Brothers

Formed initially to take part in a one-off fund raising concert, Almost The Blues Brothers quickly found themselves in demand for other charity events. With popular local group The Beer Pigs as the backbone of the band, other musicians were drafted in to help recreate the distinctive sound of the Blues Brothers. Fronted by Catholic priest Father Paul Farrer (as Jake) and Kirsty McNaughton (as Elwood), the band comprised of Mike Mackin on drums, Ian Erving on guitar, Chris Raine on bass, Teresa Farrer on keyboards, Dave Mackin and Kate Barrett on trumpet, and David Jowsey on trombone. Backing vocals were provided by Nicola Collins. The tribute band wrote and performed their own authentic-sounding arrangements of tracks from both Blues Brothers movies, including Shake a Tail Feather, Sweet Home Chicago and Minnie the Moocher, as well as covers of Dance The Night Away by The Mavericks, and You Can Leave Your Hat On by Tom Jones. Throughout an 18 month life the band helped to raise thousands of pounds at various local charity events and performed in front of over 2000 fans at the Millennium Celebrations, held at the Riverside Stadium in May 2000.

The Scratch Band

Rockin' in the Aisles is a charity fundraising event held every two years, and David has taken part playing in The Scratch Band alongside friends on the last two occasions. To say it's a fun couple of nights is an understatement!