A SPECIAL jazz performance from a renowned band is coming to Malvern next month.

Big Band Jazz will be heard in St Peter’s Church, Powick, on Sunday May 5 as the 17-piece Martineau Big Band makes a rare visit to Worcester.

The band will be playing music from the 30s to the present day with some classics being played alongside more contemporary pieces.

The musicians are led by award-winning BBC Big Band trumpeter, John Ruddick MBE and come from all over the West Midlands, practicing in Birmingham every week.

Famed as the musical director of the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, 11 times winners in the BBC National Big Band Competition, Mr Ruddick is a highly talented trumpeter in his own right, having backed singers such as Peggy Lee and the Supremes.

He also plays with several Birmingham based Big Bands, including Fat Chops, Garry Allcock’s All Stars and the Skyliners and was awarded his MBE for services to music.

Jazz In The Church – at 7:30pm on Sunday May 5 is one of a number of events raising money for the Powick Community Heritage Fund. Powick Village and St Peter’s are closely linked to the Civil War and the fund aims to provide a sustainable centre to inform and educate visitors about the local aspects of this significant period in our history.

The event offers the chance to do something different on a Sunday evening. Tickets are £10 including refreshments and are available from 01905 830266 or by email from: wjazzjam@gmail.com