The choir sang first in Abingdon Market Place but had more impact when they perfomed the same song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and disrupted the shopping experience for 2 minutes at Waitrose Abingdon where I think they were asked to leave. This was part of the Big Sing that kicks of the Abingdon Arts Festival. Money raised from the Big Sing goes to Christian Aid.
(if the video does not work on the blog just press the youtube image bottom right to watch on youtube.)
There is going to be a lot of jazz as part of the Abingdon Arts Festival – eight events feature jazz.
GHQ were playing at the Kings Head and Bell this evening. GHQ usually stand for the George Haslam Quartet, but tonight it was a Quintet. The drummer, who is quite a character, had brought along a bongo player as an understudy. They improvised a brilliant duo near the end. I lost faith in drum solos in the 70s but tonight I think I have re-found the faith.
GHQ are …
George Haslam baritone saxophone.
Steve Waterman trumpet, flugelhorn.
Steve Kershaw double bass
Robin Jones drums, percussion.
+ Bongo Player (not shown).
In the Old Abbey Buildings a new Time Line showing the history of Abingdon Abbey has just been unveiled.
It is part of the Lost Abbey of Abingdon project that has brought together the skills and knowledge of a number of leading local historians. Together at the opening were members of the Lost Abbey Project some of whom used to work for the Vale of White Horse District Council, before being let go, some are from Abingdon and Area Archaeological and Historical Society, and the timeline is hosted by the Friends of Abingdon.
The Abingdon Arts Festival is already underway. Earlier at St Nics there was a Silent Comedy Classic: ‘I was born but’ – with live piano accompaniment.
I look forward to Saturday when an impromptu choir will rehearse for the BIG SING AND FLASH CHOIR.
Meet at Trinity Church, Conduit Road at 10am then after a rehearsal we will take it out to people of Abingdon. It could all last until about 5pm.