Gig preview: Big Band Britannia, Barbican Hall
JAZZ singer Cleo Laine brought new meaning to the word trooper earlier this year when she chose not to let the death of her husband, saxophonist John Dankworth, stop her from appearing in concert just hours later.
This month she makes her first major appearance since that night in Big Band Britannia, a live survey of this country's rich heritage of orchestral jazz.
Led by trumpeter Guy Barker, and with guests including Stan Tracey, Peter King and Bobby Wellins, the evening will air classic charts from the likes of Ted Heath, Tubby Hayes, Kenny Wheeler and, of course, John Dankworth.
One especially rare treat will be the opportunity to hear arrangements that American legends Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter wrote for British dance bands in the Thirties.
June 19, 7.30pm
Barbican Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2
Tickets: £10-£25 (0845 1207550)