The Performers

Between the First and Second World Wars a new and distinctly European style of jazz music emerged from the nightclubs and concert halls of Paris. Trio Manor Manouche presents a programme of pieces from the traditional Gypsy Swing repertoire, along with some contemporary tunes and a few original compositions.

Nevil Willis studied for his Masters degree here at Canterbury Christ Church University. His music has taken him across Europe, where for many years he has performed in concert halls and at festivals, including the prestigious Augsburg Jazz Festival. Like many guitar players, Nevil makes an annual ‘pilgrimage’ to the small village in France where legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt spent his last years. Here at the Festival Django Reinhardt, guitar players from all over the world gather to play this wonderful music and to celebrate the Reinhardt legacy.

Thomas Abrahams took to the guitar at the age of twelve and went on to take his degree at Southampton University. Thomas is a formidable classical guitarist but comes to this music via the somewhat unusual route of Heavy Metal. Thomas is a regular solo performer and also plays synthesiser guitar in the Thanet-based ensemble, Tundra.

Jarrod Coombes is a professional bassist who has been playing and touring for well over thirty years. He plays bass and sings in the well-known local band Hullaballoo and has played concerts with other ensembles as far afield as South Africa and Japan.

Event Information

All our lunchtime events begin at 1pm and are free entry, but space is limited, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Children aged five and over are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult.

All the concerts feature introductory ‘listening guides’ prepared by the performers and will be followed by a brief opportunity to discuss the work afterwards.

When you book you have the option to pay a £3, £5 or £10 donation to the Student Scholarship Fund, which exists to support those students who would like to take advantage of an opportunity to extend and enrich their studies in some way but lack the resources. For example, the Fund would support the study of a second instrument (or voice); a masterclass off-campus; a summer school residency; or the purchase of specialist equipment or software.

Venues are either St Gregory’s Centre for Music or Anselm Studio 1, both on our North Holmes Road campus. Our campus car parks are reserved for staff permit holders only.