A MUSICIAN now in his 85th year is still drawing large crowds at Theale Village Hall with his band - and has told the Chronicle all about why people should check him and his band out.

High Society Jazz, lead by Graeme Hewitt, has been performing for more than 50 years and 14 years at the village hall.

He told us: "Our band is drawing almost full houses every time we play - ok, not quite Taylor Swift numbers but we are quite chuffed." 

He said he thinks it might be down to the fact that the band now only play once a month, the first Tuesday, and to avoid late nights and driving in the dark, which we did for most of the fifty years but now,  due partly to our senior years we  start at midday.  

He said: "This also suits our enthusiastic supporters who give the band lots of encouragement, the more agile of the crowd add to the atmosphere by dancing too. A few things have changed in that time - I have less hair, but more than that we have been lucky enough to include in our line-up the cornet ( a long horned American cornet) playing of Mike Henry who was with Chris Barber for many years, until Chris passed away a year or so ago.  

Graeme continued: "Mike has to be one of the most experienced players in the country and we are so fortunate to have him join us.

"Another amazing fact is that Steve Watling has been the drummer in the band for well over thirty years and is still providing the essential encouragement to the back-line and more.  Mike Bennett has a history with us on double bass, Terry Hutchins, a further solid addition to the back line on guitar.  

"Our regular pianist, the only member of the band to actually have a day-time job so he can only join us once  every three months, Andrew Clancey." 

The band will be back performing on Tuesday, March 5, from midday at Theale Village Hall.

Tickets are just £10 and include a free raffle. There is no bar but guests are invited to bring their own drinks - though preferably not alcohol.