The Charleston Chasers News

The Chasers are playing a Tea Dance at The National Theatre on the open air stage at the Southbank, London on Friday 21 August 2009 at 3.00pm. This is part of Retirement day which is being hosted by Prudential and The National Theatre. www.pru.co.uk/about_us/national_theatre/set_the_stage

The Band have made a new recording for Lake Records to be issued later in the year.

Debbie Arthurs and The Chasers have been the subject in two leading music magazines recently. An article , written by Philip Cruise appeared in MEMORY LANE Magazine and James Hogg, of BBC fame ( Nationwide ), wrote an in depth article, complete with new photographs for THE MISSISSIPPI RAG, America's leading jazz publication; www.mississippirag.com

The Bands theatre shows continue to be popular. Sold Out notices went up at The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich three weeks before the band were due to appear. Please remember to contact your local theatre to ask when are The Chasers coming to your venue.

Two London dates this summer sees the Band at The London Oratory School, SW6 1RX on 12 June and at the Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon on July 15. Ticket details on our gig page.

Our first recording on the Stomp Off label 'Pleasure Mad' ( SOS 1287 ) is back in stock, although supplies are limited. This was recorded in 1992 and has 23 tracks of hot music. 'Turn on the Heat ' and 'Steaming South' CDs are nearly sold out so please call if you would like a copy.

The Band have three open air shows this summer. On 12 July they appear at the National Theatre on the Southbank in a dance night beginning at 10.15pm. Gawsworth Hall Open Air Theatre in Macclesfield is the venue on 14 August and 30 August sees the band share the stage with The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain at The Jazz Age Garden Party at Westonbirt House, Tetbury in Gloucestershire. Further details can be found on our gigs page.

The Chasers and a large audience were disappointed when the bands appearance at the Watch This Space Festival on the South Bank ( August 18 ) was cancelled due to bad weather. Hopefully the band will appear next year at The National Theatre outdoor stage.

The Band are appearing at The Kenton Theatre, Henley on Thames on Saturday 1st December at 7.30pm. The Kenton was established in 1805 and is the fourth oldest working theatre in the UK. Tickets can be obtained from 01491 575698.

The Charleston Chasers were featured in an article which appeared in the April 2007 issue of The Cotswold Life magazine. The article was written by Mark Child and focused on the jazz talent found in Gloucestershire.

A website which would be of interest to Chasers fans is www.venerablemusic.com Listen to the wonderful sounds of the twenties and thirties and you can also buy some rare CDs.

The Band celebrated their twentieth anniversary with a concert , organised by The Papworth Trust, at Hinchingbrooke’s Performing Arts Centre in Huntingdon on 10 March. The evening was a great success with a total of £ 3.800 raised for The Papworth Trust’s Saxongate Appeal.

Several ex members of the band, Neil Irons, Tom Langham and Malcolm Sked, made guest appearances during the concert. Many fans of the band travelled far and wide to attend and even the legendary Mr. Yamamoto flew in from Japan.

This was the last appearance with the band of founder member Sean Bolan and pianist Raina Reid. Both will spend more time at home in the Cotswolds, with Sean concentrating on his painting, and Raina still providing those arrangements which have given the Charleston Chasers their special sound. Sean and Raina have given immense time and effort towards the band and are justifiably proud of the achievements of the Charleston Chasers. We wish them well in their musical retirement.

For lovers of the music of the 20s, 30’s and 40’s we recommend the Past Perfect CD’s. When you buy from Past Perfect, you’re enjoying some of the best music ever performed, and listening to a sound quality that has to be heard to be believed.
You can find them online at www.pastperfect.com or call 0800 0 19 40 30.

Memory Lane magazine is a must for the dance band enthusiasts. Everything you needed to know about Artists such as Al Bowlly, Lew Stone, Henry Hall, Ambrose and many more. www.memorylane.org.uk