North East's finest brass bands to perform at Great Exhibition of the North

Three of the North East's finest brass bands will be performing at Sage Gateshead as part of the Great Exhibition of the North this summer.
The concert takes place as part of the Great Exhibition of the NorthThe concert takes place as part of the Great Exhibition of the North
The concert takes place as part of the Great Exhibition of the North

The Great North Brass concert will take place in the prestigious Sage One concert hall on Sunday July 8.

The Reg Vardy Band will be joined by the NAS/UWT Riverside and Easington Colliery Bands in a festival of music showcasing North East bands, their music and personalities.

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World-renowned tuba soloist Joe Cook will be welcomed home for an appearance as guest soloist. Joe was born in Boldon Colliery and grew up in North East brass bands, becoming principal tuba of the world famous Black Dyke Band for many years.

The concert will be directed by Dr Robert Childs whose father, John, conducted the Ever Ready Band (now known as the Reg Vardy Band) in the 1980s. Bob was principal euphonium of the famous Grimethorpe Colliery and Black Dyke bands before embarking on a highly-successful conducting career.

Music to suit all tastes will be on show, all of it with connections to the North East of England.

There will also be music by Sunderland-born Edward Gregson who, whilst being a well-known composer for all genres, is especially known for his original music for brass band. Arrangements by North East musicians Jack Stobbs, Wing Commander Eric Banks, Roger Payne, Steve Robson and Lee Morris complete the show. The concert starts at 2pm and tickets are available from www.sagegateshead.com or Tel. 0191 443 4661.