Last year a fascinating and unusual programme of violin-based jazz was enjoyed by the Sinfonietta's small but keen Lunchtime Recital public.  Everyone thought the performers deserved a wider hearing, and the result was An Evening of Jazz on Wednesday 8th July, presented by Don May (violin) with Tom Sykes (5-string violin), John Wheatcroft (guitar), John Harper (guitar) and John McCormick (bass).  Their style is virtuoso modern jazz based on "standards" -- tunes most of us know in their unjazzed form, and can follow through the variations (if our brains are equal to it).

**** UPDATE - they beat the record - 582 drummers, raising over £34,000 so far -- congratulations to everyone. ****

Ian Haskell, who was our drum leader at the recent St Helens Festival, is taking an active part in a world record breaking attempt on Monday.

The Stick it to MS event aims to bring together 600 drummers to Birmingham's National Indoor arena on Monday July 13th. Hopefully they'll be pounding their way into the record books. They're sure they can beat the current record of 533 drummers set 3 years ago in the US.

Today will see St Helens Music Net open proceedings in the Music and Performing Arts Pavilion, showcasing the best young talent from local music schools and development programmes.

Compered by Music Net founder and resident crowd pleaser Steve Kinsey, the line up promises to kick things off in suitably raucous style:

Noon Silent Thunder - Blackbrook's finest.
12.30pm St Helens Music Academy presents.
1pm Mr J - Rainhill rock idols.

and then its back to the Music Net Grotto for -
2-4pm The Beating Heart Rhythm Workshop - Djembe drumming with session ace Ian Haskell.