Hot N.O. Style Jazz

Pete Lay Memorial Traditional Jazz Party 2026 - Gunton Hall

SUFFOLK: Warners Gunton Hall Hotel calendar_today 11 Sep 2026 place Lowestoft, Suffolk To book call 01502 730288

 

Pete Lay Memorial
Traditional Jazz Party
@ Warners Gunton Hall Hotel

11th – 14th September 2026

Get ready for the ultimate musical getaway at the Pete Lay Memorial Traditional Jazz Party. Hosted by Heather Lay from 11th–14th September 2026, this premier event brings a sizzling menu of world-class jazz to the superb, adult-only coastal resort of Warner Gunton Hall Hotel in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Hand-picked by Heather to showcase the vibrant, high-energy future of the genre, this weekend features six of the UK's finest live bands. From the foot-stomping energy of New Orleans and authentic British revival swing to the "dirty jazz" and boozy swagger of the classic jazz club, every session is guaranteed to keep the party swinging from Friday to Sunday.

 


The Star-Studded Lineup

Friday 11th September

  • The Alvar Treefrogs: A brand new band dedicated to breathing life into forgotten 1920s and 30s New Orleans classics. Featuring elite musicians who have performed with everyone from Quincy Jones to Pete Tong, they promise wild adventures into jazz culture that will make you want to "hop" and dance.

  • The San Jacinto Stompers: Named after the prolific New Orleans recording venue "San Jacinto Hall," this ensemble specializes in the raw, authentic Revival-Style. Influenced by legends like George Lewis and Kid Thomas, they deliver the hot, traditional sounds of the 1940s.

Saturday 12th September

  • John Maddocks’ Jazzmen: Celebrated for their "drive and cohesiveness," this band is defined by John Maddocks’ unique, breathtaking clarinet style. Inspired by Johnny Dodds, they incorporate seldom-heard tunes into a repertoire that has toured extensively across Europe for over 50 years.

  • Louis Louis Louis: A high-energy tribute to three icons—Armstrong, Prima, and Jordan. Blending soul, rock and roll, and 50s rhythm & blues, they provide "Jump, Jive, and Swing" that is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.

Sunday 13th September

  • Ewan Bleach Band: Led by the virtuosic clarinettist and saxophonist Ewan Bleach, this band specializes in "music for dancing and romancing". With a repertoire ranging from rough 1920s raggy blues to luscious early 40s ballads, they bring the golden era of jazz to life.

  • T J Johnson Band: The self-titled "King of Dirty Jazz and Backroom Swing," TJ Johnson is a true soul ambassador. His extraordinary blend of music transcends boundaries, fusing jazz, blues, soul, country, and gospel into one powerful, boozy swagger.

📞 Booking & Contact Information

Relax in comfort at this adult-only coastal resort with a non-stop programme of world-class jazz.

  • To Book Your Stay: Call Warners on 01502 730288.

  • Event Enquiries: Contact Heather Lay at 01737 822726 or email [email protected].

  • Address: Gunton Avenue, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 5DF, UK.

 

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