The Dobcross Band Club, one of the most famous brass band venues in the world is to host a new concert season series — starting with Hammonds Band on Sunday 26th January.

Showcase Brass

'Showcase Brass' is a non-profit initiative that aims to bring regular concerts to the heart of community that has a proud tradition of brass band music making.

The ethos is simple as Dobcross MD and organiser Jason M Smith told 4BR: "It's all about the music. We want bands to come and perform their latest concert programmes, try out something new or simply perform sets they are comfortable with. It's for bands to showcase their talents.

It's a wonderful, intimate venue where they play to a knowledgeable audience. We are fortunate that we have attracted many of the world's finest top flight bands such as Brighouse & Ratsrick and Treize Etoiles in recent years, but the stage is also open to bands at all levels."

Come along

Jason added: "It's all undertaken in a relaxed Sunday afternoon manner — so why not come along and enjoy yourselves."

The events also offer a great opportunity for the banding community to meet and discuss topics of joint interest over a pint or two.

"We are a social club,"Jason added. "So it is important that we create an atmosphere to welcome people, making it a real hub of brass banding activity.

We offer a guaranteed fee for the bands, therefore they are not relying on just the door receipts and the more successful this becomes the more events we can look to out on to benefit bands at all levels."

Wish to take part?

Bands wishing to take part in the series should contact Jason on: mddobcross@outlook.com

There are currently three spots available.

It's a wonderful, intimate venue where they play to a knowledgeable audienceJason M Smith

Hammonds kick off

The Hammonds Band will kick off the season on Sunday 26th January at 2.00pm with a programme of easy listening music — from Malcolm Arnold and Percy Fletcher to Irvin Berlin and Robert Redhead.

The band's fine stable of soloists will also be on show — with Kirsty Abbotts, Alan Morrison, Anabel Voigt, Andrew Yorkstone and Daniel Hohm all featured.

Concert series

Sunday 26th January: (2.00pm)
The Hammonds Band
Conductor: Morgan Griffiths

Sunday 16th February:
KNDS Fairey Band

Sunday 23rd March:
Ashton Band

Sunday 13th April:
TBC

Sunday 11th May:
TBC

Sunday 22nd June:
TBC

Sunday 27th July:
Marsden Band

Sunday 31st August:
Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 21st September:
Milnrow Band

Sunday 26th October:
Elland Band

Sunday 30th November:
Unite the Union Band (Sheffield)