The launch, to be hosted by virtuoso trumpeter and bandleader Paul Eshelby, will remarkably feature octogenarian Vic Ash, who was the headline act for the first gig and opening night of the club back in 1959. On the same bill, and with a nod to the future will be Yolanda Brown, Kit Downes and Elisa Caleb.
Throughout the Festival, an array of artists will assist Fleming to mark the occasion, including Don Weller, Peter King, Art Themen, Guy Barker, Stan Tracey and Sheila Jordan. Long-time supporter Yamaha will be coming to the party on the 16th November, with a very a special piano night billed as "Hot Pianos", featuring Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
Young & Co's Brewery and Yamaha are jointly sponsoring the Festival. Yamaha's senior director Mike Ketley comments: "We are delighted to congratulate the Bull's Head on reaching the milestone of their 50th anniversary. We are very proud of the Yamaha Jazz room and our partnership with this historic venue, the unique place it occupies in International Jazz history and its philosophy to present and showcase both established and new talent."
Charity News - Sir Paul McCartney is to join a host of stars including Take That, Lily Allen and Muse for a one-off charity concert for Children in Need next month. Dame Shirley Bassey, Leona Lewis, Dizzee Rascal and Snow Patrol are also on the line-up for the show, organised by Take That's Gary Barlow. Radio 1's Chris Moyles will host the show at London's Royal Albert Hall on 12 November. Announcing the line-up on his Radio 2 show, Sir Terry Wogan said: "This concert is helping to make a really special year for Children In Need."
And Finally - A clump of hair believed to have been trimmed from Elvis Presley's head when he joined the US Army in 1958 has been sold for $15,000 (£9,200) in Chicago. The item was among 200 Elvis-related items up for sale at the auction, including sweat-stained scarves, bathrobes and records. A shirt that once belonged to the King also sold for $52,000 (£32,000).
(Jim Evans)
