The second annual Midsummer Music, in the grounds of Georgian country house Spencers, at Great Yeldham, was a special occasion, involving more than music.
There was plenty of Chinese culture, including a dragon dance, Chinese food, children's Chinese face painting, calligraphy and an exhibition of Chinese sculptures and artefacts.
There was also a first UK appearance for Chinese guitarist Eugene Pao
. Few had heard of him before the event but they will remember him for many a year, such was his electrifying performance.
It was all brought about by a cultural organisation staging events to introduce China ahead of the Beijing Olympics.
Other music ranged from the gently swinging style of John Etheridge, a homage to the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, the Glenn Miller Orchestra (UK) and a cracking tribute to Benny Goodman by Julian Marc Stringle.
There was also a rare chance to hear the jazz-funk-pop of Shakatak and Essex soul singer Bridget Metcalfe who launched into What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life seamlessly when the electrics failed and she was left without guitar, bass and keyboard. Pianist Paul Tage slipped from one stool to another at the acoustic piano and Bridget continued as if nothing had happened.
The festival concluded with an electrifying exhibition by saxophonist Courtney Pine.
The event attracted well over 1,000 people and made around £4,000 for Maggie's Cancer Care Homes.
The full article contains 241 words and appears in Suffolk Free Press newspaper.
