The Strictly Smokin’ Big Band will be tracing the evolution of big band music from its earliest beginning to the present day when they hit the Gosforth Civic Theatre this June.

For an absolutely unbeatable live performance – or life experience, rather – nothing else quite measures up to the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band. This multi-talented bunch, a full 18-piece force of nature, are incredible and their latest show ‘Time After Time’ is a real doozy. It’s a show that will see them telling the story of jazz, swing, and big band history, from its inception right up to modern times. From the cotton plantations of the Deep South to blockbuster film soundtracks, they’re running the full gamut and will feature music by the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Dinah Washington, Maynard Ferguson, Sarah Vaughan, The Rat Pack, Buddy Rich, Gordon Goodwin, Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles), WDR Big Band, and many more. I expect the hairs on the back of your neck will get a real work out with this one. GM

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band: Time After Time, Friday 27 June, Gosforth Civic Theatre, 7.30pm, £20 (£18 conc.), gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk