HSBC Cheltenham Jazz Festival

29^th April – 5^th May 2008

Legendary Catwoman Eartha Kitt will be opening the festival this year at The Centaur on the 29^th April. Kitt, who has led a distinguished career in film, theatre, cabaret, music and on television, has performed in over 100 countries and was honoured with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. She remains devoted to performing in front of live audiences, from intimate cabaret clubs to huge concert halls, and on January 17^th 2007 marked her 80^th birthday with a celebratory concert at Carnegie Hall.

On the 30^th April, Van Morrison takes over the stage at The Centaur. The Grammy Award Winner was honoured at the US-Ireland Alliance Awards in early 2007 for his contribution to the film world. Presented by Al Pacino, the award highlighted the depth and breadth of Van's compositions as used by directors Scorsese, Landis, Stone and more. The likes of Brown Eyed Girl through Days Like This and Have I Told You Lately are some of the most well known hits ever released. Van will be playing tracks from his new album Keep It Simple, his first album of new material since 2005. On this new record Morrison honours all his varied influences – jazz, folk, blues, Ulster Scots, country, soul and gospel (even making uniquely innovative use of the mighty ukulele) – at times melding them all together at once in a way only he knows how.

Actor Michael Brandon, star of Dempsey and Makepace and Jerry Springer the Musical, will be narrating the special Friday Night Is Music Night Tribute To Billie Holiday on the 2^nd May. The BBC Radio 2 show will be recorded at the Cheltenham Town Hall and will include special guests including Juliet Roberts and Liane Carroll. The show will be directed by the highly respected trumpeter Guy Barker, a star in his own right having made a special appearance alongside Jude Law in the hit movie The Talented Mr Ripley.

Mostly know for his screen roles in Hollywood blockbusters which include three Bond films, Resident Evil and Match Point, actor Colin Salmon showcases another of his passions on the 2^nd May with a concert of high class jazz at The Daffodil. The trumpeter, who has toured with Benny King, Eddie Floyd and Dorothy Moore, will present an evening of impeccable music with a touch of Hollywood glamour.

For further media information please contact Air, on 0207 386 1600

Sheela Bates sheela@airmtm.com OR Joe Baxter joe@airmtm.com