Are a four piece band
specialising in Dixieland and jazz from the Charleston era. They play acoustically or with full amplification.
As light background music they set a happy tone. When Café Society are playing during a meal they
have proved an excellent aid to digestion. When featured at weddings
they guarantee a good day, reception and honeymoon!
Their tuneful rhythmic style has enhanced many events including shopping
centres, garden fetes, piers and grand openings.
There is also a cabaret element.
With a mixture of lively music, audience participation and devastating
humour, they will take you on a musical meander down memory lane with
tributes to such stars as Al Jolson, Noel Coward and even George Formby!
In short Café Society is every band you will ever need. (in our unbiased opinion!)
Anthony Mason - who fronts
the band, plays ukulele and sings in a variety of styles - from 1920's
crooner, to Noel Coward and even George Formby! His witty and humorous
announcing, together with his suave and rather unusual, debonair
appearance, enliven proceedings wherever the band appears. He has also
worked with the Temperance Seven and on the Orient Express.
Willie Entwistle - is
featured on clarinet, alto sax, violin and penny whistle. A brilliant and
versatile musician and arranger, he is also a member of the famous Temperance
Seven, and in the past will be remembered for his work with the Vintage
Syncopators and Laughing Stock.
John Tucker - is our cornet
player. He has played with a number of Manchester jazz bands, including Red
River, then moved to London and played professionally with the Back O' Town
Syncopators for three years. On returning to the North West he joined the Fairey
Engineering Band, then the Vintage Syncopators. He has been with the famous
Temperance Seven for many years, and joined Café Society in 2002.
George Allison - is our
anchorman on Bflat Sousaphone and string bass. He brings a wealth of experience,
after playing with a large variety of bands in the North West, West Yorkshire
and the Isle of Man. As George Allen, he became the bandleader at the Keirby Hotel, Burnley,
followed by 18 years as MD at the Clayton Lodge Hotel, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Among the many musicians who played in this band were Peter Chell, Nat.
Whitworth, Art Lester and Andy Prior. In recent years he has worked with Pat Nash and the Wally MacKenzie Orchestra, and
is now back to his roots with Café Society. On his regular visits to Delaware,
USA, he plays tuba with the UUpbeats Jazz Band.
