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At Dixiebird Records and Events, good music is in our DNA. We pride ourselves on crafting creative, bespoke experiences for clients through our live acts, and we are dedicated to be offering only the very best talent the music world has to offer for all your celebrations and special events. As International Women’s Day 2024 is here, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate and introduce you to some of the most incredible female acts on our books. From DJs to musicians to singers, Dixiebird’s awesome women really know how to put on a show, get the party started and create lasting memories, at events large and small. In no particular order, please put your hands together for… Madhu Sax Madhu, an experienced, vibrant saxophonist and performer knows how to add that je ne sais quoi to any event. A long-time member of the Dixiebird family, Madhu’s style covers house and Ibiza tunes, as well as timeless classical, pop, funk and soul classics. Madhu is unique in her performances, and her wireless set-up allows her to mingle and engage with the crowd. With nearly 200 songs available in her repertoire, in a range of styles uitable for all occasions, from solo saxophone performances, to DJing, to playing as part of a saxophone/guitar combo or saxophone quartet. Madhu’s versatile talents make her perfect for bringing up the energy of the party, or for providing the perfect chilled soundtrack to a dinner party or soiree. Tanya Sax Tanya is a leading party saxophonist in the UK, whose talents have taken her to headlining shows alongside DJs across the globe. Bringing a fun, high-energy style to her performances at private events and weddings, Tanya is a popular and successful artist, who has played with BBC Radio 1, Headkandi in Ibiza and more. Tanya’s interactive, fun style makes her a brilliant addition to any event. Check out her video below taken from an event last Summer. Oriana One of Dixiebird’s most versatile and unique talents, Oriana is a singer, songwriter, published model, actress and alternative artist. Her musical offering encompasses violin, vocals and jazz stylings, making her the perfect performer to bring a touch of glamour to your event. Hailing from France, Oriana moved to the UK a decade ago, where she has gone from strength to strength in her career. Describing the move to the UK as ‘the best creative decision I’ve ever made’, Oriana has appeared on TV as a judge on the BBC 1 show ‘All together now’  and has performed in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Carlton in Cannes, and at the Edinburgh festival. Oriana is a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment and this is something she explores in her music. Tashara! Tashara is a seriously sparkling soul singer with a brand of sleek sophistication that marks her out as unique. Her influences range from Diana Ross, Martha Reeves, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Corinne Bailey-Rae and many more. Tasharas silky vocals will elevate any event, large or small, having performed with Odyssey, Paloma Faith, and Soul II Soul, Tashara has many live acts to book, from her 7 piece Soul and Motown Bad, her Big Bash, Disco Divas Trio and as a solo artist, Tashara is a popular Mo-town and Soul singer we just love having work with us! DJ, Singer and founder of Dixiebird Records Kerri Layton Dixiebird’s founder, vocalist and DJ Kerri, is a bona fide Professional Party Starter and Femme Fatale Party DJ who has music and evets in her blood. Having already achieved success in her career as a jazz vocalist, in 2017 Kerri launched Dixiebird Records and Events following vocal surgery that temporarily halted her singing work. Determined to carry on bringing her magic to events big and small, Kerri began the agency, at the same time honing her DJ skills. Her blend of soul, funk, house and disco tunes are renowned for getting parties started with a sparkle, crafting perfectly curated sets for any occasion. These are of course just a small selection of the fabulous female-led bands and acts on our books, take a look at a few of our other amazing female artists below and if you are organising a special event, booking a band for your Christmas party, need a DJ for your works Christmas do, then send us a message on the contact form or reach out to us via email on hello@dixiebirdrecords.com Celebrating Miss Velocity! Give a big hand to Miss Kai! Swing sister Amanda! Another one of our fabulous Saxophonists, Jemma! And...it won't be long ;) So while we are here, enjoy some Christmas sparkle.

This summer, Dixiebird Records had a blast supporting Santa Pod Raceway during two adrenaline-fueled racing events: Dragstalgia and the Summer Retro Show & Nationals. These thrilling gatherings combined the thrill of fast cars with the electrifying energy of live music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that left us yearning for more. At the Summer Nationals and Retro Weekend, we had the privilege of showcasing some truly remarkable talent. Kai Hoffman Jazz Singer, accompanied by her Dixie Swing Band, delivered mesmerizing performances that transported the crowd to the golden era of swing and jazz. Their soulful melodies and infectious rhythms set the perfect tone for an incredible retro weekend. The energetic rockabilly, 50s style of The Top Cats had everyone on their feet, dancing and dancing away in Fuellers Bar, and of course, our very own Kerri Layton took the stage, spinning an eclectic mix of retro vinyl soul and jazz that kept the day flowing with a nostalgic vibe. Together, these artists captivated the audience and added an extra layer of magic to the event. To learn more about Santa Pod Raceway and their upcoming events, be sure to visit their website at santapod.co.uk. \ During the Dragstalgia weekender, we were thrilled to host the talented bands These Wicked Rivers and Little Dave & the Sun Sessions on the main stage. These Wicked Rivers unleashed their authentic rock sound. Little Dave & the Sun Sessions took everyone on a musical journey back in time, rockabilly and 50s rock 'n' roll sound, igniting the crowd with their high-energy performance channeling the spirit of the era with their incredible musicianship and infectious stagemanship. These talented acts truly added an extra dose of excitement to the already buzzing event, creating an atmosphere of pure rock 'n' roll bliss. We would like to extend our gratitude to the entire team at Santa Pod, including the exceptional individuals like Hannah and Nicola, who provided unwavering support and collaboration throughout the events. A special thanks also goes to the talented sound technicians, Angie and Iona, our dedicated roadies at Dixiebird Records, Markus Feldman from Rock People Management, and Josie Toolie for their invaluable efforts behind the scenes. Last but not least, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to our exceptional event manager, Sofia, whose expertise and dedication made these events a resounding success. Teamwork makes the dream work ;) If you are planning a food festival, a blues beer festival, a party, or any other gathering and need assistance booking artists for your 2024 summer events, look no further than Dixiebird Records. Our experienced team is here to help you create a customized quote and curate a stellar lineup that will make your event an unforgettable success. From small gatherings to large-scale festivals, we have the expertise and connections to deliver top-notch performances that will leave your audience talking about your event and coming back for years to come. Contact us today and let's work together to create an unforgettable experience for your next event.

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating experience, filled with countless decisions and details that come together to create a magical celebration of love. When it comes to organizing your dream wedding in East Kent, one aspect that should never be overlooked is the entertainment. The right music and performers can set the tone, captivate your guests, and create memories that will last a lifetime. At Dixiebird Records & Events, we specialize in providing premium world-class wedding entertainment services in Kent and London, offering an array of talented musicians, self-contained acts, and event packages to ensure your special day is nothing short of extraordinary. Captivating Solo Saxophone: The saxophone is so popular, and there is a reason why. Firstly the saxophone looks amazing, setting the tone of absolute class and elegance. A versatile instrument, saxophone can be classical, pop, jazz and swing, and Ibiza dancefloor fillers. Booking a solo saxophone for your wedding can Imagine the soulful melodies of a solo saxophone gracefully filling the air as you walk down the aisle,, enjoy your first dance as a married couple, and set the night on fire by pairing it with a DJ. Our roster includes incredibly talented saxophonists who between them have performed for BBC Radio 1, the legendary Staks Band, Syd Lawrence Orchestra all of which add an elegant and romantic touch to your wedding ceremony or reception. With their captivating performances, these skilled artists are sure to create an atmosphere of pure enchantment, leaving a lasting impression on you and your guests, not to mention ultimate selfie-mode opportunities as the night goes on! Live Music to Set the Stage: When it comes to creating an unforgettable ambiance, nothing beats the magic of live music. Our team at Dixiebird Records & Events works with a diverse selection of exceptional musicians, from talented vocalists to accomplished instrumentalists, who are ready to bring your wedding to life. Whether you envision a lively band that will have everyone on their feet or a soothing acoustic duo that provides the perfect backdrop for conversation and connection, we have the perfect musical act to suit your style and preferences. Tailored Event Packages: Planning a wedding involves coordinating numerous elements, and we understand the importance of simplicity and convenience. To make your life easier, we offer customizable event packages designed to meet your specific requirements. These packages can include a combination of entertainment options, such as a ceremony performance, cocktail hour music, and a full reception band. With our expertise and attention to detail, we will work closely with you to curate an unforgettable entertainment experience that reflects your vision and ensures a seamless flow throughout your special day. Our recent wedding entertainment packages have helped couples add something really unique to their big day, creating memorable moments for all their guests. Get in touch for us to make a bespoke plan for you. End-to-End Events with Ease: At Dixiebird Records & Events we believe that planning your wedding should be an enjoyable journey from start to finish. That's why we offer end-to-end event solutions, taking care of all your entertainment needs. From the initial consultation to the final performance, our dedicated team will be there every step of the way, ensuring flawless execution and an experience that exceeds your expectations. You can trust us to handle the logistics, coordinate with your venue, and bring together the finest talent to create an entertainment package tailored specifically to your wedding. Your big day is as important to us as it is to you, and we pride ourselves on attention to you both as a couple, what your needs are and executing it to the best Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and every detail should be meticulously planned to create a truly unforgettable experience. When it comes to wedding entertainment in East Kent, Dixiebird Records is your ultimate partner. With our exceptional roster of talented musicians, self-contained acts, and personalized event packages, we are committed to providing the perfect soundtrack for your special day. Let us elevate your wedding to new heights, leaving you and your guests with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today and embark on a musical journey that will make your wedding an extraordinary celebration of love and joy. Book a complimentary consultation with us here for some bespoke ideas for your East Kent Wedding. Dixiebird Records are a live music and events agency based in London, UK. With National and International clients, they are known for crafting unique, bespoke event concepts and live music landscapes for private celebrations. Captivating audiences and creating unforgettable moments, founded in 2017 by Singer and Creative Event Producer Kerri Layton, they have an impressive client list including The BBC, Radio 1, The Savoy, Alexandra Palace, and a firm favorite amongst their celebrity friends. Establishing themselves as a bespoke events partner behind the scenes within the live music and events industry. Their diverse roster of talented award-winning musicians, vocalists, and instrumentalists who have played with some of the world's leading artists, such as Madonna, Elton John, Adele, and more, makes them the perfect partner for your next party.

Great news! It's the time of year when it's perfectly acceptable to eat a cheeky mince pie on your lunch break and not feel guilty about it. We all deserve a HUGE Christmas this year after the past few years we have had, and the event music for your Christmas Party should be no exception. As event music bookers and specialists in providing event musicians for UK events, we have seen a real trend in companies booking high-end solo acts for their Christmas parties, rather than spreading the budget too thin on multiple acts or bands, investing in solo acts gives a real high-end touch and it can be cleverly scheduled for maximum impact. So to help you with any last bookings for your Christmas Party this year, we have rounded up our top, most popular 4 solo acts that our clients have been booking this year; perfect for bringing the Christmas cheer! Harpist: Hire a harp player for your event this Christmas! Harp is one of those instruments which lifts an event to another time and place. A timeless heavenly instrument, positioned at your event it can provide a delicate and glamorous atmosphere to any drinks reception, tea party or office cocktail party! Our amazing harpist; Camilla, is a London-based freelance professional harpist, hugely in demand for session work, concerts & live events. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and has since been made an associate there for her outstanding contribution to the music world. Continuing to forge a unique career, combining the concert platform, recording studio, and television. Her session work includes recording tracks for many well-known artists including John Legend, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith & Morrissey. She also has played on the soundtracks for several Hollywood films & television dramas for composers such as Danny Elfman & James Newton-Howard. On television she has performed on all the major shows, including Strictly Come Dancing, The Graham Norton Show, Later with Jools Holland, The Jonathan Ross Show, and many more, with artists including The Killers, Bette Midler & Beyoncé. Here she is playing at the start of this BBC clip with Lianne Le Havas. To enquire about hiring a solo harpist for your event, contact us here. Violin: Hire a solo wandering violin player for your Christmas event! 🎻 Solo violinists have been in demand this year. Performing for your event, our players can be stationary or wandering for an immersive and glamorous atmosphere. Booking a solo violinist who also lights up can add to creating a really festive and dynamic solo show! We have many solo violinists on our books, and showcasing here is the amazing Oriana; an established and in-demand performer and musician. The 2020 Grammy contender was born and raised in France with multicultural roots, she relocated to the UK ten years ago and has since established herself internationally as a performer in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Carlton in Cannes, in the Middle East or at the Edinburgh festival. Here she is playing at the start of this video with her jazz band: Bad romance (Lady gaga cover) To enquire about hiring a solo violinist for your event, contact us here. Saxophone: Hire a saxophone player for your Christmas party! 🎷 One of the biggest misconceptions people have when asking to hire a saxophone player is, "it's too blowy" (the technical term! or "is it too screechy!" well, in short, the answer can be YES, absolutely if a sax player has a big band behind them and they are growling up the rear end (excuse us!) of a horn section, then yes, it's going to be 'blowy' and loud, but, when hiring a solo saxophonist for your event, people are often surprised to hear and feel a much warmer, softer side of the instrument. It's the perfect solo act to book at an event like a Christmas party! We work with high-end solo saxophonists all over the UK, like Katy! An International, Amazingly Versatile, Lyrical Club & Jazz Saxophonist. Warm rich tones & Endless Energy, Katy is mostly found performing at exclusive clubs, Festivals, and private events. From New Year’s Eve on boats, glamorous weddings across the UK. Katy tours with her saxophone around the globe. The sounds of a saxophonist can perfectly integrate atmospheric music into your wedding ceremony, event, or Christmas party. Wandering your event, in a costume, the sax is one of our number 1 'gramable selfied instruments of all time! It truly adds some glitz and sheen to the event. To enquire about hiring a solo saxophone player for your event, contact us here. Soul Singer! Hire a sparkling soul singer for your Christmas party! ⭐️ Who doesn't need a bit of Motown and Soul at this time of year! Motown was the most streamed music genre during the lockdown and we can see why its timeless feel-good vibes and warm funky melodies warm us to the core and they get everyone up dancing and keep them up! Our award-winning, star of a soul singer Tashara has a smooth and soulful voice, spreading sparkle wherever she performs, each performance is delivered with absolute energy and world-class sophistication. Touring the world singing with music legends such as Soul II Soul, Jazzie B and Caron Wheeler. Tashara has also worked with Paloma Faith and the Faithettes, James Arthur, Leona Lewis and Jools Holland. Influenced by Diana Ross, Martha Reeves, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Corinne Bailey-Rae, and many more. 1960’s to the current which includes Motown Soul, Disco, Rnb, Jazz, Pop, Gospel, original music and Tributes to Motown Soul, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Disco, Whitney Houston, and 90s Divas, check the repertoire! To enquire about hiring a solo soul singer for your event, contact us here. Here are some clips with Tashara and her amazing band!

When we receive enquires for a live wedding band, often, one of two things happen, we either get a really low budget (sometimes £500 for a 6-piece jazz band!) or, when the client receives the quote, we will hear, 'Oh, we can't afford that! Why is it so expensive?!' We think the reason for this is that when couples are booking live entertainment for their wedding, it will be a first time experience for many of them, with no prior knowledge of booking a live band, the fee's of nearly £2000 for a show can be a little stifling! Hopefully, by explaining the process that goes into supplying amazing, high quality live music for your wedding, we can begin to dispel some of the myths and hopefully help you on the way to getting a great band, a great deal and share with you the investment you'll need to make your very special day go off with a snap, crackle and a pop!! To see the price range of hiring a live jazz band for your wedding, please see our other blog post: How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Vintage Jazz Band? First of all, I think it's important to explain pro and Non-pro musicians, and also the different price points for booking. There are many part-time musicians who are happy to supplement their income with gigs on the weekend at the pub, who then go on to get booked at weddings and charge the same fee. This can sometimes be as low as £300 per band! That's completely up to you, however, if you want a professional band, the old adage goes here, you really do get what you pay for, and it's your wedding, so why skimp on the quality of the entertainment. All of our musicians and bands her at Dixiebird Records are well-seasoned pro's who will turn up on time, play what you have asked them to an extremely high standard, play when they are contracted to, show up on time, in neat and ironed costumes and have the right equipment for the job. Between the musician's on our books and the bands they play in, they have performed with Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Adele, Kula Shaker, Roxy Music at prestigious venues such as The BBC, The Royal Albert Hall, The Hideaway Club and so many more! For the rest of this blog post, we are going to be focusing on full-time, well-seasoned pro's, as you see above! ('coz that's who we work with!) Also, worth noting, is that full-time musicians may have residency gigs at local venues, and charge the venues much less. This is because it is generally easier to get to and play and also it serves as a great showcase for private gigs, as well as entertaining a local following they may have. Most events that are booked through us at Dixiebird Records are Private and Corporate gigs and therefore don't really act as a showcase, the fee reflects this so both the player's time and talent is truly honored, we will talk a little about what goes into a day for a musician below to. Ok, let's get this show on the road, shall we!! We don't charge an hourly rate for our music and shows, this is because so much goes into just getting to the gig, that it doesn't make sense, nonetheless, I can see why some people think that £2000 for 2 X 45 mins seem completely off the Richter scale! So, let's break it down... £2000 ÷ 5 band members = £400 per musician (it is worth bearing in mind that a lot of bands cut an imaginary member of the band to receive a share to go into the 'band pot', covering insurance, merchandise, advertising costs, etc, on top of the band fee's already, or, what can happen is the bandleader and manager of the band will take a much higher cut to accommodate the work they do in getting the gigs, and the band will take more like £200 each. For the purpose of this exercise, we will calculate this at approx £2000 ÷ 6 = £333 per band member..now here is where that money goes... Band expenses (marketing, Public Liability Insurance, PAT testing, etc) Agency fees, insurance fee's any commission they had to pay when securing the booking (if made via an online event platform such as Poptop, Entertainers Worldwide, etc) Travel expenses (petrol, tax, and insurance, usually .45p per mile) Meals: If the venue is far away and food is not on the rider, there may be a need for the band members to pay for their lunch and/or evening meal out, this can be very expensive! Coffee's on the road etc Maintenance of the equipment and instruments, purchase of new instruments and sound system, etc Maintenance and creation of costumes (making them, buying them, dry cleaning, tailoring, etc) Development of skills and craft (vocal masterclasses, physiotherapy massage for arms, backs, professional development for sight-readers, jazz improvisation - the list goes on!) Hair and Makeup! (Especially for vintage acts and performers, the average cost of creating a 'do' for an event, if doing it yourself will be around £15 and if the band has hired in an MUA and Hairstylist it can be anywhere between £60 - £150 extra per gig!) So, we can see by this list above, that £333 needs to go across the board of the business to make the band viable, that's before any outlay of time or talent has happened yet!! Here is an average day for one of our performers and musicians on a gig day... 1.30 pm Hair and Makeup, hair is set and base makeup is applied! 3 pm departure (allowing time for potential traffic delays) 7 pm arrival time 8 pm set up and sound check 8:30 to 9:30 first set performance 10:30 to 11:30, second set performance Encores and background music played after the performance for a potential 45 mins extra if there is no DJ or other act 00:15 am to 01:00 am loading out of equipment back into the van 01:00 to who knows!!!! (it is common for a band to travel up to 3 hours to a show, so they often tend to get home very late at night/early in the morning!) So, we can see here that a gig day is easily 12 hours for a band member, so £333 ÷ 12 = £27.75 As well as this, there are other costs that each individual has for being self-employed and running a business, such as tax and National Insurance, Public Liability Insurance cover (each member must carry their own!!) website design, promo videos and so much more. We are advocates for musicians, their health, mental health, and financial recompense is extremely important to us, that is why we started Dixiebird Records! To campaign for, and, secure the talented working musician a decent wage and a diary full of shows, so they can thrive whilst spreading joy and making people happy with their music! I hope you can see by this breakdown above, exactly where your money goes when booking a live band, and why we charge £2000 for a show and I hope you'll agree that you are making a worthwhile investment on your big day! If you would like us to help you plan your special day, please drop us a line on hello@dixiebirdrecords.com also, check out our amazing Big Christmas Competition here where you can win over £500 worth of prizes for your big day, including a £300 voucher for entertainment on your wedding day!

Good quality, sophisticated music has the power to uplift, inspire and connect people in ways that are lost to us during the daily grind. That's why it is so important to choose a great band for your event. It is often seen as a luxury to have a high end band perform at your event, wedding or celebration - especially when you consider that booking anywhere from a 5 piece function band, with a sound system can set you back nearly £3000 or more. We feel that choosing the right music for your event should inspire your guests and leave them feeling luxurious, and the booking of the band is an absolute necessity for your event and its success. Celebration, playfulness and luxury are the foundation of our bands here at ‘Dixiebird Records’. That's why we created 7 bespoke shows that tell stories, entertain, connect audiences, involved the use of theatre in the styling and delivery, to create a unique experience that will leave your guests feeling like VIPs and that they had the time of their lives. See our website here, email us at hello@dixiebirdrecords.com and let us add value to your event by nourishing the shows and music with your desires so that your event can flourish and prosper.

Looking for some nostalgic, magical movie inspiration? Then look no further! With a pandemic happening, staying at home is more important than ever. However, it can be a bit drab when you run out of ideas to entertain yourself! To save your time from endless browsing on Netflix we wanted to share our MUST WATCH Vintage Hollywood inspired movie recommendations. Pop that corn, cosy up with a fluffy blanket, draw the curtains and travel back in time with these vintage classics, you're welcome. The Roaring Twenties This Warner Brothers melodrama grabs everyone’s attention as it depicts realistically (as much as a melodrama can) the dazzling period of Prohibition-era filled with mystery and drama. Critics say that this kind of movie has a great combination of both hard-hitting gangster genre action and romantic sentiment. A perfect way to reminisce the dangerous and somewhat fabulous gangster lifestyle. The screenplay was inspired by an original screen story written by Mark Hellinger following his experiences as a New York news-reporter during the 20s, and his familiarity with the illegal clubs of the day like the Hotsy-Totsy, Dizzy, and Blackbottom. Starring the amazing James Cagney as a leader of gangland, Humphrey Bogart as a ruthless lieutenant and Pricila Lane as a dazzling nightclub singer controlled by gangland leader. From well-developed characters to immersive music numbers you will get the full atmosphere of the roaring twenties. So, don’t forget to grab your glass of Gin before you start! Bullets Over Broadway Of course, where there is Broadway there is drama and we wouldn’t want it any other way! Bullets Over Broadway was created by Woody Allen as an ode to the theatre and the amazing New York. Set in 1928, a young playwright David is forced to cast a talentless girlfriend of a mobster if he wishes to produce his play. Naturally, as most artists tend to be during that time, he has somewhat unrealistic expectations and too proud to make compromises. Considering he has no other choice he gives a big role to the mentioned mobster girlfriend Olive who can’t remember a single line unless it involves saying “Charmed, Charmed Charmed” to others. You might think that is where his troubles begin and you are not wrong, however, the plot twist lies when he bodyguard is named Cheech who has no knowledge of plays start making remarks about rehearsals and the worst part, he is right! Woody Allen managed to turn a funny but routine backstage comedy into something more and unexpected. A kind of sharp-edged farce he has always done best. If you are in a mood for some theatrical shows and laughs with a lot of plot twists then you will love this! Perfect for Friday movie night relaxing. The Artist Remember the old silent movies that were funny without hearing a word? Unfortunately in our modern age, these type of movies wouldn’t keep the attention of the watchers for very long. Except for ‘The Artist’. What is interesting is that this movie is relatively new but inspired to be like silent movies. Created in a way to dazzle, swoon and suffer so magnificently that the words would be sufficient. The theme is very familiar - An older, experienced, star helps a talented young dancer on the path to fame, only to see his career decline as she gets more and more famous. However, what makes it unique is that atmosphere it spreads perfect combination of early French cinema and old Hollywood where the action takes place. It’s one of those movies that sweeps you away without even realising it. The music and sounds are perfectly incorporated in every scene following the actions of the character and their emotions. You will definitely be inspired to watch more black and white movies! Midnight in Paris Imagine if you could travel back in time and talk to one of the most influential people of Prohibition-era? You could have a drink with Hemingway, show off your charleston dance moves and party with Scott and Zelda FitzgeraldFitsgerald. Well, the protagonist of this movie Gil will take you with him on this incredible time-travelling journey. Woody Allen has done it once again. A clash between modern-day and romanticism, Midnight in Paris will awake feelings of nostalgia for old times you’ve never known. What is even better, you will have a chance to experience the sparkling city of lights in a totally new way. The cheapest and fastest way to travel without leaving the comfort of your home! The Great Gatsby Saving best for last, needless to say, that The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic. With the newer movie adaptation of the book, you will be able to fully immersed in the mysterious and glamorous parties of Mr Gatsby. Rumour has it no one at the party has actually seen or met Gatsby, but perks of being a watcher are that you have! The film's main figure is not Gatsby but in fact Nick Carraway, a classic unreliable narrator, a midwesterner educated at Yale alongside Tom Buchanan and Daisy's second cousin. In the summerIn summer of 1922, Nick has taken a cottage next door to Gatsby's mansion and that is when everything began. This movie shapes our increasingly fuzzy image of the jazz age and fuels endless term papers on the American dream. When you see those glamorous parties filled with champagne, dazzling lights, sass and all that jazz, you will wish to host it yourself! Prepare some bubbly and indulge yourself with a night of glam! These movies are just scratching the surface of the mysterious yet alluring roaring twenties where the high-end parties and gangster lifestyle collides. However, the story is not over yet, we have one BONUS movie recommendation because no list would be complete without a grand ending and this time Edit Piaf steals the spotlight! BONUS MOVIE La Vie En Rose The amazing biography of the iconic French singer Édith Piaf. No one else could possibly be like our beloved singer, but it is interesting to see how the actress Marion Cotillard tried to portray Piaf’s personality and way of thinking. Like Sinatra, Edit had loved and lost, and like Garland, she was wounded by childhood memories: the wound that was also the source of her strength. But unlike Garland, she had street-fighting toughness and a masculine attitude. The movie constantly is switching from Edit’s memories as a child to her late-career, giving us a sense of throwbacks as if we are taking the trip down the memory lane with her. Tragic yet intriguing story of a woman who’s life was everything but pink. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to her music before, after this movie you will! We hope these vintage, nostalgic movie recommendations have brought you closer to the time where razzle-dazzle meets ragtime, charleston dance and a whole lot of drama and glam! What is your favourite? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget when lockdown has ended, you can book any of our fabulous vintage inspired Hollywood-esque show bands for your corporate or private party! Book a Jazz, Swing or Hollywood showband for your vintage themed wedding, or heck, just throw a glamorous and decadent houseparty and we’ll come! No excuses needed, post Lockdown world is going to be a decadent hedonistic environment, we have no doubt about it... Dixiebird Records are a London based, live and recorded entertainment agency. Producing and supplying vintage theatrical bands for the private and corporate events industry. www.dixiebirdrecords.com

Well, it looks like most of us will be spending a LOT of time alone this Christmas, with no live music to enjoy and no Christmas parties to get drunk at, we have rounded up our favourite HOT PICKS so you can relive the stories of some of the greats, and some lesser-known greats, all from your living room. These are heartwarming and inspiring movies and will make you feel connected to the industry, even when it's all on ice, so here is the music lovers guide to Xmas on the box. Grab that mulled wine, pop that corn, fetch the cosiest blanket you own and settle down for some serious SOUL nurturing this festive break. 1) SOUL on DISNEY, available from Christmas Day PG Follow the story of a frustrated music teacher and jazz pianist Joe (Jamie Foxx) who finally gets his big break with a saxophonist Dorethea Williams' new band. After his first successful audition, he's walking on air - at least until he falls down a manhole! He wakes up in some sort of limbo, a disembodied soul on the escalator to the Great Beyond. But Joe is determined to reclaim his body and the future he has always longed for. I think many of us musicians will resonate with this after this year :) (PS you can get a free subscription for three days on Disney, go get it! 2) Whiplash - on Sky Drama New Years Day 6 pm Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity. 3) The Greatest Showman - on C4 New Years Day 5.30pm - 7.30pm This crowd-pleasing musical is loosely based on the incredible story and life of the incredible legendary ring-master PT Barnum. If you haven't seen this yet, now is the perfect chance to go and enjoy the show. We loosely based our Drama Club's first-ever term on the greatest showman, its rich visual tapestry gives a smorgasbord o yo inspiration to hearts young and old. Vaudeville and Music Halls were the entertainment before Netflix and Chill and for us, The Greatest Showman captures its essence entirely. With stories of triumph, personal sacrifice and tenacity, this is a heartwarming Christmas musical for sure. 4) Wild Rose - Netflix Fresh out of prison, a young Scottish woman juggles her job and two children while pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star. She soon gets her chance when she travels to Nashville, Tennesse, on a life-changing journey to discover her true voice. With a stellar soundtrack, this film by Fable Pictures, Creative Scotland, Film4 Productions and the British Film Institute the lead actress won a BAFTA nomination for best actress after it was premiered. It's raw, it's gritty, it's brilliant, go watch it. 5) Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - Netflix Set in Chicago in the 1920s, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom tells the story of Blues, Showbusiness and deals with important issues of race, art, religion and the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers. Capturing the sound and life spirit of Ma Rainey, this is not just for devoted Blues fans but hopefully, new fans of her music to be born out of it. We love you Ma and can't wait to dive into this over the festive period. So that's it! Have a wonderful Christmas and stay safe everyone! Oh, here is one more...for the younger divas this Xmas time...... 5) Rhyme Town Sing-a-longs on NETFLIX, season one available from Tuesday 22nd One for the younger members of the family here. Rhyme Town Sing-a-longs have created a cute little cartoon with some catchy rhymes, great for practising phonics and learning words, just make sure you listen to some other music Mum's and dad's before you go to bed, or you will be singing 'chuff chuff little train' all morning.....you're welcome.

Jazz and blues music has been stealing our hearts since the early 1920s and we are loving every minute of it. The rich tapestry of Ellington's orchestra, combined with the Trumpet growls of Armstrong and all the backstage showbusiness combined, it is no wonder that we daydream about the dazzling ‘Jazz Age’. However, was it really that fabulous and charming as we think it was? We will let you be the judge of that with a little help of jazz-inspired fiction. The cheapest and easiest way to travel without actually having to leave the comfort of your home. Now, get comfy with your favourite drink and let’s get started. Last Night at the Blue Angel by Rebecca Rotert The book is set in the early 1960s Chicago, a time when jazz was blooming but so did the tensions of the Cold War. We will follow a story of Naomi Hill, a struggling singer at the Blue Angel club, her 10-year-old daughter Sophia, and photographer Jim who is desperately in love with Naomi. Told from various of view, every chapter you read will feel like solving a puzzle. One might presume that it is a typical romance novel but it is everything but that. There is the love of the music world and the lure of fortune and fame; the love for family; and the opposite of romance revealed in the world of other characters. Taking you through the streets of Chicago, while imagining the magnificent old buildings depicted by Jim, you will want to visit it when this pandemic is over. Not only will you get to know and love the characters but you will learn to sympathize with each and every one of them. Prepare yourself for a dynamic night of glam and drama. The Axeman's Jazz by Ray Celestin Ready to travel back to New Orleans in 1919 and solve a mystery? We sure are! Based on a true story, the book follows the enigmatic “New Orleans Axeman” and people who are trying to discover his identity. It all starts when a journalist named John Riley receives an unusual letter which he suspects is coming from the killer. In the letter, the Axeman says he will be in the city soon and he is setting a challenge for its citizens - play jazz or be the next victim. Then we go back to months before when the murders started happening. What makes this story so appealing to the readers is that various point of view aspect. We have a journalist, detective, mafia members, a female lead and none other than the great Louis Armstrong. Each of them has a unique story and a secret reason why they are trying to solve this puzzling case. We recommend getting the sequel Dead Man's Blues as you will get so immersed in the story that you won’t be able to stop reading. Just as you think you figured something out the book will remind you that the story isn’t over yet. Young Man with a Horn by Dorothy Baker Young Man with a Horn is widely considered the first jazz novel, as it magnificently depicts the music and atmosphere which defined that time. Baker’s book was inspired by the artistry of legendary Bix Beiderbecke, and it was also adapted into a movie starring Doris Day, Kirk Douglas and more (however, be sure to read the book first 😉). The story centres around an underaged white boy Rick Martin and his passion for brass and all that jazz. Although a child he got a chance to perform in a band at the Cotton Club. We will read about his poor childhood in 1910 and how he ended up playing in one of the most prestigious night clubs in New York. An amazing story that follows the dreams and pitfalls which we can sympathize but most importantly the main focus is on the music and the development of jazz in the roaring twenties. We recommend reading this with fine jazz in the background to get the complete feel of it all. Girl Singer by Mick Carlon Love Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and all those amazing legends? Then this book will blow you away! Imagine this, Harlem in 1938, a young aspiring black, Avery, singer gets recognised by Count Basie’s saxophonist Lester "Pres" Young. He was so amazed by her that he recommended her to Basie and Avery is only 18 years old gets a chance to become a lead singer in the Count Basie Orchestra. The book will show you the difficulties and glam of living the jazz life. It will feel like receiving a musical education and the major is jazz. Not only will you read about the songs that Carlon writes about but you’ll feel compelled to listen to them as you read. Also, this book gives you a glimpse of the racism during that time and it shows how black people handled attitudes of prejudice with courage in the early 20s. Fun fact -‘The Count Basie Orchestra’ performed for everyone of any race anywhere despite that it was forbidden to perform for black audiences at times. Tales of the Jazz Age by F. Scott Fitzgerald Naturally, the list wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t contain at least one of Scott Fitzgerald’s books. This time we will shine the light on the incredible compilation of short stories dedicated to the ‘Jazz Age’. It contains eleven stories: "The Jelly-Bean" "The Camel's Back" "May Day" "Porcelain and Pink" "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "Tarquin of Cheapside" "Oh, Russet Witch!" "The Lees of Happiness" "Mr Icky" "Jemina" Interestingly enough the recurring theme among all of them is the harsh reality of the Roaring Twenties - wasted privilege, youth, lives, and that the glitter and glam you think exists is, in fact, symbolic & brittle. Delightfully tragic. No one captures the magic of this period better than F. Scott Fitzgerald. Wait, the list is not over yet! We have one more amazing book recommendation: BONUS BOOK High Times, Hard Times by Anita O'Day, George Eells I know, I know, we promised fiction but we couldn’t resist adding this fabulous travelogue of Anita O’ Day. She will take you through the jazz world. A world filled with incredibly depicted images of Roy Eldridge, Gene Krupa, Billie Holiday and Stan Kenton. She is telling it like it was, a no-nonsense narrative from one of the best to grace the Jazz stage. You know what they say a great jazz singer tells git like no other. Let us know if you think that’s true in the comments below! Dixiebird Records are a London based, live and recorded entertainment agency. Producing and supplying vintage theatrical bands for the private and corporate events industry. www.dixiebirdrecords.com