AMERICAN jazz pianist and vocalist Jeff Barnhart is returning to Darlington next month, for a performance as part of the town's arts festival.

Jeff started his professional music career at the age of 14 playing piano in local sing-along restaurants four nights a week where he began to learn the classic swing, jazz and ragtime repertoire of the early 20th Century.

Now one of America’s most versatile pianists his dazzling and exuberant performances mean a hectic schedule travelling over 100,000 miles worldwide each year.

He will be joined by John Hallam who also at the age of 14 started playing clarinet.

John became a freelance professional musician in 1989 working alongside many of the finest musicians from both sides of the Atlantic and has recorded for radio and TV plus an active engagement in Jazz Workshops and Projects for Education.

Jeff and John have a long association which has led to many projects with different line ups, including Jeff Barnhart’s British Band, The Lake Record All-Stars Jazz Band and the Mr Men Quartet where they are joined by brilliant guitarist Keith Stephen and outstanding slap string bass player Bruce Rollo.

He will perform at for Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club, at St Augustine's Parish Centre, in Larchfield Street, from 12.30pm until 3pm, on Saturday, May 2.

Tickets cost £10 at the door, or to make a table reservation call Ray Sams on 01325-469046 or e-mail ray@darlingtonjazz.co.uk

For more information, visit darlingtonjazz.co.uk

The arts festival runs throughout May. For details, visit darlingtonforculture.org