Summer is in the air, and the launch of this year's Music in the Garden season is the perfect complement.
Dame Cleo Laine opens the gates to her beautiful Wavendon garden every summer, for fine afternoons with the best in equally fine live music.
This weekend is a perfect case in point.
Mark Nightingale, (above) a long-time Cleo collaborator and sensational trombonist, will join with the Alistair White Quintet for The Sound of J & K - a line-up reminiscent of the swinging 'Jai and Kai' groups of the 1950s and 60s.
The set will be supplemented by standards and originals, all given the 'two-trombone treatment'.
Tickets are £12 and the show begins at 11.30am.
Then at 2.30pm on Saturday, the lady, the voice will make the short journey from her back door to the stage and wow you with a voice that is simply the best.
Dame Cleo Laine has been at the forefront of the jazz scene, and as a female vocalist, for more than 60 years. And she ain't done yet!
She will wow with her awesome abilities at the microphone when she is joined for an afternoon set with friends and special guest Earl Okin.
What could be better than marvellous music in a pretty garden with the sun shining on you?
A glass of Pimms you say? Yes, they serve that too!
At the time of publishing, the event was all but sold out, but you can always put a call in to the venue in case of returns...
On Sunday, Pedro Segundo (above) presents Kansas Smitty's House Band, inspired by the swinging, hedonistic atmosphere of the one American city that overcame the Great Depression.
"People should expect to be up, out of their seats, dancing all the time," says Pedro.
"We want people to be part of the concert. It should be a great celebration.The band, as the name suggests, is inspired by the Kansas City style of the 30s and 40s, and dancing audiences are what I have come to expect.
"We are not just a vintage jazz revival band. It's about the feel and atmosphere, rather than slavish musical reproduction," he added.
"We are young musicians in love with the music and want to bring it to life."
From 2.30pm, tickets at £15.
> Even if the British weather does try to rain on the events, it'll be no bother - they are housed under an all weather canopy...so dance on!
To book tickets, call 01908 280800 or visit the web: www.stables.org
