Spectators brought out their moves to a 12-bar blues set for the fourth night of Henley’s Living Advent Calendar held at Phyllis Court Club.
The night’s festivities were sponsored by financial advisory agency Orchard House. All proceeds went to the Rivertime Boat Trust.
The trust’s head skipper Lucy Herbert said: “Throughout the summer, we take 200-odd groups of disabled and disadvantaged children and adults.
“The money we raise tonight is going towards inviting young carers and their families on a boat next spring. They’ll be joined by other families, and they’ll get to have a nice relaxing time on the river in Henley, and hopefully meet new friends.”
Multi-piece jazz septet WotJam from Whitchurch surprised attendees with a setlist infused with New Orleanian festive spirit, opening with the traditional parade song Second Line (Joe Avery’s Blues).
A waltzing duo, Trevor Howell and his wife Anna, had emerged from the audience by the start of Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), later adapting their steps to Felix Bernard’s Winter Wonderland, Richard Rogers’ Have You Met Miss Jones?, Miriam Makeba’s Soweto Blues, and J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie’s Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.
WotJam concluded its performance with Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters’ Hippology, rousing the crowd and prompting several audience members to join Mr and Mrs Howell.
The subsequent raffle was drawn by calendar chairman Richard Rodway and Orchard House adviser Helen Fraser.
Prizes included Three Oaks Orchard’s apple juice, Oaken Grove’s red wine, a 12-person boating experience offered by Rivertime, an Experience Henley giftcard, and Nicola Baker Bakes’ mince pies. This was topped by a surprise auction for an additional boating experience (RRP £240).
WotJam tenor saxophonist Leslie Maynerd later said: “This is the first time I’ve played without [sheet] music. It was scary but very enjoyable.”
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