Rock N Raise for the Graham Wylie Foundation

ONE OF the best loved musical fund raisers in the North East is set to return – and is looking very jazzy.

Rock n Raise is organised by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and has previously attracted such big names as Sting, The Kaiser Chiefs and Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor.

And this year’s event is also promising an equally stellar line-up but with a very different musical slant, with a night of jazz funk.

The Sir Graham Wylie Foundation has joined forces with Jazz FM to present Jazz Rock n Raise, being held on Wednesday 12 April at Newcastle’s Wylam Brewery.

Bluey from jazz funk band Incognito will be performing hits including ‘Always There’ and ‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing’, backed by jazz funk group Groovetrain.

Among Groovetrain’s guest performers on the evening will be Sam Fender’s saxophonist, Johnny ‘Blue Hat’ Davis, Liam Fender, Hairy Biker Si King and M People’s Shovell.

The event will be hosted by award winning jazz singer and broadcaster, Ian Shaw and all of the proceeds from the event will go directly to local charities, includingTeenage Cancer Trust and Cash for Kids.

The Sir Graham Wylie Foundation has funded numerous projects across the North East and Rock n Raise has become a firm favourite on the calendar.

“It’s fantastic that we can have a special jazz funkversion of Rock n Raise and that we’ve got such an incredible group of musicians taking part,” said Sir Graham.

“They are all donating their time to this event and we are massively grateful for their support.”

Bluey said he was delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile event.

“Incognito have always had a wonderful relationship the North East and I’m really happy to be performing and helping to support such worthwhile charities,” he said.

Johnny ‘Blue Hat’ Davis – who recently became a social media sensation after playing Local Hero in Trafalgar Square ahead of Newcastle’s game at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final – is also excited about the event.

“I love getting my funk on with Groovetrain and look forward to playing alongside Bluey, I’ve always been a fan of Incognito and to be raising money that will be staying in this region to help young people makes me very happy.”

Ian Shaw echoed his words.

‘I am thrilled to be compering this wonderful evening, filled with music and be amongst this brilliant team of dedicated and compassionate folk. I may even get the chance to jump up with the super-soulful Groovetrain.”

Tickets for the event are £25 each plus a booking fee. They are available at 

https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/jazz-rock-n-raise-with-wylam-brewery-tickets/13051895?pl=wylam