• HE can truly say that he is an entertainer by royal appointment.

Jazz star Ray Gelato, pictured, has twice been requested to perform by personal invitation of the Queen.

He has also shared the stage with rock royalty, opening for Robbie Williams at the Royal Albert Hall and has played at former Beatle Paul McCartney’s wedding.

Ray Gelato and his Giants’ band will be headlining the international jazz night at Eastleigh’s Concorde Club on Wednesday with their unique brand of swinging and footstompin’ music.

They will be showcasing the classic sounds of American jazz singers and bandleaders Cab Calloway, Louis Prima, Fats Waller and Louis Jordan.

With more than 25 years in the business, Ray has been described as the last in the long line of great jazz entertainers.

  • QUERCUS brings together three of the UK’s most creative, multi award winning musicians to create exquisite chamber music that weaves together the essence of folk and jazz.

Drawing on their life’s work including original compositions, traditional folk songs and reclaimed standards, the group features vocals from June Tabor, pianist Huw Warren and Iain Ballamy on saxophone.

Quercus play the Turner Sims tomorrow.

  • ONE hundred years after the outbreak of the First World War, The Armed Man - a Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins – will form the centre-piece of a candlelit concert by the Candover Valley Choir in the magnificent surroundings of St John the Evangelist Church in Northington on Sunday.

The performance will be enhanced by readings from the poetry of the Great War, read by Robert Hutchison, a founder member of the Wilfred Owen Society.

The concert, which will include Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, will be directed by Jane Bryant, with the Grainger String Ensemble and organist Sean Smith. Funds raised are to go to Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion.

The concert takes place at 6.30pm.