A TALENTED musician who once performed in front of a former prime minister will make his first appearance at WEOS.

Kicking off the society’s 2024 programme, Rod Pooley, from Bexhill-on-Sea, will visit Weyhill on Thursday, January 18.

Rod developed his skills after taking up the piano at the age of 10 when he was taught by a top London jazz pianist. Consequently he became a very fluent jazz player, although his concerts contain a vast range of genres to cater for all musical tastes.

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He attended a school which had one of the largest music departments in the UK, with three full orchestras. He performed solo in concert at the school in front of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, who was the Bexley MP at that time.

During and after full time education Rod won many accolades, besides which he has worked with the Joe Loss Orchestra and the Ken Macintosh Big Band.

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Away from his engagements on the electronic keyboard circuit, Rod has a Hammond Organ Jazz, Funk and Soul Band, called The Drawtones, which he established in 2016. With a regular five-piece line-up of keyboards, saxophone, guitar, bass and drums, the band has become one of the fastest rising bands on the British jazz scene.

The concert is being staged at the Fairground Hall in Weyhill on Thursday, January 18, commencing at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm), and tickets at £6 can be purchased at the door.

Further information about Rod is available at organfax.co.uk/players/rodpooley whilst details of the club can be obtained by phoning 01264323213 or by visiting weyhill-eos.co.uk.