“There is nothing like walking up the Royal Mile being given flyers by everything from Shakespearian characters to vikings or animals and seeing every possible room or building turned into a venue for artistic creation.”
WHO: Ian Clarkson: Singer, trumpet player, ukulele player and band leader
WHAT: “Get ready to swing with the UK’s No1 jive and swing band, The Jive Aces! Semi-finalists on Britain’s Got Talent, a Royal Albert Hall sell out and a viral YouTube video, the band has performed for the Queen and celebrities like John Travolta, Priscilla Presley and Van Morrison. They take you on a musical journey from the roots of Elvis to sizzling swing classics, hot jazz to rockin’ R&B. An energetic and entertaining show that will lift your spirits! With their infectious music, dazzling musicianship and yellow vintage-style suits, they have won fans all over the world!”
WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Debating Hall (Venue 14)
WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I have lost count how many times we have actually performed in Edinburgh, or at the Fringe but it definitely isn’t the first.
I have personally always loved the EdFringe since our first visit because I love art and performance in general and the performers of all kinds which adorn every street and corner of Edinburgh at this time. I always tell people wherever we are in the world to visit Edinburgh and particularly in August to catch the acts and atmosphere of the Fringe. There is nothing like walking up the Royal Mile being given flyers by everything from Shakespearian characters to vikings or animals and seeing every possible room or building turned into a venue for artistic creation and as a performer you end up talking to and/or performing to, more people when you are promoting than usually at your actual show, but it is all part of the spirit of the festival. Just as it is a sort of leveller in that whether unknown or famous you have to get out and promote your show.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
What have I learned since 2022? Hmm well when we came to the Fringe last year we had pretty much just recently “escaped” fully after the “pando” and I had really finally understood what it means to do what we do and had sort of had to analyse it in order to “get back on the bicycle and ride” again after doing mainly just a live stream for a year or two. I realised why I love it and why I love really people and a real audience and that it was like flying but as natural as breathing and that this IS what I love to do!
Unfortunately, also due to this, we had less budget and could only stay a very short time at the Fringe in 2022. Plus actually we had never done a very long run here. So after 2022 I decided we should take the plunge, take the “risk” and stay for at least two weeks. Which we are doing this year for the first time! And I know the EdFringe won’t let us, we’re having a ball!
Tell us about your show.
Our show is a culmination of the best songs and musical numbers from our forthcoming album, “Keeping The Show On The Road”, (inspired by continuing to perform despite all the obstacles due to the pandemic – I am sure all artists went through this) with added high energy showmanship of course. It features swing music, jive, some rhythm and blues and some brilliant classic vintage hit songs.
There is humour, fun, nostalgia and exhilarating competence. Inspirations include everyone from Dean Martin to Elvis Presley, Duke Ellington to Little Richard and Marilyn Monroe to Ella Fitzgerald.
There is much to watch but some space to dance should you feel the need. Some of the band met at school or just after they left school and have been playing together for years and years, adding Grazia on the accordion in the last 7 years and Noelle Vaughn more recently, since last year.
Basically the perfect recipe for an energy filled 60 minute show and I can say without a doubt it may be hard for people to just sit still in their seats!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
What should you go and see after you have seen our show?
Well we haven’t been here long and haven’t had much time between performing or promoting since we have but I would recommend John Culshaw at the Gilded Balloon because he is simply a great impressionist /impersonator and is so incredibly talented vocally it is a joy to experience, especially in his easy going natural style.
Otherwise, I would recommend diversity and searching out and finding different and interestingly creative shows. Sometimes a great show is someone well known in a big venue and other times it is some students in a small venue doing Much Ado About Nothing Rat Pack style… It is a big art packed festival waiting to be discovered.
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