The SLJO

The SLJO is a community band, and part of the umbrella charity South London Community Music. It started life in 1999 with, we believe, a unique formula.

The band specialises in numbers from the swing era, and performs regularly with the London Swing Dance Society.

There is no entry audition or any other restriction to joining - players find their own level, with opportunities to solo for those who want them. Everyone is also encouraged to contribute to the organisation of the group, which attracts people from all walks of life and of all ages.

Membership is by subscription, and, under the professional direction of its co-founder, Bob Bridges, the musicians strive for the highest standards. Training is further encouraged by working with guest musicians and workshop leaders.

We recently received an Adopt-a-Composer Award, and our pairing with composer Philip Venables resulted in a new jazz piece, developed for and with the SLJO, "Skidoobie", premiered in 2007. We are preparing Phil's second piece, to be premiered later this year.

Our excellent performance level enables us to secure fee-paying gigs, and these funds underpin the SLJO’s policy of also playing not-for-profit gigs for charities, fundraising events and community groups.

Venues played include The 100 Club in Soho, the Imperial War Museum, major events in Leicester Square & Oxford Street, The Banqueting House in Whitehall and the Cutty Sark, Greenwich, for the London Marathon.

Most importantly, the SLJO aims to create an environment in which people have fun making music and socialising, and sharing this with audiences locally and further afield, including trips to the Stockholm and Montreux Jazz Festivals in 2006 & 2007.