THIS year’s Pontypool Jazz Festival will be kicked off by Jeff Hooper and his Big Easy Swing Band.

Jeff and his band, who are touring with the Strictly Come Dancing crew this year, will take time out to perform at the warm up event at Pontypool Active Living Centre on September 2.

Chairman of Pontypool Jazz Festival, the Reverend Canon Harald Thomas, said: “We are delighted that Jeff Hooper and his great swing band will be heralding the 2011 festival.

“Although he has performed with us before this will be the first time that he has brought his band to the festival and they are a band that has been acclaimed in jazz circles throughout the UK.”

Jeff Hooper developed his talent as a singer with the famous Syd Lawrence Orchestra and worked with Matt Monro, Morecambe and Wise and Stephane Grapelli.

Tickets for the Friday concert are now on sale at The Congress Theatre for £12.