FANS of the big-band sound have the chance to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in musical style at a forthcoming concert in Didcot.

Taking you on a 27-year musical journey through her early life will be Tony Jacobs and Company when they present The Diamond Jubilee Show – A Right Royal Occasion! at the Cornerstone arts centre on Friday, June 8, at 8pm.

The seven-piece band, featuring brass, strings, drums and vocals, will celebrate the Queen’s birth in 1926 with the numbers Baby Face, Birth Of The Blues and Black Bottom), her childhood and teenage years (Ain’t She Sweet?, When You’re Smiling, Singin’ In The Rain, Isn’t This A Lovely Day?, But Not For Me, Georgia On My Mind, Temptation, I Get A Kick Out Of You, The Very Thought Of You and Begin The Beguine), through the war years (In The Mood, Over The Rainbow, A Nightingale Sang In Berkely Square, Let There Be Love, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, Chattanooga Choo-Choo, People Will Say We’re In Love, That Old Black Magic and Swinging On A Star), her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip (Almost Like Being In Love and Tenderly) and her coronation in 1953 (From This Moment On, I Love Paris and Rock Around The Clock).

Band leader Tony was born in Neasden, north London, in 1952. While at school, he found his friends were listening to the likes of people such as The Rolling Stones, The Cream and Eric Clapton. But Tony discovered his father’s collection of 78rpm records and found himself captivated by the music of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw and especially the band that remains his firm favourite, the Bob Crosby Orchestra and the Bobcats.

He then heard Louis Armstrong’s ‘Potato Head Blues’ and still regards him, along with Bing Crosby, as the most influential musician/singer in 20th-century popular music.

After university, Tony became a social worker, but entertainment and music beckoned and during his five-year tenure fronting the tea-dance band at London’s Waldorf Hotel, he decided to go into music full time.

He took up the role of male vocalist with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra in 1991, staying with the well-known and popular outfit for about ten years.

During this time, he developed his own shows and met Ray Lowman, who became his manager and friend.

Ray encouraged Tony in his efforts and Tony puts down his success, including devising The Gershwin Years and The Sinatra Years and establishing successful musical events in several venues, to Ray’s unstinting support.

Ray died in February 2004 but left a legacy of highly-acclaimed shows.

Tickets for the concert are available at £15, £13.50 concessions, and £12.50 for members by calling 01235 515144, in person from the box office or online at www.cornerstone-arts.org