April 24 2013
It is with great pleasure that I can now confirm that one of the very first pioneers of Rock'n'Roll, Jimmy Cavallo, is booked to appear at Hemsby 50.
Born in Syracuse Jimmy formed his own band at 16. One of the first white R&B bands playing the music of Wynonie Harris and Louis Jordon. In 1950 Jimmy's band was a phenomenon drawing crowds of 1200 every Sunday. In 1951 he recorded and released, 'Rock the Joint' which was soon covered by Bill Haley in 1952 after he saw Jimmy perform. Jimmy formed the famous Houserockers in 1956 and soon appeared on many Alan Freed Shows and recorded for Coral Record. In August 1956 they played the Brooklyn Paramount with Fats Domino and Big Joe Turner and appeared in the vanguard movie 'Rock, Rock, Rock' playing the title song plus 'The Big Beat'. The Houserockers played the Harlem Appollo Theater to promote the movie, garnering a 10 day extended gig. The first white act to play at the celebrated Appollo, appearing there 7 months earlier than Buddy Holly! Jimmy still performs 5 nights a week in Florida these days. Yes, he's ready and always screams 'Rock, Rock, Rock Everybody' down the phone to me when I call. The ace tenor sax player last played at Hemsby 32 when he gave a truly memorable performance as captured on the 'Shake it Up' Hemsby DVD. I am sure he will receive a huge Hemsby welcome as a true legend of Rock'n'Roll. Can't wait!
Jimmy will be performing at Hemsby 50 at 24.00hrs, Saturday, May 11.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
April 22 2013
IMPORTANT HEMSBY NEWS
Last week I heard the sad news that Marshall Lytle has been diagnosed with cancer. In Marshall's words,
"I was dearly hoping that the doctors would give me the go ahead because they thought it had been a possibility two weeks ago, but I has slid back to no possibility now…..so I have no alternative but to cancel and pray that it will heal up for possible later dates after treatment. Again, I'm so sorry. Cathy and I were really looking forward to making this trip and doing a Bang Up Job."
We all, I am sure, wish Marshall a speedy recovery. And I hope to re-book him for a future Hemsby.
I have nearly concluded negotiations for an outstanding USA replacement and will announce the name as soon as I have confirmation later this week.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
November 2012
HEMSBY 6.5 SPECIAL!!
Our very special event at the celebrations for Hemsby number 50 and 25 years of disturbing the lives of Norfolk folk will be the Hemsby 6.5 Special steam train from Sherringham to Holt on the North Norfolk Railway (The Poppy Line) on Sunday May 12th, 2013.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
September 2011
HEMSBY 48 PRICES
During these difficult economic times we promise to make every effort to keep our price increases to an absolute minimum and continue to offer first class international Rock’n’Roll entertainment. With this promise in mind, we are very pleased to announce that Hemsby 48’s (May 11 – 14, 2012) price increase is being kept down to an amazing £1 per night! That’s just £3 extra for 3 nights entertainment including three original 50’s acts Gene Summers, Robin Luke and the Velours and top class international support such as Eva Eastwood, The Go-getters + The Shook ups and many more as well as your accommodation. Thursday’s (May 10) price will stay unchanged at just £25 for an extra night of entertainment and accommodation.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
April 2011
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT GETTING MARRIED?
You might want to read this CLICK HERE
March 2011
TRANSPORT FROM LONDON
We are thinking of putting a coach on for the Friday May 13th 2011 from London Embankment Underground Station depart 12 midday return Monday May16th 2011@ 10am from Hemsby ...tickets cost £40 return if enough people require please contact us on 01772 761522
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
August 2010
EARLY BIRDS!
If you're arriving before the fun kicks off on Thursday night , the Blue Lagoon will be open during the afternoon.
It's going to be THE place to meet and greet your fellow weekender buddies. The licensed bar and DJ will ease you into a weekend of rock and roll mayhem.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
June 2010
I have the great pleasure of announcing that Indiana Rockabilly star Art Adams has been added to the line-up for October 2010, Hemsby 45. One of Hemsby's most popular entertainers, Art, is best known for his rockabilly gems 'Dancing Doll', 'Rock Crazy Baby' and 'Indiana Joe'. He will be on stage backed by Jack Rabbit Slim on Friday, October
8th, 2010.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
April 2010
Very Sad News
Jack Earls has just been diagnosed with colon cancer and is scheduled for surgery next week. He will not be able to be with us for Hemsby 44. Our prayers are with our old buddy Jack. He says he will back with us as soon as he is able.
Luckily for us Rudy 'Tutti' Grayzell the Sun and Starday Star is free and has agreed to replace Jack on the show.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
December 2009
All the talk is about Don Woody's long overdue appearance in May. Just heard that Bear Family are to issue the first Don Woody CD with all the Decca songs and acetates from 1956 to be released in time for Don's visit.
Easy Jet's in-flight magazine featuring Hemsby Rockabilly is due out early next year.
We have a new Rockin' Boat Cruise booked to leave from Wroxham on Sunday, October 10th. A bigger and better boat too. It is always sold out.
Yes, I am working on the American stars to perform. See the flyer for the full details. These have just been printed.
Hoping to see some of you at the Rockers Reunion, January 23rd at the
Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading for the 'Texas Tornado' Gene Summers,
Crazy Cavan, Jets and many others. Tickets are available from our Viv at: 01772 761 522.
Merry Christmas and a most Rockin' New Year to all.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
December 2009
Just added to the bill for Hemsby 44 are JOHNNY BACH and Guest DJ COSMIC KEITH.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
November 2009
Please note our NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER with immediate effect is:
Rock'n'Roll Weekenders
P.O.Box 1256
Preston
PR2 ONT
Tel: +44 (0)1772 761522
Vivien
September 2009
I can now announce that the dates for Hemsby 45 are October 8 - 11, 2010.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
July 2009
We are very pleased to announce that Nashville based guitarist Chis Casello will definitely be playing with Sun star Johnny Powers at the October Hemsby Weekender. Mark Kemlo tells me that Chris does an excellent set of his own and maybe, just maybe, a spot can be found for him over the weekend. Regretfully I don't quite see how.
The latest news that I can now confirm is that at Hemsby 44, May 13 – 17, 2010, Jack Earls has been booked for a record breaking 6th time. Yes, he is that good! Also appearing will be Roc La Rue, Don Woody and many others. Which reminds me that the great Rockin' Ronnie Hawkins once told me that he was going to rename his band And Many Others “cause they get to play all the big shows!”
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
5 May 2009
News Flash! 100 Additional Chalets for Hemsby 42.
Yes, 100 additional chalets have now been made available to us for Hemsby42 weekender,
May 14 - 18, 2009. Lots of room for everyone. See ya there!
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby
Organiser
Call Viv or Ann on 01522 752453 for further information.
28 April 2009
The Seacroft Site and Hemsby Beach site have sold out but there are STILL CHALETS AVAILABLE at the Belle Aire Site.
Book Online or call the Hemsby Hotline +44 (0)1522 752453
25 March 2009
Sad News! Only 48 hours after posting our last news item I was told that Jack Earls is ill and he will not be able to perform at Hemsby 43 in October. His doctor will not let him fly for the foreseeable future. I am sure that you all will wish him a very speedy recovery and that Jack will be back with us at Hemsby next year.
I spoke with Sun star and outstanding live performer Johnny Powers and I am delighted to say that Johnny is confirmed to fill in for Jack. He will be accompanied by his ace Nashville lead guitarist Chris Casello.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby Organiser
23 March 2009
Hemsby dates for 2010 have been confirmed as: May 14 - 17 and October 8 - 11
Now here's the latest news from Hemsby Rock'n'Roll Weekenders.
The dates for Hemsby 43 will be October 9 - 12, 2009 and we are knocked out to announce our head-liner will be the fantastic Jack Earls, the greatest living rockabilly star in the world today.
Such are Jack's legendary Hemsby performances that this will be a record breaking 6th Hemsby appearance. We simply had to bring back Jack. The most popular 80's revival band to ever play Hemsby will also be reappearing. The original Tunnel line up of The Bluecats! You kept asking for them so we had to rebook them and the Bluecats will be be playing, only, their second show in 15 years. That is special! Thanks guys.
Good news for beer drinkers at this upcoming Hemsby. A real ale bar will be opening in the Blue Lagoon. I'm sure that this is a first for any rockin weekender. It's what we drank in the 50's along with espresso coffee by the bucket full. I once drank 9 cups of espresso in one evening at the Pandora Coffee House in South Croydon.
I am also very pleased to tell you all that our October Hemsby 43 prices for Hemsby Beach have been FROZEN!
Catch you all in May.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby Organiser
January 2009
Newsflash !! Pontins Hemsby closure does not in any way effect our event which is now held at Seacroft Holiday Village , Beach Road , Hemsby, Norfolk.
....also other news Robs Chop Shop will now be cutting hair at Hemsby 42 if he has time he may even spin some wax.
November 2008
The Norwich based band The Small Town Giants have now been booked to play on the Hemsby Rockin' Mississippi Boat Cruise. They may just get the chance to play with the American Stars who have all been invited to join the fun. May I take this opportunity to thank The Lonesome Valley Boys for their excellent past performances on the cruise. They will definitely be invited back.
I keep being asked who will be starring next October (Hemsby 43) so, the ever popular Nick Willet returns. Also, there are 3 more big names being lined up too!
It looks like 'Crunchabilly Time', but we will try to freeze our prices and always book the finest acts in the future. There will always be some surprises as in the past. Also, there will be some hard work to book the acts as well! All will be revealed later.
Willie Jeffery
Hemsby Organiser