FROM Los Angeles to Lyme Regis, brace yourself for a transatlantic invasion by 22 talented young musicians coming all the way from America for this weekend’s Jazz & Blues Weekend.

The California State University Big Band (CSUN) is an award-winning high-octane band making Lyme Regis the first stop on its UK tour.

Ranked as one of the top music schools in the world and located on the doorstep of the world’s entertainment capital, CSUN has provided generations of musicians, composers and arrangers to the music industry.

The band are performing several times over the weekend, and will be joining B Sharp’s Busking Festival.

The full concert is on Sunday, May 29 at 5pm at the Marine Theatre.

Their band-leader and musical director, Matt Harris, who toured with jazz greats Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich is much in demand as a writer/arranger and performer.

About the band, Matt said: “Unlike most professional musicians, they play different styles of music rather than playing just one person’s music or a specific style.

“We’ll be revisiting everything from early jazz like Ellington and Basie right through to more contemporary music.

“You’ll hear more variety, and of course, bags of energy and dynamism.”

Matt hopes the UK tour will give the band a feel for life on the road as professional musicians.

He said: “It’s invaluable experience so we’re really looking forward to visiting Lyme Regis.”

Julie Sheppard, festival director said, “ It’s been a year in the planning and now they’re nearly here – it’s a real coup. They’re unbelievably upbeat and exuberant.

“I think they’ll steal peoples’ hearts and most of the limelight over the weekend”.

n CSUN Big Band, Marine Theatre, on Sunday, May 29 at 5pm.