A LONG-running Malvern jazz club will be welcoming a special guest to a concert marking its 17th anniversary.

Accomplished saxophone, flute and clarinet player Amy Roberts is one of the fastest rising names on the UK scene, having been named ‘rising star of the year’ at the British Jazz Awards in both 2009 and 2011.

As well as leading her own quintet, she last year became the first female musician to join the renowned Big Chris Barber Band.

But she will be taking time out from her busy schedule next month to join Abbey Jazz’s birthday celebrations at Malvern Rugby Club in Spring Lane.

The club was founded at the Railway Inn in Malvern Wells in 1995 and has hosted regular sessions in the town ever since.

Founder and chairman Len Thwaites is delighted with its longevity and ongoing ability to pull in big names.

“We can’t believe that we’ve been going so well for 17 years. We’re continuing to draw good audiences and this has allowed us to attract the best players from round the Midlands and the wider UK,” he said.

“We like to think that in this way we make a worthwhile contribution to Malvern’s reputation as a creative centre, and it is especially gratifying that young stars like Amy Roberts are keen to appear with us.”

The anniversary concert is from 8pm until 10.30pm on Sunday, June 3. It costs £6 and Amy Roberts will be joined on stage by Mr Thwaites as well as fellow club stalwart Phil Probert and other musicians.

Abbey Jazz has another major event lined up before the anniversary, with the new one-day Malvern Jazz Festival taking place at the club from 2pm-11pm on Sunday, May 13.

Tickets for the festival, which is being sponsored by Malvern RFC and Molson Coors and is set to become an annual event if successful, cost £10 from 07877 309441, 01684 575605 or president@malvernrugbyclub.