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Who's playing in Aberjazz
Saturday 22nd August Starting at 8pm Double Bill With No Mean Biscuit & Hot Gin Swing
£15+fees
No Mean Biscuit No Mean Biscuit blend Latin, swing, and jazz. Their engaging performances and diverse repertoire include jazz standards and familiar contemporary music presented in their own distinctive style. The band features talented members, each bringing their own personality and musical expertise to the ensemble. Barry Wade, the founder, is inspired by Stan Getz and is known for his mellow tones. James, the pianist, showcases effortless skill and a flair for creativity while Rob, the rhythm guitarist, anchors the group with his steadfast playing. Ian, the double bassist, adds a laid-back charm and original compositions and Nick Hislam is on the drums.
Hot Gin Swing
Hot Gin Swing Band is a dynamic swing ensemble delivering a fresh take on classic jazz from the American Song Book and modern favourites. Combining top tier musicianship with stylish arrangements, the band performs in flexible lineups from a duo to a full six piece, consisting of professionally trained musicians playing saxophone/clarinet, double bass, keyboards, drums, male and female vocalist. Their sound (songs by the greats, Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Doris Day to name a few) capturing the essence of the swing era. This band is a must for fans of Lindy Hop, and Jive. Bring your dancing shoes Mark Stevens - Lead Male Vocalist
& Blues Festival Thursday 27th August Double Blues Bill in Ffwrn at 1pm With Dave Ferra & Carley’s Wreck and Ruin £15+fees
Dave Ferra Dave Ferra is a blues and ragtime guitarist and singer whose acoustic style combines vibrant flair with a deep respect for the tradition. Dave is a seasoned bluesman whose playing draws deeply from the acoustic traditions of the Mississippi Delta and East Coast blues. Known for his warm vocals, expressive slide guitar and deft harmonica work, he brings classic blues storytelling into the present with authenticity and charm. His performances balance grit, humour and musicianship, creating an intimate connection with audiences wherever he plays.
Carley’s Wreck and Ruin
Carley’s Wreck and Ruin - a British blues duo with a dark, unmistakable edge — primitive, raw, and dripping with Blues Trash attitude. Their sound fuses gritty blues with trashy roots, channelling everything from 1930s blues and gospel fire to occult rock, theatrical swagger, witchy glamour, and the bite of rockabilly and punk. Built on the stripped-back, beat-up energy of Jo Carley (vocals, mandolin, washboard, percussion, keys) and Tim Carley (archtop guitar, rattlin’ shoe, kick drum, distorted vintage amps, backing vocals), their music is ‘trashy roots on junkyard instruments’ — raw, rhythmic, and possessed by something older than rock ’n’ roll.
Jasmine Power in Peppers at 4pm £15+fees
Jasmine Power - a Welsh singer, songwriter, and pianist known for her distinctive blend of jazz, pop, Celtic influences, and atmospheric art pop. Raised in West Wales, near Fishguard, she grew up surrounded by folk, jazz, and classical music, which shaped her eclectic style. Her work has been praised by major UK tastemakers — Jamie Cullum, Gilles Peterson, and Robert Elms among them — for its originality and emotional depth. She has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, Cadogan Hall, The Jazz Café, The Pheasantry and Love Supreme Festival.
Billy Pezzack Jazz guitar in Bakers@70 at 6pm £10 +fees
Billy Pezzack is a Cardiff‑based jazz guitarist and composer whose playing blends modern jazz, improvisational freedom, and a distinctive, slightly edgy melodic style. A graduate of the Guitar Institute and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he performs widely across Wales and records original instrumental jazz with his trio. His work has been praised for its fluidity, inventiveness, and contemporary feel.
Chris Ingham - Jazz at the Movies in Theatr Gwaun at 7pm £20 + fees
Chris Ingham's show Jazz at the Movies is an acclaimed show led by pianist and bandleader Chris Ingham, celebrating the timeless songs of cinema with style, swing, and irresistible charm. Featuring the outstanding vocalist Joanna Eden, the band brings classic film music to life — from Hollywood standards and smoky jazz ballads to playful favourites and forgotten gems. Warm, witty, and beautifully performed, it’s a feel‑good journey through the silver screen’s most iconic melodies. Chris Ingham – piano; Joanna Eden – vocals; Mark Crooks – saxophone and clarinet; Joe Pettitt – bass; George Double – drums.
Double Bill in Ffwrn at 8pm Around About Dusk & Trwbadwr £20+fees
Around About Dusk Around About Dusk are a Bristol based ensemble creating original music inspired by New Orleans jazz, European folk, musette, and old time roots traditions. Their songs weave rich vocal harmonies, playful improvisation, and vivid storytelling, drawing on themes of nature, folklore, and the quietly surreal. With a sound that feels both timeless and inventive, they bring the atmosphere of street cafés, campfire gatherings, and travelling shows to every performance. Their live sets are intimate, joyful, and full of character — a band that invites audiences into their own beautifully crafted world. Rachel Lawrence – accordion and vocals; Gus Dolding – Clarinet; Bill Frampton – double bass and harmonica; James French -trumpet
Trwbadwr Trwbadwr is a vibrant seven piece Latin jazz and blues band led by vocalist Sarah Davenportand featuring some of Pembrokeshire’s finest musicians. Their dynamic blend of European and South American rhythms creates an irresistible, high energy sound that fills dance floors wherever they play. With rich instrumentation, infectious grooves, and a joyful stage presence, Trwbadwr deliver a feel good musical experience that audiences love. Sarah Davenport – vocals; John Rodge – double bass; David Pepper – keyboards; Nick Hislam – saxes; Jason Osborne – trumpet; Paul Carr – guitar; Nino Consolo – drums.
The Dominic Norcross Quartet at 9.30pm in Peppers £15+fees
The Dominic Norcross Quartet is a polished, straight ahead jazz group led by Welsh saxophonist Dominic Norcross. Known for their warm, unpretentious sound, the quartet blends classic jazz club energy with modern clarity and strong ensemble interplay. Featuring long‑standing collaborators on guitar, bass and drums, they deliver melodic originals, relaxed swing, and thoughtful improvisation with real finesse. Their performances have earned praise across Wales and beyond for their musicianship, subtlety and easy, inviting style. The quartet will be joined in the second half by vocalist Elaina Hoss.
Double Bill in Ffwrn at 1pm Tom Emlyn & The Whiskey River Blues £15+fees
Tom Emlyn Tom Emlyn, described by Adam Walton (BBC Radio Wales) as a “peripatetic musical genius”, writes vivid, poetic songs full of dark humour and sharp observation. His solo work explores an alternative South Walian landscape, blending local history, psychogeography and 60s folk tinged melodies. Rooted in indie and garage rock but creatively wide ranging, his music drifts through psychedelia, folk, jazz, blues and ambient textures, tied together by soulful harmonica, lyrical guitar and warm lo-fi production. One of Wales’ most prolific musicians, he has released multiple albums in recent years and performs widely as a multi instrumentalist across several Cardiff bands.
The Whiskey River Blues Whiskey River Blues brings the spirit of Cajun, Creole, Americana and swamp blues to life with driving rhythms, rich musicianship and an unmistakable good time energy. Drawing on decades of experience, they deliver dance friendly sets full of fiddle, guitar, harmonica and infectious grooves. Adaptable, uplifting and rooted in the traditions of Louisiana and the American South, they’re a perfect choice for audiences who love foot stomping, feel good roots music. Aidan Sheehan – harmonica, vocals, accordion, mandolin; Alan Cooper - fiddle; Tommy Mills - double bass; Pete Mathison – guitar.
Arfordir 4pm in Peppers £15+fees
Arfordir is a new quartet inspired by the shifting moods and colours of the Welsh coastline. Featuring Ben Thomas on trumpet, Julian Martin on piano, Ross Thomas on bass and Ian Williams on drums. The group weaves lyrical improvisation with spacious, contemporary jazz textures. Their music moves like the shoreline itself — sometimes calm and reflective, sometimes rhythmic and full of motion — creating an evocative sound world rooted in place and atmosphere. Arfordir offers a fresh, expressive take on modern jazz with a distinctly Welsh sense of landscape.
Sister Bodhi 4pm in St Mary’s Church £10+fees
Sister Bodhi is the soulful West Wales duo of Jodie Marie (piano) and Bella Collins (guitar), blending blues, folk and roots influences with beautifully close vocal harmony. Their music is warm, earthy and quietly spellbinding — two distinctive voices weaving intimate, expressive songs shaped by place, experience and a deep musical connection. With piano and guitar they create performances that feel grounded, honest and gently transcendent.
Coltrane Dedication 7pm in Theatr Gwaun £15 plus fees
Coltrane Dedication is a Welsh jazz collective devoted to the emotional power and fearless improvisation of John Coltrane’s later music. Formed when five musicians realised they were due to play together on the 40th anniversary of Coltrane’s death, the group committed to exploring his catalogue with intensity, freedom and deep respect. They don’t perform tributes — they channel the visceral spirit, fire and forward‑driving creativity of Coltrane’s 1960–67 period, using his compositions as a springboard for their own passionate, contemporary improvisation. Their performances are known for raw energy, meditative depth and a commitment to keeping this extraordinary music alive in the present moment. Lyndon Owen – saxes; Will Cass – guitars; Bill Fletcher – bass; Dave Jones – piano; Ian Poole - drums
Double Bill at 8pm in Ffwrn with Ms Maggie & the Cat’s Pyjamas and Dionne Bennett & the Pepperseeds £20+fees
Ms Maggie & The Cat’s Pyjamas
Ms Maggie & The Cat’s Pyjamas bring the sparkle of the Jazz Age to the modern stage, blending 1920s swing, blues and New Orleans sass with unmistakable Welsh charm. Led by vocalist Amanda Magrin, the band’s upbeat energy, tight musicianship and playful storytelling make them a perfect daytime festival treat. Expect toe‑tapping rhythms, vintage glamour and a set that lifts the whole site. Amanda Magrin – vocals; Gethin Liddington – trombone; Vic Partridge - banjo / guitar; Steve Davies - bass
Dionne Bennett & the Pepperseeds Dionne Bennett brings a powerhouse blend of soul, jazz and blues shaped by deep Welsh roots and global influences. Her voice moves from velvet warmth to full throttle fire, carrying stories of heritage, resilience and joy. A magnetic performer with a rich history across UK and European stages, she lights up festival crowds with groove, heart and irresistible presence.. Dionne Bennett – vocals; Simon Kingman – guitar and vocals; Jon Goode – bass guitar; Mark Sambal – keyboard; Gary James – drums.
The Kevin Lawlor Quartet in Peppers at 9:30pm £15+fees
This is an Irish comtemporary jazz group led by drummer, composer and educator, Kevin Lawlor, based in Wexford in Ireland. They are an active part of Ireland's modern jazz scene performing original material as well as music by major contemporary jazz composers. He will be joined by Scott Flanigan, a prominent keyboardist on the UK and Irish jazz scenes, based in Belfast. He regularly performs on both piano and Hammond organ. This concert is sponsored by Culture Ireland Kevin Lawlor - drums;Scott Flanigan - keys;Cillian Byrne - bass;Chris Collotin - guitar
Double Bill at 1:30pm in Ffwrn Jonathan Nicholas and the Macaroons £15+fees
Jonathan Nicholas Jonathan is an acoustic musician/songwriter. Formerly focusing on his passion for Delta blues, he has released his first self-penned EP called ‘Rolling Eyes & Sighs’ which draws influence from artists such as Neil Young, Nick Drake, Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan and Robert Johnson
The Macaroons are a West London based jazz blues and soul band featuring guitar, drums, harmonica, keyboard, bass, trumpet and saxes. An upbeat and edgy blues/soul/jazz mixture with a dash of European quirkiness. They add their own touch to jazz and blues standards. Their musical melange will take you from the streets of New Orleans to the back streets of Paris. Alexander Stanton – trumpet, vocals; Chris Francis – saxes, flute; James Hinton – guitar; Chris Stanton – bass; Nigel Summerley - drums
The Jay Azzolina Organ Trio in Peppers at 4pm £15 +fees
Enjoy an afternoon with a superb trio of musicians: Jay Azzolina, now living locally, is an American jazz‑fusion guitarist and composer renowned for his sophisticated harmonic language and expressive, modern approach. His career spans acclaimed solo projects and collaborations with leading international artists. Scott Flanigan is a Belfast‑based jazz pianist, composer, and educator, widely regarded as one of the top keyboard players on the Irish jazz scene. He performs throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe, working with major figures across both jazz and popular music. Kevin Lawlor, from Wexford, is an Irish jazz drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator. He is recognised as one of the most creative voices in the South‑East, known for his dynamic drumming, strong narrative compositions, and his commitment to developing local jazz culture. Lowri Evans 4pm in St Mary’s Church
Lowri Evans is one of Wales’s most distinctive singer‑songwriters, praised for a voice of striking emotional range and songs that draw on Americana, folk, country and blues in Welsh and English. Her performances balance melodic clarity with heartfelt storytelling, delivered with the natural warmth that has made her a favourite of audiences and broadcasters alike. With long‑time collaborator Lee Mason, she creates music that is intimate, expressive and beautifully crafted. Lowri Evans – vocals/guitar; Lee Mason – guitar; Jake Newman – double bass/electric bass
Ursula Harrison and Sylvie Noble 5pm in Bakers@70 £10+fees
Ursula Harrison (winner of the BBC Young jazz Musician of the Year 2024) and vocalist Sylvie Noble form a strikingly intimate duo, blending modern jazz, folk colours and fearless improvisation. Their music draws on deep listening, lyrical storytelling and a rare vocal–bass chemistry that feels both spacious and emotionally charged. With original material shaped by influences from Sheila Jordan to Joni Mitchell, they create performances that are quietly bold, deeply musical and utterly absorbing.
Jane Williams and Gareth Evans 6pm in T.S. Skirmisher £10 +fees
Vocalist Jane Williams and guitarist Gareth Evans form a beautifully balanced duo, blending storytelling warmth with refined musicianship. Jane’s expressive, intimate vocal style pairs effortlessly with Gareth’s lyrical guitar work, creating performances that feel both spacious and deeply connected. Together they move with ease between jazz, folk, and classic songcraft, shaping each piece with sensitivity, clarity, and understated elegance. Their chemistry onstage is unmistakable — a gentle conversation between voice and guitar that draws audiences in and holds them with quiet confidence. A duo of subtlety, charm, and genuine musical rapport.
Very Santana 7pm in Theatr Gwaun £25 plus fees
Very Santana bring the soaring guitar lines, Latin‑rock grooves and improvisational fire made famous by Carlos Santana, delivered with exceptional musicianship and infectious energy. Their live shows capture the spirit, rhythm and colour of Santana’s most iconic eras, blending precision with real passion. Expect a vibrant, immersive performance that celebrates one of the most influential sounds in modern music. Amera – vocals; Rolly – guitar; Matt – keys; James – drums; Niki - percussion; Steve – bass
Double Bill at 8pm in Ffwrn Onika Venus & Molly Gone Mad £20+fees
Onika Venus Onika Venus is a singer‑songwriter from South Manchester, Jamaica, now based in the Forest of Dean. With a unique vocal style and outstanding musicianship, she performs a vibrant mix of old‑school reggae, RnB, pop and funk, delivered with warmth and charisma. A seasoned artist who has worked with Seanie B, Tubby T and Ms Dynamite, she brings a soulful, multi‑genre sound that connects instantly with audiences. Onika Venus – vocals and stomp box; Tom Selway – sax and keyboard; Will Lott - guitar
Molly Gone Mad Molly Gone Mad are a taste‑led, groove‑driven trio from Worcester, blending funk, soul, chilled hip‑hop, modern jazz and alternative textures into a sound that feels alive and immersive. Their music is built on movement, instinct and emotional honesty, creating sets that are fluid, dynamic and deeply engaging. With growing UK momentum and a rapidly expanding online following, they deliver performances that lift a room and pull audiences fully into the moment.
Simon Spillett & The Dave Jones Trio 9.30pm in Peppers £15+fees
Few musicians embody the spirit of British hard‑bop quite like tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett. A multi‑award‑winning soloist, bandleader, and one of the country’s foremost authorities on the legacy of Tubby Hayes, Spillett performs with a rare combination of historical insight and white‑hot spontaneity. His playing is bold, athletic, and fiercely swinging, driven by a deep command of bebop language and an unmistakable tenor sound. Whether tearing through blistering uptempo lines or shaping a ballad with lyrical poise, he brings an intensity that feels both classic and utterly alive. A regular presence on major UK stages and festivals, Spillett continues to champion straight‑ahead jazz with uncompromising energy and authenticity. Expect virtuosity, humour, and the kind of musical fire that lights up a room. Simon Spillett – Saxophone; Dave Jones – piano; Ashley John-Long – double bass; Scott Hammond on drums
With Llinos Emanuel & The Fran McGillivray Band £15+fees
Llinos Emanuel
The Fran McGillivray Band The Fran McGillivray Band brings a rich blend of blues, roots, and soulful songwriting, delivered with warmth, groove, and unmistakable character. Fronted by vocalist and bassist Fran McGillivray, whose expressive voice carries both grit and tenderness, the band weaves together melodic guitar lines, tight rhythms, and beautifully crafted arrangements. Their sound draws on blues, Americana, and folk influences, yet always feels fresh, heartfelt, and deeply engaging. Known for their dynamic live performances and strong musical chemistry, they create an atmosphere that’s both intimate and uplifting — a band that connects instantly with audiences.
Wonderbrass 4pm Sunday Parade
Our parade will be led by Idris, our Aberjazz dragon and Wonderbrass - A vibrant force of brass, rhythm, and sheer joy, Wonderbrass are one of Wales’s most dynamic large‑ensemble outfits. Bursting with energy and driven by infectious grooves, they blend funk, jazz, Latin, Balkan, and New Orleans influences into a sound that’s bold, colourful, and impossible to resist. Their performances are full of personality, powered by tight horn lines, big rhythms, and a celebratory spirit that brings audiences to life. With a reputation for uplifting crowds wherever they go.
Brass Band Bychan 6pm in T S Skirmisher £10+fees
Nigel Price Organ Trio 7pm in Theatr Gwaun
£15 plus fees
The James Oliver Band & Billy Thompson Gypsy Style
SOLD OUT
The James Oliver Band A force of nature on guitar, James Oliver is one of the most exciting roots‑rock and rockabilly players to emerge from Wales in recent years. His blistering technique, breakneck picking, and infectious stage presence have earned him a reputation as a true live‑wire performer. Drawing on rock’n’roll, country, surf, blues, and Telecaster‑driven twang, he delivers a sound that’s both steeped in tradition and bursting with youthful fire. Whether tearing through high‑octane originals or reimagining classics with fearless flair, James brings energy, humour, and jaw‑dropping musicianship to every stage he steps onto.
Billy Thompson Gypsy Style A dazzling improviser and one of Wales’s most distinctive violinists, Billy Thompson blends jazz, folk, gypsy swing, and world‑music influences into a sound that is both fiery and lyrical. His playing is marked by extraordinary technique, emotional depth, and an instinctive sense of groove, whether he’s soaring through high‑energy improvisations or shaping a melody with delicate nuance. A natural communicator onstage, Billy brings warmth, humour, and a magnetic musical presence that draws audiences in. His performances are vibrant, inventive, and full of character — the work of a musician who thrives on connection and creative freedom.
Shirley Smart Peppers at 9.30pm £15+fees
Double Bill in Ffwrn at 1pm With Twpsyn & the Swingin' Nettles £15+fees
Twpsyn
The Swingin' Nettles Based in Pembrokeshire and steeped in the Hot Club tradition, The Swingin’ Nettles celebrate the legacy of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli with style and flair. Their sets are packed with driving rhythm guitar, lyrical violin lines and sparkling improvisation, capturing the warmth, wit and rhythmic fire that define gypsy jazz. Whether you’re a long‑time fan of the genre or discovering it for the first time, their performances are guaranteed to lift the room.
Jay Azzolina and Nigel Price 4pm in Peppers £15+fees
This special collaboration unites two outstanding guitarists from different corners of the jazz tradition. Jay Azzolina, a major figure in jazz‑fusion and contemporary guitar, brings a sophisticated harmonic language and a fluid, modern improvising style shaped by decades on the international scene. Since relocating to Fishguard in 2024, he has become an active and inspiring presence within the British and Welsh jazz communities. Alongside him is Nigel Price, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most dynamic and dedicated guitarists. His playing blends fluent bebop phrasing with a strong blues sensibility and impeccable rhythmic drive, earning him a reputation as a cornerstone of the British jazz landscape. Together, they create a meeting of musical worlds — fusion‑inflected modernity and hard‑swinging tradition — resulting in a duo performance full of interplay, warmth and exhilarating guitar artistry. Rhi Jorj a’r band 6pm in St Mary’s Church
£10+fees
Rhi Jorj has quickly become one of the most intriguing new voices in Welsh songwriting. Returning to music in 2023, she released the EP Amser and the full‑length album Ysgafn, both praised for their clarity, emotional honesty and melodic ease. Her songs draw inspiration from everyday moments, language, landscape and the quiet details of life, delivered with a warm vocal tone and understated guitar work. With recent Selar Award nominations and an increasing presence on stages across Wales, she continues to build a distinctive artistic identity rooted in authenticity and lyrical craft.
The Aberjazz Party in Ffwrn at 8pm With Afternoon in Paris & N’famady Kouyate
Afternoon in Paris Afternoon in Paris, led by Welsh bandleader Susanna Warren, blend vintage charm with global flair. Fronted by clarinet, bass clarinet, and multilingual vocals, the group draws its roots from the forties swing of the Hot Club of France while roaming freely across genres — Latin, Klezmer, Bebop, Pop, and a selection of vibrant originals. Their performances evoke the smoky jazz clubs of 1930s Paris and Hamburg, the elegance of Europe’s grand cafés, and the energy of New York and South America. The result is a joyful, distinctive fusion delivered with superb musicianship and irresistible warmth.
N’famady Kouyaté N’famady Kouyaté is a young, electrifying master musician from Guinea, now firmly rooted in the vibrant music scene of Cardiff. A griot by heritage and a natural showman by instinct, he carries the balafon — the traditional wooden xylophone central to Mandingue culture — into fresh, contemporary territory. His playing is fast, joyful and effortlessly virtuosic, full of shimmering melodies and rhythmic fire. Drawing on the musical traditions of West Africa, N’famady creates a sound world where ancient craftsmanship meets modern creativity. His arrangements weave Mandingue rhythms with the colours of jazz, the drive of indie and pop, and the groove of funk, resulting in music that feels both deeply rooted and boldly forward‑looking. With his band they radiate warmth and charisma, inviting audiences into a shared celebration of rhythm, culture and connection.
Tango Jazz Quartet Peppers at 9:30pm
£15+fees
Tango Jazz Quartet bring the unmistakable pulse of Buenos Aires to the stage, blending the elegance of traditional tango with the freedom and improvisational spark of jazz. Formed by Argentinian saxophonist and composer Gustavo Firmenich, the quartet has carved out a distinctive sound that bridges continents and musical cultures, creating performances that are both deeply rooted and joyfully adventurous. Their music captures the drama, romance and rhythmic intensity of tango while opening the door to the spontaneity of jazz. The result is a vibrant, contemporary fusion: bandoneón‑like phrasing on saxophone, driving piano lines, propulsive bass and percussion, and arrangements that move effortlessly between sultry lyricism and high‑energy swing. Whether reimagining classic tango repertoire or presenting original compositions, the quartet’s interplay is tight, expressive and full of character.Touring internationally for more than a decade, Tango Jazz Quartet have earned a reputation for concerts that are as engaging as they are musically sophisticated. Their performances invite audiences into a world where tradition meets innovation — where the smoky cafés of Buenos Aires meet the improvising spirit of modern jazz clubs. Expect passion, virtuosity and a rhythmic heartbeat that’s impossible to resist.
Post Festival
Golden Keys Reimagining the music of the James Bond Movies Saturday 12th September 7:30pm in Theatr Gwaun
Golden Keys reimagines the iconic music of James Bond through the lens of vintage jazz, ragtime, and smoky 1920s elegance.
Featuring pianist and vocalist Tony Kieraldo alongside drummer Jack Amblin and vocalist Saara Kaldma — members of Postmodern Jukebox and Down for the Count Orchestra — the show transforms classic Bond themes into dazzling retro arrangements full of swing, intrigue, romance, and old-Hollywood glamour. |
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