Manchester Jazz Festival returns for its 19th year in July for ten days of the best contemporary jazz in the UK and beyond. Featuring over 70 acts across 7 venues – including Band on the Wall, RNCM, Soup Kitchen and, of course, the Festival Pavilion in Albert Square – jazz aficionados can enjoy old favourites and rising stars around the clock. Alongside a showcase of emerging jazz bands presented by Jes Nelson, Arun Ghosh (pictured) will continue to captivate audiences with his trademark IndoJazz; Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Show will go live; Kristyna Myles will draw on inspiration from the likes of India Arie, Stevie Wonder and Carole King; and Central Library will host a premiere of The Irwin Mitchell mjf originals commission by Anton Hunter. New to this year, the festival will also be hosting the first national Jazz Promotion Network (JPN) conference, featuring keynote speakers, seminars and discussion groups. So even if you’re no jazz buff, there are plenty of free shows available throughout the festival to tempt you into the genre’s vibrant scene. The full events programme is available through the website.
Fri 18 Jul – Sun 27 Jul, various venues and prices, manchesterjazz.com
- Words:
- Hannah Phillips
- Published on:
- Mon 14 Jul 2014
