Manchester Jazz Festival (MJF) will boogie-woogie into the city tonight for ten days of music celebrating the best of international jazz.
The prestigious event will welcome 88 bands and more than 500 artists from across the globe bringing with it a riot of sound.
The launch event will take place at Thwaites Festival Pavilion in Albert Square for a sultry evening of smooth jazz.
Artistic director of the festival Steve Mead said: “Manchester Jazz Festival is all about celebrating good music, great company and the best of Manchester and this year is no exception.
“The programme will take you on a fascinating journey of discovery through the world of jazz today, featuring the best emerging talent from Manchester and the north, alongside established artists from the UK and overseas.”
ALL THAT JAZZ! Albert Square will play host to hundreds of performers
Albert Square will be transformed into a hub of musical mayhem with gigs every day in the Pavilion from lunchtime ‘til late, a festival bar and aromatic food.
Manchester Jazz Festival is a unique event on the festival circuit as it champions regional artists and focuses on musical innovation with round-the-clock concerts.
Melody makers from the North West, the UK and international artists will perform premières of a variety of original works and global débuts.
To host this years’ expanded festival, two new venues have joined the rostra of swinging clubs.
As well as the usual haunts of Band on the Wall, The Midland, Matt and Phred’s, RNCM and St Ann’s Church, you can now feel the blues or jitterbug to the jive at Central Library and Soup Kitchen.
Manchester Jazz Festival is also celebrating the return of its special programmes, MIFI International and MJF Introduces, that bring the best international jazz and the best young talent from the North West.
With headliners including Arun Ghosh, Natalie Williams, Beats & Pieces Big Band and Hackney Colliery Band, we’ve picked the best of the festival for you.
The first port of call should be the central festival site, with roving bands bringing ragtime to Albert Square every weekend.
HEADLINING: Arun Ghosh will perform at the festival
At new venue Soup Kitchen there’s an interactive, audio-visual experiences with Space F!ght and Tin Men and the Telephone at RNCM, where you help to create the gig with your mobile phone.
We’re booking ahead for MJF afternoon tea, offering jazz in the elegant surroundings of UK Hotel of the Year The Midland.
The Royal Northern College of Music is hosting a collaborative event between Manchester Literature Festival in a marriage of poetry and music called The Imaginary Delta.
Matt & Phred’s are offering the best party nights: the Night Jam, Ukebox a ukulele ensemble with covers of Beyonce and ELO.
Keep an eye on the programme for the 33 free events including a series of free afternoon concerts in
Steve Mead added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming music fans to Manchester to experience some great new music.
“We are also laying the groundwork for major events and collaborations as part of our 20th anniversary next year.”
Councillor Rosa Battle, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure for Manchester City Council, said: “The Jazz Festival has become a staunch favourite on the city’s event calendar and a platform for some of jazz’s most inspirational performers.”
For the latest festival news visit www.manchesterjazz.com
Pictures via Manchester Jazz Festival, with thanks
