Latest News
Artist Development Day in partnership with Leeds Jazz Festival and Jazz Leeds
Are you a northern artist working in (and around) jazz? You’re invited to join us at The Attic in Leeds on Monday 5th October for an informal day of creative collaboration and conversation hosted in partnership with Leeds Jazz Festival and Jazz Leeds.
Jazz North announces the latest recipients of its promoter support scheme, New Northern
Today, Jazz North announces the two jazz festivals and six jazz promoters awarded bursaries to present emerging artists in their programmes through its support scheme, New Northern.
Looking for somewhere to gig in the North of England?
One of the most frequent questions we get asked is where can I get a jazz gig for my band in the North of England? We have created The Northern Jazz Promoter Directory - a curated list of active jazz venues, promoters and festivals across the North of England.
An Artist’s Guide to International Networking
Before travelling to Bremen to attend jazzahead!, Bex (aka Rivkala) had no idea what to expect. This blog is for anyone curious about attending an international jazz conference and whether networking events like this are worth it, how to prepare for and make the most of it.
Strengthening Our Future: Welcoming New Trustees to the Jazz North Board
Our mission has always been driven by the rich talent, vibrant communities and fierce creativity across the North’s music landscape. To ensure we continue championing northern jazz with vision and purpose, we are proud to announce the appointment of three outstanding new members.
6 ways Jazz North supported northern music educators in 2025-26
Jazz North’s Learning & Participation team have been busy during the 2025-26 academic year, supporting northern music educators to explore jazz and improvisation in the classroom and within their professional practice.
Jazz Camp for Girls Summer Camp in Sefton
15 girls attended our summer jazz camp in Sefton run in partnership with the SOUND! Music Hub. Sound! Music Hub covers the areas of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Warrington.
Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra 50th Anniversary Celebration
On Saturday 11th July members past and present came together to celebrate 50 years of WYJO - the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra - at The Brick Community Stadium in Wigan.
Jazz North team member Helena Summerfield caught up with Ian Darrington before the event to learn more about his time leading the band.
Jazz North announces the latest round of New Northern for 2026/27
Jazz North announces the latest round of New Northern: a grassroots & independent promoter bursary, to support live emerging talent.
Singin’ in the rain
Even the Manchester rain couldn't dampen the spirits of our incredible Northern Line artists. Each act brought their unique brand of sonic storytelling to the mjf stage as they performed to an enthusiastic showcase audience.
Educators’ Forum meeting: Improvisation pedagogy in the music curriculum with guest Michael Wright
Join our June Educators’ Forum to meet like-minded music educators and continue exploring the importance of improvisation in the classroom. As always, our forums are a safe space to reflect, share ideas and ask questions.
Jazz Day - an international affair
Jazz North team member Helena celebrated International Jazz Day in style with a fantastic group of young musicians at the British International School of Marbella, Spain. During the morning session the young musicians tried improvising in different ways, response to hand gestures and by varying rhythms and finally using pentatonic - 5 note - scales.
Join Our Board
“We are fortunate to have an incredibly engaged, passionate Board of Trustees and the team is looking forward to welcoming a new member. Whatever your background and whatever your story, we would love to hear from you” Chris Bye, CEO Jazz North
Finding your voice and telling your story
Our Manchester Artist Development Day in partnership with Brighter Sound took place on 16th April at Band on the Wall. Attendees explored how to find their artist voice and tell their story through insightful workshops delivered by Ellen Beth Abdi and Oli Bentley. The day also featured NK-OK from Blue Lab Beats in conversation with Kinaya Said Ibrahim and jam sessions facilitated by Mara Cruz and Kemani Anderson.
4 fun ideas for celebrating International Jazz Day in your school on 30th April
Did you know that April is Jazz Appreciation month? It was chosen because many famous Jazz musicians celebrated their birthdays during April – Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Herbie Hancock to name but a few.
The highlight of Jazz Appreciation Month is International Jazz Day (IJD) on Thursday 30th April.
How is New Northern helping Stockport Jazz to diversify their programming?
“New Northern support has been of great help to Stockport Jazz, allowing us to diversify our programming, raise our profile in the North and develop links with similar organisations within the region and beyond”. Paul Hartley, Stockport Jazz
Elbows Out - playing loudly and taking up space in the northern jazz scene.
Jazz North team member Helena Summerfield spent an inspiring hour learning about the ethos of Elbow Room with Trish Ferrarin, discussing experiences of playing in all-female versus mixed ensembles.
A day in Leeds with our latest Northern Line artists
Last week we spent a day with our latest Northern Line artists at The Attic in Leeds for their Induction Day and our first face-to-face meet up. This was an opportunity for the artists to find out all about what it means to be on Northern Line, share their music and discuss aspirations for their time on the programme.
Jazz North x Brighter Sound: Artist Development Day
Are you a northern artist keen to meet new collaborators, get inspired and shape your strategy? Jazz North and Brighter Sound are teaming up to bring you a relaxed and informative artist network event on Thursday 16th April at iconic Manchester venue, Band on the Wall.