Latest News
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.
“Best Experience Ever!” The verdict is in for the 2026 Jazz Camp for Girls…
Our 8th ‘Jazz Camp for Girls’ took place over the weekend of 7th-8th March 2026 and was a great success. 70 girls attended events across the north in Gateshead, Hull, Liverpool, Scunthorpe and Trafford. The camps encouraged the participants to be creative and explore playing jazz and improvisation in a safe, nurturing environment.
International Women's Day and supporting the next generation of female artists
On Sunday 8th March Jazz North will be joining supporters around the globe to celebrate International Women’s Day and, closer to home, our ‘Jazz Camp for Girls’ weekend. Earlier in the week jazz camp project manager Helena Summerfield visited Manchester University to deliver a seminar and improvisation workshop for music students as part of their Musica Festival programme.
Creating safe spaces to collaborate and take risks with special guest Trish Ferrarin from Elbow Room.
Join our Spring artist forum on Tuesday 17th March to celebrate International Women’s month and learn more about Elbow Room - a thriving community ensemble led by the respected jazz pianist and educator Trish Ferrarin. As always, our forums are a safe space to reflect, share ideas and ask questions.
Latest Northern Line artists revealed for 2026
Jazz North announces its latest roster of Northern Line - the live talent development programme for jazz across the North - Rory A. Green, SwanNek, Hang Linton, Rivkala & Ancient Infinity Orchestra make up the cohort of northern artists to watch for 2026-27.
Jazz Camp for Girls 2026
Girls just want to have fun! and play jazz… This year’s Jazz Camp for Girls take place in five locations across the north of England in March 2026.
Reframing the Narrative for Music Teachers…
Jazz North team member Helena Summerfield will be attending the Music & Drama Expo in London (12-13 February 2026) to deliver a workshop encouraging delegates to engage with jazz and improvisation.
Educator’s Forum: Exploring NYJO’s new Digital Hub
Join our January Educator’s forum for an update from Jazz North’s Learning & Participation department and an opportunity to explore NYJO’s new digital hub with their Learning Programme’s Producer Beth Ismay. This session is suitable for curriculum music teachers (Key Stages 3 & 4) and music tutor interested in jazz education.
NYJO workshops for young people in Manchester
NYJO, One Education and Jazz North teaming together to run three workshops in Manchester at Band on The Wall during Spring 2026 for young people aged 13 - 18 who are interested in exploring the world of jazz, experimenting with improvisation, and experiencing playing live music with others.
Frank Griffith and The Jazz Cavern radio show
Respected saxophonist, composer/arranger and educator Frank Griffith moved to London in 1996 from New York City where he had worked with the likes of Ron Carter, Jon Hendricks and John Pizzarelli. After teaching at Brunel University, Frank relocated to Liverpool where he now regularly performs with his own groups including a quartet, nonet and big band and hosts The Jazz Cavern show on LCR FM.
Doncaster Jazz Alumni to play at The Continental, Preston
Paul Rigby’s next Big Band event will take place on Sunday 1st February and feature the exciting sounds of DJA, the Doncaster Jazz Alumni. DJA is a professional ensemble made up of past members of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, established in 1973 by John Ellis MBE. Paul says “with the help of New Northern I’ve promoted more bands that might not have had the opportunity to perform.”
Conversations and Collisions in Gateshead
Jazz North and The Glasshouse teamed up for an artist development day in Gateshead exploring vital issues such as best creative practice, how to get radio play, touring beyond the north and building sustainable careers. The attendees also had opportunities to network with other artists and create music together.
Doncaster Youth Jazz Association recognised at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards
The 20th annual Parliamentary Jazz Awards organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) and supported by the Musicians’ Union and UK Music took place last month. Jazz North was delighted to hear that one of our ‘Jazz Camp for Girls’ partner organisations Doncaster Youth Jazz Association (DYJA) had won the Jazz Education Award.