Doncaster Jazz Alumni to play at The Continental, Preston
DJA with founder John Eliis MBE
Bandleader and promoter Paul Rigby received a New Northern bursary in 2024 to present his series of Big Band performances at The Continental in Preston. The Jazz North team were impressed by the way Paul aimed to showcase talent both old and new and give aspiring big band musicians an opportunity to develop their craft.
Paul Rigby
Speaking about the events, Paul said:
“My intention for setting up the Big Band sessions is to help promote and showcase, giving a voice to the bands. It’s a self funding project of mine and no money is made - just the love in the big band scene and helping the next generation to appreciate this art form. With the help of New Northern I’ve promoted more bands that might not have had the opportunity to perform.”
Paul’s next Big Band event will take place on Sunday 1st February and features 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. Their mission is simple: to give back to music what it gave to them – unforgettable experiences, friendship, skills for life and wonderful memories.
“The aim of the ensemble is something that every member of the band is passionate about, as without access to such groups as DYJA, I don’t think many of the hundreds of musicians who have passed through its doors would be where they are today”
With several members also working in education, the ensemble feels passionately that music should be accessible to all children. Run as not for profit, DJA’s concert fees and ticket sales go directly back into DYJA helping finance projects benefitting the next generation of musicians. DJA’s debut album, ‘50 years’, was released to critical acclaim and is available through Bandcamp.
Speaking about DJA, Mark Ellis said:
“Although our main aim is to help DYJA as much as possible financially (as well as other similar youth music projects), we're concentrating now on raising awareness of DYJA within our region, in the hope that the recent drop in children playing instruments can be tackled locally.
DJA 50 year recording session with John Ellis and co-MD Al Wood
We’ll have physical albums for sale at the Continental gig including our limited-edition double LP on vinyl which features arrangements and direction of our recently-deceased co-MD, Al Wood. Al was a huge influence on many of our members who went to study at Leeds College of Music after their time at DYJA. He continued to develop the students that my Dad started of, so it's particularly poignant that he worked on this album with us”.
Tickets for DJA’s performance are £11 advance or £13 on the door (cash only) and can be booked via this link Under 11s go free with ticket holders. Doors open at 1.30 for a 2pm band start.
Venue: The Continental, South Meadow Lane, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8JP
2026 Sunday afternoon Big Band events at the Continental
1st February - DJA
1st March - Jazz Stats Big Band
3rd May - Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra
7th June - Northern Jazz Orchestra
5th July - Jack Yerkess Big Band
Paul can be contacted via bigbandsandbeyond20@gmail.com and details of all events are shared on the big bands and beyond facebook page.
You can support the work of DYJA by becoming a friend or making a donation via Just Giving
Photo credits - Paul Rigby and DJA
