Strengthening Our Future: Welcoming New Trustees to the Jazz North Board
At Jazz North, 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 to our Board of Trustees: Nan Brimble, Thomas Bagnall, and John Lyons.
Together, Nan, Thomas, and John bring an incredible wealth of experience—spanning grassroots promotion, strategic music development, regional festival leadership and corporate governance. Their combined expertise deepens our commitment to sector accessibility, regional development and supporting musicians at every step of their creative journey.
Meet Our New Board Members
Nan Brimble
Based in West Yorkshire, Nan is a promoter, producer, musician and community broadcaster who has spent over two decades driving leadership and organisational development. As the founder of YardFest and co-pilot of the Jazz Promotion Network’s Routes Into Jazz program, Nan’s grassroots advocacy is unmatched. Currently undertaking a PhD with MusicFutures and the University of Liverpool—exploring mentoring, coaching and training in the music sector—and helping shape the Bradford District Music Strategy, Nan brings an invaluable academic and practical insight to expanding opportunities for artists and audiences alike.
Thomas Bagnall
With over two decades embedded in the North East creative ecosystem, Thomas serves as Acting General Manager & Head of Programmes at Generator, the North’s premier music development organization. Having held key positions at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, The Cluny and balletLORENT, Thomas brings deep operational and strategic insight. Beyond his programming expertise, Thomas is a fierce advocate for industry accessibility, serving as a trustee for Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) and a mentor with Help Musicians’ Soundboard network.
John Lyons
John joins the board with a unique blend of senior corporate leadership and deep roots in the northern jazz scene. Following a 25-year executive career in technology and consultancy, John has channeled his leadership background into creative and community development as Director of the Durham Jazz Festival. An award-winning live music photographer—winning the Abbey Road Studios Music Photography Award in 2022—John’s work highlights both international legends like Ron Carter and Billy Cobham and grassroots performers at local staples like The Globe in Newcastle.
A Board Built on Diversity, Expertise, and Shared Passion
The addition of Nan, Thomas and John builds upon the exceptional collective knowledge of our current board members. As an organisation, we pride ourselves on a governance structure that genuinely mirrors the multi-faceted nature of the music industry—combining world-class artistry, financial stewardship, educational pioneering and social activism.
Our new trustees join a strong, dedicated team:
Aaron Casserly Stewart (Chair): Grammy-winning vocalist, producer, educator, activist, and Chair of Black Lives Matter Leeds, bringing invaluable governance and artistic vision.
Roger Wilson: Co-founder of Black Lives in Music and a lifelong champion of social justice, equity and music education representation.
Sally Currie: Qualified accountant with over 20 years in arts finance, multi-instrumentalist, and advocate for accessible, independent venues. Head of the esteemed Drake Music.
Perri Alleyne-Hughes: Renowned choral arranger, composer, former educator and vocalist with extensive experience in community music initiatives and large-scale performance.
Sonia Mellor: Veteran music education consultant with 30+ years supporting youth development, including initiatives like the National Youth Jazz Collective and Jazz Camp for Girls.
By bringing together voices from across the North our full board reflects the geographic breadth, cultural richness and inclusive future of jazz across the region.