Live jazz around the UK

(Always check with venues before setting out, in case of programme changes)

London

Ronnie Scott's Club

The Brit Jazz Festival was staged at Ronnie's in August, with artists including Colin Towns' Mask Orchestra, John Taylor, Kit Downes, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, the Jim Mullen Organ Quartet, Dango Bates, the Laurence Cottle Big Band, the Mike Westbrook Village Band, a tribute night to Sir John Dankworth, and the Neon Quartet. The festival runs from August 1-14.

Later in the month, Airto Moreira and Flora Purim were paying a return visit to Ronnie's, with dates from August 27-29.

September's programme at Ronnie's includes violinist Nigel Kennedy in a special tribute to Jimi Hendrix on the 17th and 18th. Singer-guitarist Jose Feliciano is booked at the club from September 27th-30th.

For booking information and the full programme, visit www.ronniescotts.co.uk

The Vortex

One of London's most celebrated jazz venues, the Vortex always has a strong programme. For the full programme and booking information, visit www.vortexjazz.co.uk

North East

Jazz in the North East last year included some strongly appealing concerts, including Young Louis - a special event at The Sage in Gateshead being promoted in association with the Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival.

To book tickets for the Gateshead Jazz Festival, held each spring, and for more information, visit www.thesagegateshead.org

(Always check with venues before setting out in case of programme changes)

West Country

One of the most important venues in the West Country is St George's in Bristol, and their  programme is always an interesting one.

For more information visit www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Wakefield

The programme by the organisatin Wakefield Jazz  features concerts at Wakefield Sports Club, Eastmoor Road, For full progamme details visit www.wakefieldjazz.org.uk

Nottinghamshire

The enterprising organisation Jazzsteps, which promotes concerts in Nottinghamshire, has been running an impressive programme this year.

For further information on venues, locations, times, prices and the full programme, visit www.jazzsteps.co.uk

Warwickshire

Warwick Arts Centre,at the University of Warwick, near Coventry, has had a strong programme of jazz for many years.

For further informationand prices, visit www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Birmingham

There's always a tremendous programme of top-flight jazz in Birmingham.

For details of all events at Symphony Hall and Town Hall, visit www.thsh.co.uk

The city also benefits from the very strong programme organised by Birmingham Jazz.

For more details, visitwww.birminghamjazz.co.uk

(Always check with venues before setting out, in case of programme changes).

Staffordshire

The Guildhall in Lichfield is an impressive setting for jazz events, and always boasts some rather special real ales at the bar.  Events at the Guildhall are promoted by Lichfield Arts, which also stages the Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz and Blues Festival every June.

For details of venues, times and prices, visit www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

(Always check with venues before setting out, in case of programme changes)