MJF Announces first round of artist featured in 2016 programe

Manchester Jazz Festival has announced details of some of the acts scheduled to perform at their 2016 festival.

Beats & Pieces leader Ben Cottrell has been announced as the recipient of the Irwin Mitchell Comission this year and his new piece will be premiered at the festival on July 27th .The work is called New Seeing and features trumpet, rhythm section and 12 piece string section.

Giving their only UK performance, Thomas de Pourquery & Supersonic play the music of Sun Ra on July 23rd. Following that, everyone's favourite Anglo-American jazz supergroup The Impossible Gentlemen give their headlining performance on July 26th.

In collaboration with HOME, MJF will show films during the festival that give a snapshot of the connection between jazz and film. Louis Malle's Ascenseur pour l'échafaud and the Tubby Haye's film Man in a Hurry are highlights this year.

For full information and to book tickets (these events are sure to sell out so be quick!), visit the Manchester Jazz Festival website.

Gig Preview: Impossible Gentlemen in Halifax

Wednesday 4th February
8pm
Dean Clough, Halifax

Described as 'nothing short of sensational' by the Guardian, the US/UK super-group The Impossible Gentlemen are touring their new album, Internationally Recognised Aliens.

Formed five years ago, the band have been a firm favourite of audiences and venues across the UK. Their new album introduces a whole host of new material written by the members of the band, particularly Mike Walker and Gwilym Simcock.

Their 2015 tour includes a lot of time in mainland Europe but their UK dates feature two Northern dates; this one in Halifax and the previous evening (3rd Feb) at Band on the Wall in Manchester. Their London date sold out quickly so audiences are advised to book tickets to avoid disappointment.

Impossible Gentlemen website.

Roger Beaujolais at Dean Clough - Cancelled

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this Saturday's performance by vibes player Roger Beaujolais at Dean Clough in Halifax has had to be cancelled.

Those who have purchased advance tickets will be contacted and refunded.

The next concert which will take place at Dean Clough will now be on February 4th and will feature The Impossible Gentlemen. Tickets are due to go on sale from mid-December.

To keep up to date, visit the Dean Clough website.