Empirical, the hottest group in contemporary British jazz , open the programme with the youthful zest which has won them a clutch of awards. It would be hard to think of a better place to hear the band than a venue so renowned for its pristine acoustics.

Tomorrow night has the Liquorice Stick All Sorts led by popular, here-there-and-everywhere clarinettist Alan Barnes.

Paul Clarvis on drums and Jim Hart on vibraphone complete a trio which makes a splendid job of resurrecting the sound and excitement of Benny Goodman's small groups.

Ian Shaw , a jazz singer of rare sensitivity who would would win many people's vote as the UK's top male vocalist, gives a solo concert on Sunday afternoon.

Accompanying himself at the piano he will dip into his latest albums as well as injecting fresh life into some established and well-known standards.

Later in the day the University of York Jazz Band, featuring saxophonist Rob Lavers, will lower the curtain on the weekend with new arrangements of the music of Wayne Shorter.

Sammy Rimington, an eloquent exponent of the New Orleans style of clarinet playing personified by Johnny Dodds and George Lewis, appears at the Trustees Hall in Boston Spa tomorrow night with the Rae Brothers Band, and, with New Orleans Wiggle, at Barnsley Jazz Society on Monday and Leeds Jazz Club on Tuesday.

For more information about any of the events or to book tickets log on to www.ncem.co.uk