Jazz Preview: Headingley hopes to make festival annual event

Almost 30 events in cafs, pubs, restaurants, and schools have a strong

jazz flavour, although there is Irish music, folk, latin and blues also on offer.

"We hope to be able to make it an annual festival," said Richard Lindley, chairman of the steering committee.

A salute to George Benson at Salvo's restaurant, and a tribute to Atlantic Jazz at Carnegie Stadium, are in the programme.

But the most intriguing concert could be reserved for May 8 when a collaboration between Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra and Ralph Thoresby School will use dance, drama, art and live music to explore the life of Charles Mingus.

The Alexis Cairns Trio start the festival ball rolling on Monday at Caf Lento. Full details are available on www.headingleyfestival.com

Elsewhere next week, drummer Clark Tracey has tenor saxophonist Brandon Allen in his quartet at Howden's Shire Hall, tomorrow, and Stacey Kent will be singing stylishly at Harrogate Theatre on Tuesday.

Neil Cowley continues to uproot the concept of the piano trio alongside Richard Sadler (bass) and Evan Jenkins (drums) at The Venue on Wednesday.

But the booking of the week must be Tuesday's guests at the traditional jazz stronghold of Leeds Jazz Club – the Hotsy Totsy All Girl Jazz Band. You could not, as they say, make it up.