Jazz in Lancaster

More ways to play and listen to Jazz in Lancaster and beyond

There’s a lot more to jazz in Lancaster than the Lancaster Jazz Festival.

If you’re a jazz musician or a jazz fan, there’s a wealth of gigs and jams in Lancaster and across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Here are some ways to get involved, and if there’s a group or event you want to share with us, shout@lancasterjazz.com.

Lancaster Jazz Scene email newsletter

Keep up to date with jazz events throughout the year with the monthly Lancaster Jazz Scene email newsletter. Never miss a gig again!

To sign up, email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com.

Lancaster Jazz Jam

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. The event takes place once a month at the Printroom Cafe Bar.

Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called.

The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too.

For more information please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit Jazzjam Lancaster on Facebook.

LCMC Big Band

Lancaster is home to its very own community Big Band. Big bands originated during the early 1910’s and dominated jazz in the early 1940’s when swing was really popular. Our Lancaster Big Band is typical of this type of music ensemble having four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section comprising guitar, piano, bass guitar and drums.

Musicians of all ages are welcome to rehearse most Saturdays mornings (10-11.30am) during term time as part of Lancaster Community Music Centre (LCMC) based at Dallas Road Community Primary School. The Big Band plays music from traditional swing/jazz arrangements through to Latin and popular music under the guidance of musical director, local professional musician and brass teacher, Adrian Boardman.

The band performs regularly at public and private events in the Lancaster area and occasionally beyond! The 2022 Lancaster Jazz Festival opened with a programme from LCMC Big Band.

To find out how to get involved as a muscian, audience member or both, go to Lancaster Music Centre website or join the LCMC Big Band on Facebook.

Our funders and partners

Our funders and partners

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