JAZZYORKSHIRE

New scheme for funding Voluntary Promoter Network

We are pleased to announce that our new scheme for funding voluntary promoters 06/07 is now in place and application packs can be downloaded from our web site. This year Jazz Yorkshire will hold a total of £30K to invest in voluntary promoters who can show they are helping Jazz Yorkshire meet its aim of celebrating and developing jazz in the Yorkshire and Humber region (see end of newsletter for a breakdown of those aims). We have added an extra £7,000 for this year so we can encourage applications from new and previously unfunded promoters for developmental funding. One feature is a ‘start-up’ activity application for amounts up to £500. We are also putting together a pack of information for new promoters.

• You can download the application form by visiting www.jazzyorkshire.org
• Application Deadline 16th March 2006
• If you want to know more about making an application, or need advice as a new promoter contact Nigel Slee on 0870 242 7760 or email nigel@jazzyorkshire.org.

Regional Jazz Showcase

On Monday March 27 we're putting on the first of special gigs to be held this year which will showcase a total of nine bands. The first event will be at The Wardrobe in Leeds where there will be three bands playing one set each. The aim of this project is to help the selected musicians build their profile and portfolio. As well as a paid gig, each band will get a day's paid rehearsal, professional publicity pictures, a CD recording of their performance and hopefully some press cuttings. Put these together and they have the makings of a solid promotional pack to send out to promoters. We hope this will help more of our regional musicians take advantage of Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme.

• Application forms can be downloaded from www.jazzyorkshire.org
• Band Applications by Friday 17 February.
• For more information contact Nigel Slee on 0870 242 7760 or email nigel@jazzyorkshire.org.

New schemes from Jazz Services

National Touring Support Scheme (NTSS)
As Chris Hodgkins explained at our Funding Workshop for Musicians last November, Jazz Services are introducing key changes to their National Touring Support Scheme. From April 1 2006 bands can apply for £1,500 for between five to eight dates, and up to £2,500 for between nine and 15+ dates. (contact details below)

'Promoters Choice' Scheme
A common complaint from touring regional bands is that it is all but impossible to get a date in London. Now Jazz Services and Serious have come up with a solution and are pioneering a new scheme called 'Promoters' Choice'. Bands that have never undertaken a national tour will be nominated and championed by individual promoters. Still in the early stages of planning, it is hoped three bands will be showcased at the annual London Jazz Festival and possibly abroad. This ties in well with our own showcase gig scheme - an ideal opportunity for our promoters to check out some of the excellent bands in our region.

Recording Support Scheme
Jazz Services has received funding from Arts Council England to record 8 bands over 2 years. This pilot scheme will be operated in conjunction with 33 Records studio and distribution outlets. There are two selection deadlines for the receipt of applications. 4 applicants will be selected for recording and touring at each year. First deadline 30th September 2006. Applications can be made by musicians, band leaders, co-operative bands, record labels, partnerships or their representatives. The Recording Support Scheme can support up to the full amount for bands and groups of not normally more than five musicians. However, larger bands are eligible to apply.

• jazzservices.org.uk Tel: 020 7 928 9089

Awards for All - Apply Now!

Awards for All has surplus funds to spend before the end of the financial year and is encouraging applications for grants up to £5,000 for projects that support community activity. No application is currently being turned down due to lack of funds. More information from

• Awards for All Yorkshire and the Humber yorkshire.humber@awardsforall.org.uk Tel: 0113 224 5345

What do we mean by celebrate and develop?

A frequent question has been what do we mean by our mission statement of Celebrating and Developing jazz in Yorkshire and Humberside? JAZZYORKSHIRE’s mission statement can be broken down into five aims:

1. Exposing jazz to new audiences (including young people and children), and encouraging new and existing audiences to discover more about the wide parameters of the jazz genre
2. Increasing opportunities for participation in jazz
3. Supporting new ideas that ‘break the mould’
4. Supporting excellence and championing the creative talents of jazz musicians including nurturing and supporting regional musicians
5. Providing advocacy for jazz activity in our region and gain more media coverage

JAZZYORKSHIRE
PO BOX 188, 
Leeds LS12 9AP 
Tel: 0870 242 7760  
mob 07976 93993
nigel@jazzyorkshire.org