Budding jazz musicians in the South West and South Wales will get increased opportunities to play plus the chance to win a generous cash prize thanks to an initiative launched by hotel chain Future Inns. The region-wide competition to find the most talented and original unsigned jazz musicians will reach out to the four corners of the area with the lure of a winners prize worth £5,000 that also includes recording studio time and a mentoring session with a top UK Jazz artist. With hotels in Plymouth, Cardiff and Bristol, the winners will also be given accommodation in these hotels – and have the opportunity to perform their own gig at Jazz@Future Inns, situated in the Cabot Circus Hotel, Bristol.

Del Brett, managing director at Future Inns, said: “We are passionate about jazz and have opened an acclaimed new jazz venue, which has been designed to cater for music lovers, at our new hotel in Bristol’s Cabot Circus. “Jazz music is often seen as a niche art form and our aim with this competition is to help promote the talented musicians and performers that live in the South West and South Wales. “With a great prize package to offer, we anticipate hearing different styles of jazz and hopefully find a truly unique and talented winner.” Ian Storror, manager of Jazz@Future Inns and well-known jazz promoter, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to champion the talent and musicianship of many of this region’s incredible jazz artistes – from solo musicians to full jazz bands. The club is already attracting established names on the International, National and local scene and we hope that by helping new talent come to light we can put the spotlight on the next future stars of jazz.”

The deadline for entries is March 28 2010, with a semi-final gig on May 8 and a finals night to be held following that. Interested entrants need to go to the Future Inns, Bristol website and download the entry form and then submit a recording of a minimum of one original composition of jazz music and either one or two other pieces.

For more information log on to: www.futureinns.co.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it