Not long now to the first major event on the UK jazz festival calendar for 2010, the Gateshead International Jazz Festival which takes place between 26 March and 28 March. The festival has been an annual fixture at the Sage Gateshead since 2005 and continues to go from strength to strength, as reflected in this year’s varied and exciting line-up.

On Friday 26 concert-goers can choose between the Stan Tracey Octet and the Sun Ra stylings of Jerry Dammers’ Spatial AKA Orchestra.

The afternoon of Saturday 27 features performances by UK pianist/composer Gwilym Simcock (with his Massed Voices project), as well as ex-EST bassist Dan Berglund’s acclaimed quartet Tonbruket. South African piano giant Abdullah Ibrahim headlines Saturday evening with his seven piece Ekaya band.

North London’s Loop Collective gets a showcase during the afternoon of Sunday 28, with performances by Phronesis, Gemini and The Golden Age of Steam. The festival’s closing performances on Sunday evening come from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra in Hall One (performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue and a tribute to Buddy Rich) and crossover star Gwyneth Herbert in Hall Two.

In addition to the stellar headliners the festival includes performances from some of the rising stars of the North East, as well as talks, workshops and masterclasses.

– Edward Randell

For more go to www.thesagegateshead.org or call the ticket office on 0191 443 4661.