The Marlborough Jazz Festival is drawing near and kicks off on Friday 9 July running until Sunday 13 July. This summer’s festival features a strong line-up of UK and international artists and includes an African Song and Dance Workshop and the final of the 2010 UK Jazz Radio Young Performers Award.

Highlights of this year’s programme include performances by the Tony Kofi Quintet, Led Bib, the Shez Raja Collective, the Kit Downes Trio, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on Friday; Jason Yarde & Andrew McCormack Duo, Steve Melling Quartet, the Christine Tobin Quartet, and the Sarah Gillespie Trio with Gilad Atzmon on Saturday; and the Buddy Greco Trio with Lezlie Anders paying tribute to Peggy Lee on Sunday.

The venues for the festival include bandstands and stages in the Town Hall and Fire Station, as well as clubs and hotels across Marlborough. The Africa Bandstand at the Old Rope Factory features Baraka, Bulawayo, Zambula, and Chimanimani, who will be holding an African Song and Dance Workshop on Saturday morning. The Marlborough New Zealand’s Chamber of Commerce Bandstand features the Ray Butcher Quintet, Sarah Brown Quartet, and Pete Allen Jazz Band, while the UK Jazz Radio Stage hosts the 2010 final of the UK Jazz Radio Young Performers Award as well as a Guinness World Record attempt at the most people performing at a blues jam session.

– Nivedita Sarnath 

For more go to www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk