Branford Marsalis and Ambrose Akinmusire to play Wigan
Things are a little different this year at the Wigan Jazz Festival. Around for years, it rarely features such high profile programmes as other festivals taking place in the north-west of England such as in Manchester, Liverpool and even new star on the block Lancaster. OK, no one will be jumping up and down with excitement apart from his many diehard fans that boogie-woogie legend Jools Holland is returning once again. But far more interesting is the inclusion of inventive US trumpet star Ambrose Akinmusire, above, as is Branford Marsalis, an enduring global star from the late-1980s and 1990s and big brother of Wynton who is playing Wigan with his quartet and the great jazz singer Kurt Elling in tow. Also on: the Reunion Dreamband, directed by John LaBarbera, the New York Brass Band, and the Dave Newton Trio join the galaxy of local bands on the bill. Wigan runs from 6-9 July. Full details of everything planned for the summer are listed on the festival website
