LAST Monday’s Jazz Revue at the Post Office Club was a repeat of February’s bun-fight, featuring six of York’s resident bands, and once again it drew a capacity audience. February’s worthy cause was Haiti; this week’s was Medical Aid for Gaza.

In no particular order, big thanks to all the sponsors who donated the prizes: Barnitts, Mumbai Lounge, Browns, City Screen, Alison Jowlett, Meltons, El Piano, Rafi’s Spice, Yorvik Centre & Dig, Jean Lavers, York Original Ghost Walk, Nandos, Fairer World and Freshways, Galtres Festival, Ambience Cafe Bar and the Phoenix Inn.

The interim total raised was almost £1,500 (£480 from the auction) with cash still coming in.

Harrogate Festival, which runs until August 1, has appointed composer, pianist and educator Alex Wilson as 2010 artist in residence and he begins this afternoon at the Royal Hall with a dance workshop at 2.30pm. Salsa dancer and instructor Lee Knights will give a demonstration and masterclass as Alex discusses his work with salsa music before his nine-piece band plays a sizzling evening session, Salsa Mambo, at 8pm.

Alex will hold an open rehearsal on Sunday at 2.30pm, a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the world premiere of a new piece for piano, kora (West African lute) and string quartet. Entrance will be free with tickets purchased for the premiere performance on Monday at 11am.

On Tuesday, singer/songwriter Peter Cincotti, mentored by Harry Connick Jr, will be at the Royal Hall at 8pm (0845 130 8840).

Alongside the festival, Harrogate Theatre will present Acker Bilk And His Paramount Jazz band tonight at 7.30pm (01423 502116).

Jazz In The Spa has traditional jazz tomorrow night with the Millennium Jazz Band, from the Midlands (01937 842544).

York is well served by quality jazz on Sundays, starting at 1pm with the Zezo Olimpio Trio at Kennedys Cafe Bar, Little Stonegate (01904 620222).

The tuneful modern/mainstream jazz of the Ian Chalk Quartet is on Sunday night at the Phoenix, George Street (01904 656401). Listen to the Quartet’s debut album, First Days, on iTunes.

The weekly Wednesday night jam sessions at the Phoenix are now swinging freely and guests are invited to have a blow during the evening.

Thursday’s child is spoilt for choice in York, with Bejazzled and Mike Riley at the Old White Swan, Goodramgate (01904 540911), and Jules And The Gang at the Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane (01904 654307).

Tickets for the Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival are moving well for the weekend of August 6 to 8. Amid the famous names of Clare Teal, Anita Wardell, Dennis Rollins and Omar Puente, take note of local heroes the Al Wood Big Band and 5 Pieces of Silver.

Danish double bass player Jasper Hoiby crops up in several key contemporary bands on the London scene. His own trio, Phronesis, is playing to some acclaim at festivals in Europe and is heading for the North Sea Jazz Festival.

The third album from his own band, Phronesis, is Alive (Edition Records), recorded live at London’s Forge Arts venue.

Ivo Neame is also a mover and shaker on the London scene and his concise and lucid piano is in clear focus, although the album is essentially a spirited and dramatic three-way musical conversation. American drummer Mark Guiliana fits in a treat with tricky time signatures and an explosive solo on Abraham’s New Gift.