WAKEFIELD Jazz steps aside tonight to make way for the Wakefield Hockey Weekend, but look out for the Ripon Grammar School Big Band on next Friday.

This is trumpeter James Lancaster’s baby, fresh from some of Britain’s big jazz festivals and you can catch a preview on YouTube to be very impressed with this teenage ensemble.

Snake Davis and his band were in York just a month ago at the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) and the following night they played at the wedding reception of Melanie Paris, the NCEM’s jazz publicist. Tomorrow night they are back in our region for another celebratory gig, the Shed’s 19th Birthday Party at Hovingham Village Hall (01653 668494). Shed supremo Simon Thackray warns that this is a standing gig, to make way for dancing. Jazz in the Spa has a late entry to their programme tomorrow night at the Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa, with the Reunion Jazz Band (01937 842636). The band is mainly from the East Midlands and promises a New Orleans feel and influence, with Alan Hipsley (trumpet) and Dave Hepworth (reeds).

Sunday Jazz in York has two of the region’s best, with the Zezo Olimpio Trio at Kennedy’s Café Bar, Little Stonegate (01904 620222) and the Ian Chalk Quartet at the Phoenix Inn, George Street, from 8.30pm (01904 656401). Ask the band about their new CD, First Days; even better, buy a copy.

An addition to the list is at the Royal York Hotel, a Rat Pack Lunch on Sunday, live music served with a carvery and a promise of 20 per cent discount for over 60s (01904 653681).

The weekly jam session is Wednesday’s big draw at the Phoenix Inn, led by James Lancaster (trumpet) and Chris Moore (piano).

Scarborough Jazz also runs on Wednesdays and next week’s guest with the Mike Gordon Trio is guitarist Derrick Harris (01723 500570). Derrick is a supreme bandleader in his own right and has many radio and TV sessions under his belt. They don’t get much better than this.

The main focus for Thursday jazz in York over the past 16 years has been the Old White Swan, Goodramgate (01904 540911), where Bejazzled and Mike Riley alternate each week with the Mardi Gras Band; next Thursday will be Bejazzled night.

The Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane, is another major live music venue and offers a Thursday temptation with Jules and the Gang, fronted by Frank Brooker (saxophone) and Greg Wadman (trumpet). Vocals are from Rosie and unique new musical arrangements are penned by pianist Bob Smeaton and bass player Bob Walker.

Three upcoming jazz festival brochures have landed on the Jazz Notes desk and all are highly recommended. The Hull Jazz Festival runs from July 21 to 31 and has a world premiere – Snake Davis with Strings, plus Pee Wee Ellis’ 70th Birthday Party. The Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival runs from August 5 to 7 (01262 490324), with Claire Martin and Jaqui Dankworth’s Quintet and the Scarborough Jazz Festival is from September 23 to 25, compered by award-winning saxophonist and raconteur Alan Barnes.