ARTS Council funding for jazz has always been a now-and-again thing, so it is gratifying to note that tonight's (15th) concert at the National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate, is a rare winner.

Pianist Tim Richards has assembled an exciting nine-piece to tour material from his latest album Epistrophy (33 Records). Noted as a prominent jazz educator, Richards has drawn together some of the hottest young British players. Jason Yarde, Tony Kofi and Ed Jones are the saxophone section, together with Dick Pearce (trumpet), Roger Beaujolais (vibes) and Leon Stenning (guitar). Drummer Seb Roachford won the Rising Star gong at last year's BBC Jazz Awards. Tonight's concert begins at 7.30pm, details from 01904 658338.

The Loz Speyer Quintet have had a week at Ronnie Scott's to warm up for tonight's gig at Wakefield Jazz. The high energy style of leader and trumpet/flugelhorn player Loz derives in part from his love of Cuban music and the band features the guitar of Richard Bolton in place of the usual piano. Saxophonist Martin Hathaway has a distinguished CV, including stints with Michael Garrick and the London Jazz Orchestra. More details from 01977 680542.

Jazz in the Spa offers Trad tomorrow night at the Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa, with the West Jesmond Rhythm Kings. Details from 01937 842544.

Also on Saturday night, the enterprising Helmsley Arts Centre presents something special, with American Blues stars Mary Flower and Michael Roach. The couple augment their music with stories and anecdotes on gospel, blues and jazz, and how the separate strands of music influence each other. The concert begins at 7.30pm, details from 01439 771700.

Saxophone genius Charlie "Bird" Parker died 50 years ago in 1955 and his influence on the development of jazz is beyond calculation. Martin Speake is one of a multitude of musicians who owe much to Parker's startling innovations and he is touring with his quartet to celebrate Bird's music and his new CD Charlie Parker (Jazzizit Records).

There will be three chances to catch Martin Speake's Constellation next week, beginning on Tuesday at Scarborough Jazz at Scholars Bar (01723 379818). The following night the band moves to Hull Jazz at the Goodfellowship Inn, Cottingham Road (01482 346239) and next Friday he visits Wakefield Jazz.

The proposed Coyote Bar for Micklegate reported in Wednesday's EP once again conjures visions of a colourful addition to York's historic tourist trails. Venice has its Carnival, Spain's Pamplona has the thrilling run of the bulls, but York has the historic Micklegate Run. See for your own eyes the re-enactment of the ancient Roman rituals of Bacchanalian excess, of scantily-clad damsels and T-shirted warriors reeling comically from pub to pub, urinating at will. Smell the kebabs, see the ritual visit to the gutter vomitarium, applaud the yellow-clad community gladiators...

Then again, perhaps not.

Updated: 16:15 Thursday, April 14, 2005