SAXOPHONIST Rob Lavers sends disappointing news that his quartet gig advertised for February 19 at City Screen, York, has been cancelled.

Since Rob's tour has been sponsored by the jazz arm of Arts Council England, Jazz Services, someone may be taking a look at why the gig was cancelled at such short notice. The rest of the tour continues: Tuesday, February 22, Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge; Wednesday, February 23, Hulljazz; Thursday, February 24 Leicester; and Saturday, February 26, Boston Spa Trustees Hall.

American pianist Kirk Lightsey is best known for his membership of Dexter Gordon's group and he recorded five albums with Chet Baker. Kirk now lives in Paris and he has built an enthusiastic following through his occasional visits to Britain. Tonight (11th) at Wakefield Jazz, he is joined by tenor saxophonist Bobby Wellins, a major figure on the British jazz scene since the 1960s who was briefly Composer in Residence at York University. This transatlantic cooperation will be completed by Dave Wickins (drums) and Steve Watts (bass). Details from 01977 680542.

Tomorrow night (12th) Jazz in Boston Spa presents Trad, with the Chicago Teddy Bears' Society Jazz Band. In addition to the music, you are promised a "wonderful, unstoppable outpouring of Merseyside humour". Details from 01937 842544.

Setting the scene for Valentine's Day, vocalist Jo Swiss and Square will be playing at the Three Legged Mare, Petergate, York, at 8pm on Sunday. Expect quality romantic songs from the great American songbook, details from 01904 638246.

Saxophonist Joel Purnell is a tutor at the Leeds College of Music Jazz Course and on Tuesday he brings a group of his students to Scarborough Jazz at Scholars Bar. Details from 01723 379818.

Speaking of favourite saxophonists, Snake Davis turned up on the Performance TV Channel in a tribute to Burt Bacharach. The serpentine one played solos behind Pet Clark, Elvis Costello, Dionne Warwick and others. There are no dates on Performance Channel shows, but dear old Pet had inflated towards sumo proportions and Elvis looked distinctly porky. He must have done the Atkins before charming Diana Krall.

Curtis Stigers returns to his first love of jazz when he plays Pocklington Arts Centre on Thursday. Like Jamie Cullum and Krall, Stigers has also sold a few million albums as vocalist/saxophonist, so congratulations on Pocklington Arts Centre for bagging him. It is bound to be a sell-out, but try 01759 301547 for returns.

Updated: 15:27 Thursday, February 10, 2005