THERE was alarming news from Ken Ford of Hulljazz last week that jazz and all other live music events at Nellie's (The White Horse), Beverley, have been stopped.

As reported in the Press, all pubs run by Sam Smith's Brewery will be slashing live music. The brewery cites increased licensing costs as the reason for pulling the plug. As Ken points out, for the sake of a few quid, they will lose much custom from beer-swilling jazzers and folkies.

Make your feelings known at your local live music venue. It would also do no harm to point out to your local MP that this is what the Musicians' Union feared would happen when the Government introduced its ill-judged new licensing laws for 2005. Live music is a vital part of the cultural life of the country and, in cities such as York, it is a great asset to the tourist trade.

Wakefield Jazz is regarded by musicians and fans alike as one of the foremost jazz clubs in the country, housing the best in British and international performers. Last week, the club presented the Tommy Smith Quartet and tonight they welcome four of his protgs from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Two members of The Brass Jaw Saxophone Quartet trained at Berklee College in the US and the band encompasses a wide range of styles, from scorching solos to powerful grooves. Details from 01977 680542.

York tenor saxophonist Rob Lavers continues his Jazz Services tour tonight in Oxford, but he brings his quartet to his home city on February 19 at the City Screen, Coney Street (01904 541144).

Jazz in Boston Spa has been running as long as the Wakefield Jazz club and tomorrow night (5th) the attraction is Peter Frank's Dixieland All Stars. Bass player Peter picks his musicians from the cream of local talent and the band aims for the Condon style. Jazz in the Spa is at the Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa. The hall is not licensed, so you are invited to take along your own tipple. Details from 01937 842544.

Scarborough Jazz on Tuesday night (8th) will feature home-grown saxophonist Julia Wray with keyboards player Peter Elsdon. Details from 01723 379818.

On Wednesday (9th), the Trad stronghold of Pickering Jazz Club will hold the monthly session at the Beansheaf. Very soon the programme will be out for the annual Pickering Jazz Festival, which this year runs from July 24-30. Details from 01347 878642.

The Harrogate Festival is some way off, but you will be delighted to hear that booking is now open for Soweto Kinch at the Harrogate Theatre on Friday March 18. Soweto has picked up a bag full of awards in recent years, including a Mercury, a Mobo and three BBC Jazz Awards. He brings with him to Harrogate the same young rhythm section which he brought to York's Early Music Centre last year. Call 01423 502116 for more details.

Much nearer is next Thursday, when Snake Davis and his band come to the Venue, Leeds College of Music. Box Office 0113 222 3434.

Updated: 15:13 Thursday, February 03, 2005