YOU can party tonight away, enjoy a great pint and some great tunes tomorrow evening and a stroll around the craft stalls and a puppet show with the children on Sunday afternoon.
The only problem will be deciding what you can go to and what you just cannot fit in, for Marsden Jazz Festival is packed with a large range of events.
Over three days the Pennine village will host some of the top musicians of the jazz world and also a remarkable 50 free gigs and concerts, both indoors and outdoors.
The festival, now in its 17th year, starts tonight with a concert at the Mechanics by The Temperance Seven.
Other highlights include hot young band Empirical, recently returned from the Newport Jazz Festival and tipped to become one of the most important bands in UK jazz history.
There’s also world-class vocalist and winner of numerous awards Claire Martin and saxophonist Snake Davis, in whose playing funk meets soul meets jazz.
At the Royal British Legion tonight top saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, plus master guitarist Jim Mullen and trumpet maestro SteveWterman join Ben Crosland and his musicians in their established festival band
Look out tomorrow for Back Door Too, whose forceful blend of jazz, blues and rock will fill the Mechanics tomorrow lunchtime.
Marsden regular Rod Mason joins them on sax in place of the late Ron Aspery.
Empirical will be the big draw at the Mechanics at 4pm tomorrow, but look out too for stylish singer Laurie Briggs, just back from a US tour and singing tomorrow in Marsden Parish Church (7.30pm)
Claire Martin has the Saturday night slot at the Mechanics (8pm), which is hardly surprising since this masterly vocalist can in many people’s eyes claim the title of “first lady of jazz”.
Huddersfield’s own vocal talent, Ruby Wood, will be appearing alongside Noah Burton at Crumbals-on-the-Corner tomorrow night (8pm).
On Sunday Snake Davis dominates the day’s programming with his concert at the Mechanics at 3.30pm.
He’s played alongside some of music’s biggest talents and is one of the most in demand saxophonists in the business.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend of family fun or you’re a serious jazz aficionado the festival offers something for most tastes and pockets.
Join the parade and dance your way through the streets behind The Jubilee Parade Band tomorrow lunchtime or book a stroller ticket for the latest programme of Hot New Bands, rising talent that’s tipped for the top; just remember where you saw them first!
The festival box office is on 01484 846969 or you can get more details by logging on to www.marsdenjazzfestival.com
