Join Leeds Jazz Orchestra at Golden Acre Park for a free concert of Bebop, Blues and Ballads to more recent Jazz works, from 2.30pm-4.30pm.
It’s time to dig out the deck chairs and take to the great outdoors for a delightful dose of music al fresco. This year’s Summer Bands series includes over 100 concerts in parks across Leeds from Golden Acre Park and Roundhay Park to Pudsey Park, New Wortley Recreation Ground and Alwoodley Village Green. Once again Leeds parks will be filled with music provided free of charge* from some of the region’s finest talent in these popular events.
Every Sunday afternoon until September, local Big Bands, Swing, Brass, Jazz, Concert, and the celebratory sounds of Jewish Klezmer bands will perform afternoon concerts in the open air from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
For more information and to find our when concerts are in a park near you visit: leedsconcertseason.co.uk where the Summer Bands in Leeds Parks brochure can also be downloaded. To request a free brochure email music@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 378 6600.
Leeds Jazz Orchestra has been in existence for many years in various guises. The band was originally set up in 1990 as an adult evening class under the direction of bassist Barry Rickaby and in 1995 the orchestra migrated to Leeds College of Music’s Community Education Department. In 2002 saxophonist Al Wood took over the leadership of the Jazz Orchestra and two years later in 2004, drummer Colin Byrne took the helm. From 1990 to 2010 the band never had an official name and gigged under various names such as The Jazz Orchestra and the convoluted The Leeds College of Music Thursday Night Big Band.
In 2010 the Jazz Orchestra became a victim of the recession and was dropped from Leeds College of Music’s provision of service. However, through the efforts of some band members, the band was resurrected and Leeds Jazz Orchestra came into existence as a fully independent, fully self-funded band.
