The Marsden Jazz Festival Returns This Weekend: Here’s What’s On | Music in the Hudd

This weekend (6-8 October) sees the eagerly anticipated return of the iconic Marsden Jazz Festival.

The Jazz Festival weekend will see three headline performances set to return to the historic Marsden Mechanics.

The festival, which has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1992, has been a long-standing tradition at the Mechanics Hall, a 19th-century building that underwent extensive refurbishment to become its current musical hub.

The journey leading up to this year’s festival has been marked by challenges, including the absence of Arts Council England funding for last year’s event.

Nevertheless, the festival’s dedicated group of volunteers has persevered, and they extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who offered their support to ensure the Jazz Festival weekend became a reality.

As part of the festivities, Saturday will feature a night of captivating jazz performances at the Mechanics.

Among the lineup are renowned festival legend Ben Crosland, award-winning saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson, and the electrifying sensations of Vipertime.

Emma Johnson

The festivities start at 6 pm with a performance by Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat, featuring music from their upcoming album, “Northern Flame.”

Jazz enthusiasts can anticipate an exhilarating evening as Johnson, along with her ensemble comprised of Richard Jones, Fergus Vickers, John Pope, and Steve Hanley, deliver an imaginative and perfectly configured act.

Ben Crosland

Then, at 8 pm, the stage will be graced by Ben Crosland, a familiar face at the Marsden Jazz Festival for thirty years.

The Ben Crosland Quartet is set to mesmerize the audience with original compositions, standards, and beloved tracks from Jaco Pastorius, Bob Mintzer, Mike Mainieri, Don Grolnick, and Sir Ray Davies.

Critics have lauded Crosland as a “fluid and inventive contemporary bassist,” and his compositions have been described as “colourful, beguiling, and thoroughly musical.”

Vipertime

Closing the night at 10 pm is Vipertime, a group that seamlessly blends jazz with elements of dance, dub, afrobeat, and post-punk, promising to set the stage ablaze and ignite the dance floor.

Drawing inspiration from diverse influences like John and Alice Coltrane, Count Ossie, The Jazz Warriors, and Trio VD, Vipertime has been hailed for their “incredibly rare sound”, distinguishing them from their contemporaries.

The Marsden Jazz Festival has been a staple of Kirklees’ music scene for over 30 years, check out these highlights from 2021

Tickets and Donations

Tickets for the jazz-filled evening at Marsden Mechanics are affordable, with individual gig tickets available for just £10 or a Saturday Night Pass granting access to all three performances for £25.

Special rates are also offered for attendees under 30, while child tickets (16 and under) can be obtained for a mere £1 when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be conveniently booked through the festival’s online box office.

Jazz enthusiasts have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation to support the festival’s running costs, allowing them to potentially have the government cover the cost of their tickets through the Gift Aid scheme.

By choosing the Jazz Champion option and making a £40 voluntary donation, patrons can enable the festival to claim an additional £10 from the government.

Moreover, a £100 donation qualifies for a free Saturday Night Pass and allows the festival to claim an extra £25 in Gift Aid.

As Marsden Jazz Festival is a registered charity, all contributions go towards securing the festival’s future, provided the donor pays Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax.

Want the latest news in Kirklees sent directly to your phone? Join the KLTV WhatsApp Community today!

Bandstand in the Park

Also on Saturday, and in keeping with tradition, the festival is set to host a full day of music at the Bandstand in the Park.

This special event, organized by Musica Kirklees, will serve as a platform to showcase the exceptional talents of both young musicians in the region and adult performers.

The Bandstand will come alive with captivating performances featuring the remarkable Musica Kirklees Big Band and Jazz ensembles and additional guest bands.

A Whole Weekend of Entertainment

Of course, beyond Saturday, there are a whole host of events and performances throughout the entire weekend, entirely free for everyone to enjoy. Performances start in the early afternoon and run right through to the evening.

As usual, live sets will take place all over the village, from the Railway Inn to Marsden Liberal Club; there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Check out the complete list of performances and events below.

FRIDAY 6th OCTOBER

2 pm to 4 pm – Sass Wellbeing Studio & Coffee House – DYLAN BRIERLEY – Singer, guitarist & songwriter, cover versions of classic songs mixed with his tunes

5.45 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – WGSF BIG BAND – Outstanding Big Band full of youthful energy

6 pm – Zapato Brewery – OPEN DECK NIGHT

6 pm – The Railway Inn – SCOTT WAINWRIGHT – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

6 pm to Midnight – Katie’s Homemade Kitchen – LOVE MUSIC, HATE RACISM – drum’n’bass, hip hop, rap, soul and dub featuring Pat Fulgoni, Silverfinger Singh, Ducklin Curls, Tonia Victoria, Terry Logan & Kirsty Newton plus DJ Ktek. Donations to Love Music, Hate Racism appreciated

7 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – SIMON’S JAZZ COLLECTIVE –complete 25-piece big band playing standards, Latin and more

7 pm – Mechanics Hall (Upstairs) – £10 – EASY STRIDE BAND/DEADBEAT BRASS

7 pm to 9 pm – Peel St. Social – JAZZ & BLUES NIGHT WITH STEVE AUGARDE, COLIN WALKER, DEAN FIRTH, LIAM QUINN

8 pm – The Shakespeare – DAYS OF RIOT – Local rock band playing all your favourite tracks

8.30 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – BLUDOGZ – 60s band (plus real ale bar and street food)

9 pm – The Railway Inn – CROSSCUT SAW – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

9 pm – Marsden Liberal Club – ROCK OF AGES

SATURDAY 7th OCTOBER

9 am to 10 am – Sass Wellbeing Studio & Coffee House – £12.50 [book via Sass website] – LIVE ACOUSTIC YOGA – Movement + music = a pleased nervous system!

9 am – Hansons Music Marquee – SATURDAY STRINGS – Breakfast with music, bacon butties, tea and freshly ground coffee

From 10 am – Marsden Park – There will be a range of food and drink stalls as well as a display by Angel Falconry

10 am to 10:45 am – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – HECKMONDWIKE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BIG BAND – Presented by Musica Kirklees

10:30 am to 12:30 pm – Dark Woods Coffee – £17.50 (includes brunch, coffee and live music) [book via Dark Woods website] – Featuring DAVE KANE (Double Bass) and MATTHEW BOURNE (Piano) playing Jazz standards accompanying brunch and coffee. Limited places

10:45 to 1:15 am – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – MUSICA SOUL BAND – Presented by Musica Kirklees

11 a.m. – FESTIVAL PARADE – Starting at the top of Peel Street and processing through the village. All are welcome to come and join in!

PLEASE NOTE – There will be a children’s creative craft workshop on Saturday, 30 September, from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm (drop-in) at HANSONS MUSIC. Make your wacky instruments to play in the parade (£6 per child) – bring your grown-ups with you!

11 am to 3 pm – Parochial Hall – Craft stalls, hot food and drinks

11:15 am to Midday – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – GREENHEAD COLLEGE BIG BAND – Presented by Musica Kirklees

12 to 12:45 pm – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – MUSICA MIRFIELD SWING BAND – Presented by Musica Kirklees

12 pm to 3 pm – Marsden Shuttle Canal Boat – JAZZ BOAT MARSDEN – gypsy jazz trio on the shuttle between the station and Watersedge Cafe

12.30 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – JON TAYLOR’S BLUES SPECTRUM

12:45 to 1:30 pm – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – MUSICA YOUTH JAZZ – Presented by Musica Kirklees

1:30 to 2 pm – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – MUSICA BATLEY JAZZ BATS – Presented by Musica Kirklees

2 pm – Zapato Brewery – Pay as you feel – THE EXU

2 pm to 4 pm – Sass Wellbeing Studio & Coffee House – PAUL NOLAN – Huddersfield-born and bred singer-songwriter

2 pm to 2:45 pm – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – MUSICA COLNE VALLEY BIG BAND – Presented by Musica Kirklees

2 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – JAMES ALEXANDER SET – Simon Wood and band. Jazz, pop and Latin vibes

2:45 to 3:30 pm – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – MUSICA HOLME VALLEY BIG BAND – Presented by Musica Kirklees

3 pm – The Railway Inn – DANA ALI BAND – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

3 pm – United Church Marsden – SOUL CHOIR

3 pm to 5 pm – The New Inn – MUCIPUPS – Twangtastic string and vocal music with members of Marsden Ukeleles Club

4 pm to 6 pm – The Little Lock Cafe – CONOR LARKIN – jazz pianist

3:30 to 4:30 pm – The Bandstand (Marsden Park) – MUSIC ASHELLEY BIG BAND AND ADULT SWING BAND – Presented by Musica Kirklees

3.30 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – HANSON SISTERS – close harmony vocal and virtuoso jazz violin

4.30 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – MUSTARD COUNTY BAND – Americana and country

5 pm to 7 pm – Zapato Brewery – Pay as you feel – YELLOW GOOSE DANCE

6 pm to 11:30 pm – Mechanics Hall (Upstairs) – MJF Presents… EMMA JOHNSON’S GRAVY BOAT, BEN CROSLAND QUARTET and VIPERTIME

6 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – TOM HARRIS – Jazz pianist playing original music and standards

6:30 pm – The Railway Inn – VELVET HAMMER – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

7 pm to 11 pm – Marsden Royal British Legion – BASS BEHAVIOUR SOUND SYSTEM PRESENTS: SIMPLY DREAD – Reggae and Dub DJs

7:30 pm – Parochial Hall – RASPBERRY JAM – Classic standards to funked up modern songs. Bar with pie and peas available on the night

7.30 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – HARRY STOBART QUINTET – Jazz funk fusion

8 pm – The Shakespeare – HANGOVER HEROES – Playing all genres of hits, something for everyone to dance and sing along to

9 pm – The Railway Inn – PAOLO FUSCHI QUARTET – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

9 pm – Marsden Socialist Club – BACKWATER BLUES

9 pm – Marsden Liberal Club – TOMBSTONE BUZZARDS

9 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – DR. PETE’S SALSA BAND

9 pm till late – Peel St. Social – NICK DUNN – Jazz and House DJ

SUNDAY 8th OCTOBER

10:30 am – Mechanics Hall (Upstairs) – MJF & Marsden Mechanics Presents JAZZ CAFÉ with TERRY KENYON, ADRIAN INGRAM & HAYDEN MINETT and STEVE AUGARDE – The MJF Sunday jazz café is back! Come and listen to some tunes and have breakfast at the Marsden Scout’s café. The Mechanics bar will be open.

10:30 am – United Methodist Church – TOM KITTEN’S JAZZ KATZ (JAZZ SERVICE) – “The longest-running event at the Marsden Jazz Festival”

11 am – Hansons Music Marquee – CALDERDALE BIG BAND – Sax guru Geoff Atherton and his band – Breakfast with music (tea, fresh coffee, bacon butties)

11 am to 1 pm – Sass Wellbeing Studio & Coffee House – MARSDEN WRITE OUT LOUD GETS LOUD – Marsden poetry jam: a lunchtime session of live spoken word

12 pm to 3 pm – Marsden Shuttle Canal Boat – JAZZ BOAT MARSDEN – gypsy jazz trio on the shuttle between the station and Watersedge Cafe

12:30 pm to 2 pm – United Methodist Church – TOM KITTEN’S JAZZ KATZ – Old-style New Orleans music

12.45 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – CHRIS JOLLY GROUP –

1pm – Marsden Liberal Club – GELATOS

2 pm – The Shakespeare – WAYNE SIMONS – singing 80s Motown, ska and reggae. Dancing shoes are required!

2 pm – St Bartholomew’s Church – £5 on the door – MARSDEN SWING & UNITY VOICES – Fundraiser for Marsden Resilience Fund

2 pm – Zapato Brewery – Pay as you feel – COLNE VALLEY CLASSICAL MIXTAPE

2 pm to 5 pm – Sass Wellbeing Studio & Coffee House – DJ PAUL QUINN – An afternoon of Balearic chilled beats

2.30 pm to 3.30 pm – United Church Marsden – COLNE VALLEY BOYS CHOIR

2.45 pm – Hansons Music Marquee – DEREK HARRIS QUARTET – jazz guitarist, composer and bandleader with his quartet

3 pm – The Railway Inn – CHRIS MARTIN – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

3 pm to 5 pm – The New Inn – COLIN WALKER

4 pm – Mechanics Hall (Upstairs) – £12 [£10 concessions] – ALLIGATOR GUMBO

4 pm – Marsden Liberal Club – STATE OF CONFUSION

5 pm to 9 pm – Peel St. Social – DES HURLEY & FRIENDS – Traditional Irish music

6 pm – The Railway Inn – PAT FULGONI BLUES EXPERIENCE – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

7 pm – Marsden Royal British Legion – £5 – Electric Theatre Cinema presents SUMMER OF SOUL [film screening]

9 pm – The Railway Inn – TOM ATTAH & MATT WALKLATE – Promoted by Huddersfield Blues Club

Music in the Hudd is Kirklees Local TV’s hub for everything music in Kirklees. From live event coverage to interviews with artists and musicians, Music in the Hudd aims to be your one-stop shop for all your musical needs.