International Jazz Convention to be held in Manchester

Jazz enthusiasts from around the world will descend on Manchester this September for the International Association of Jazz Record Collectors (IAJRC) 2011 annual convention.

The event will take place at the Park Inn by Radisson Manchester Victoria from 22 - 24 September.

The IAJRC Convention is the annual gathering place for the Association's membership.

This year's event will bring in members from the USA, Canada, the UK and Europe who will come together to share their love of jazz and record collecting.

The Convention, which is only held outside North America every six or seven years, will have a distinctive European flavour, in both its programming and the live jazz; with presentations such as Modern Jazz in Manchester, 1946-72, Austrian Jazz, Jazz Collecting in 'Ancient' Britain - 1942 and Black Europe - Early Acoustic Recordings.

There will also be live jazz from Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Band playing jazz of the 1920s, and Britain's top-rated jazz band Digby Fairweather and His Half Dozen, playing some mainstream jazz.

Jazz fans who are non-members can also join the IAJRC and pay their membership/convention fee together at any time and receive a discount.

Paul Simpson, manager director of Visit Manchester, said: "As the home town of a number of international artists such as The Smiths, Oasis and Joy Division Manchester is already established on the music world stage.

"We look forward to stretching its musical remit even further by celebrating the city's contemporary jazz scene. With well renowned jazz venues such as Band on the Wall and Matt & Phred's, along with the annual Jazz festival taking place next month, Manchester is a natural host for a convention of this type."