This year’s Swanage Jazz Festival, which is to take place from 11-13 July, continues to cover a wide spectrum of UK jazz from the very traditional through to contemporary. Returning for its nineteenth year, highlights include Empirical (pictured), Dave Stapleton’s Quartet and the Paul Towndrow Quartet.

One of the festival’s special features this year is tribute bands: Alan Barnes’ new Johnny Hodges tribute Woodville All Stars, Arnie Somogyi’s new Mingus-inspired Scenes in the City featuring Tony Kofi and a Benny Goodman tribute by the tastefully named Liquorice Stick All-Sorts featuring a cross generational trio of Alan Barnes, vibraphonist Jim Hart and percussionist Paul Clarvis.

Most venues are situated close to the South Dorset scenic “Jurassic” coastline and the main concerts include:

Friday 11 July Alan Barnes Woodville All-Stars (Marquee 2); Julian Siegel Quartet (Marquee 3)

Saturday 12 July Martin Litton (Marquee 1); Roger Beaujolais, Arnie Somygi’s Scenes in the City (Marquee 2); Liquorice Stick All- Sorts, Paul Towndrow Quartet, Kelvin Christiane Quartet (Marquee 3)

Sunday 13 July Alan Barnes, Tony Kofi, Empirical, Matt Wates Sextet, Carol Grimes Quartet featuring Annie Whitehead ( Marquee 2); Dave Stapleton Quartet (Marquee 3) and the  Kevin Figes Quartet (Mowlem CR)

For more go to www.swanagejazz.org.uk