Jazz co-op launches programme of music workshops

[Press release: 3 August 2013]

The new co-operative set up earlier this year following the closure of Newcastle’s famous Jazz Cafe is putting on a series of music workshops with the aim of boosting local interest in jazz.  Pink Lane Jazz Co-op will be running Play Jazz! workshops from 2pm to 6pm on the first Saturday of each month from September to December at The Clubhouse at St George’s, Durham Road, Gateshead.

The practical workshops will focus on jazz improvisation and playing in small groups.  Each 4 hour workshop is self-contained and each one will have a different theme so participants can enjoy attending either one or several workshops.  The panel of tutors includes James Birkett, Fiona Finden, Steve Glendinning, John Pope and Judith Thompson – all experienced local jazz musicians.

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op aims to continue the commitment to live jazz, poetry and dance established by the Newcastle Jazz Cafe under the proprietorship of Keith Crombie who died on 29 December 2012.  While the premises has been closed the co-op has been promoting jazz at other venues.  One of its main objectives is to support education and training and so the co-op has developed this new series of workshops in liaison with The Sage Gateshead.

The monthly Play Jazz! workshops begin on Saturday 7 September.  The fee is £19 per workshop with a reduction for members of Pink Lane Jazz Co-op.  Further details and an enrolment form are available at jazz.coop/play-jazz-workshops