THERE is a jeroboam of jazz waiting at the Brecon Jazz Festival weekend which opens next Friday, August 9.

There will be concerts at a number of major venues plus an outdoor stage and other activities, events and much more music around the town, with a carnival ‘Frazz’ parade on the Saturday, market stalls and an outdoors visitor environment.

Opening night events will include Liane Carroll leading a charitable Side By Side fundraiser concert in aid of Humanitarian Aid to Refugees at 6pm the St Mary’s Stage.

Liane has been a pillar of the British jazz and soul scene for over 35 years, and organisers are pleased she has found time to visit Brecon in between a very busy summer schedule.

Things really get going afterwards with an amazing Festival Big Band led by UK trumpeter Steve Waterman at 8.30pm at the Castle Hotel with a stellar lineup

Earlier on Friday, there is the Brecon Town Concert Band at 12pm; a talk by international guitarist Maciek Peszat 1pm, and a wonderful concert with jazz clarinettist Samantha Wright’s Quintet, now based in Hamburg at 2.15pm.

The music and concerts go right through until Sunday night, including the Barbara Dennerlein Trio, and the Scott Hamilton Quartet on Saturday; and the Stochelo Rosenberg Quintet on Sunday, August 11.

Ticket options include weekend and day tickets. Saturday gets all the big names and a total of six concerts for £85, and on Sunday, a day ticket is only £65 for five concerts.

Curated by Brecon Jazz Music Trust and Brecon Jazz Club, see www.breconjazz.org for more details.