Hidden Disabilities and Lancaster Jazz Scene

Lancaster Jazz scene – Fluorescent and LED Free at The                                                  Gregson Arts Centre 

As our Gregson gig series continues we have been working with Kirsten Freiesleben of the Access and Inclusion Team to increase access to events for people with hidden disabilities. 

 
You may be aware that Lancaster Jazz scene is now Fluorescent and
LED light free and have wondered why this matters.

Increasing numbers of people are experiencing symptoms from LED
lighting ranging from eye strain and fatigue to severe migraines and
chronic health conditions. The extent of the problem is under-researched but we have many people in the Lancaster area with a significantly life-
limiting photosensitive allergy.

LED lighting is everywhere, in our homes and workplaces; accessing
healthcare, supermarkets, cafes, pubs, venues and social activities is
almost impossible for anyone with this condition .

Approximately 80% of disabilities are non-visible, ranging from ME, CFS
and MS to vision and hearing difficulties and neurological disorders.
Key to access is clarity and consistency; for the majority of people with
disabities or access support needs, it’s impossible to find out if a venue
or event can safely accommodate those needs. (Even events that use
LED free or natural light, do not advertise the fact). More often than not,
any access requirement box on a form is purely data gathering and not
support at all, leaving disabled people frustrated, disempowered and
increasingly excluded from all aspects of society. Considering that
approximately 25% of the UK population has a disability, that’s a lot of
people to exclude from events and social activities.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lancaster Jazz Scene is the first regular
event in the North-West , (possibly in the UK!) to offer a committed ‘light
safe’, (including no flashing or strobing light) , wheelchair and mobility
accessible welcoming space to enjoy music.

At The Gregson, we’re committed to increasing clarity and consistency.
With the full support of the Lancaster Jazz Scene Team, going forward
these events will only be lit by incandescent bulbs. The blinds will be
drawn against LED streetlamp light spill, the hallways and gender
neutral toilets (upstairs) are also LED free - making it possible to attend
Jazz Scene without exposure to LED light.

For many who don’t identify as light sensitive, the opportunity to enjoy
music in an ambient space can be a relief from an over-lit world. LED
lights impact on all life, and while the extent of the harm is not clear, the
known impacts range from disturbed circadian rhythm to supressed
brain and immune system function. The RAC reports that a quarter to a third of drivers cut down or cease driving in the dark due to LED light glare- the impacts on event attendance and hospitality venues is a natural follow on. Studies show
that 72% of respondents leave a restaurant or venue early due to LED lighting, where 75% stay longer and spend more in more ambient settings. Research on stage lighting at Summer Festivals demonstrates a clear link between brain fatigue, eye strain, headaches and vision loss on audiences, all of which is contributing to a drop in event attendance across the board.

On top of this LED lighting is a major disruptor for wildlife, plant biology
and natural ecosystems, inadvertently contributing to declining insect
and small mammal populations. Sometimes nature tells us what science
has yet to discover!

While the Gregson Access and Inclusion team recognise that
photosensitive allergy is just one of many hidden disabilities, we hope
that both regular and new audiences at Lancaster Jazz scene will enjoy
the softer lighting as well as top quality Jazz! 

November gigs from Lancaster Jazz Scene

 

We can't wait to have this band back with us at the Olive Bar!

Described as “A band about to make its mark on UK Jazz”, The Jack Pearce Quintet showcases Jack’s original compositions that pay homage to jazz traditions while injecting a fresh, inventive spirit. A band of Leeds Conservatoire Alumni, the Jack Pearce Quintet focuses on a fusion of melodic and technical excellence. Drawing influence from Post-bop and 90s world fusion, the original compositions have a uniquely open and interactive approach.

Appearing with us as part of their UK album launch tour entitled "Church Lane", the Jack Pearce Quintet are quickly building a reputation as a band to watch on the UK jazz scene.

Come and see for yourself...

Sunday 1st November

18:30 (doors)

The Olive Bar, Gregson Arts Centre, Lancaster LA1 3PY

Entry £15 cash or card OTD

 

BEN CROSLAND QUARTET
ROD MASON – saxophones
DEAN STOCKDALE – piano
BEN CROSLAND – bass
DAVE TYAS – drums

In 2006, Brian Bicat, then the much loved promoter of Jazz at the Priestley in Bradford, invited Ben Crosland to form a new Quartet. 2026 represents the  20th anniversary of the band’s formation.

Each member of the band is a leader in his own right and this relaxed joining of kindred spirits produces an open, mature and energetic performance in which there are no conflicting egos, only a desire to enjoy each other’s company, play good music and entertain.

To celebrate this milestone, Ben has written a new set of pieces, Wooltown Reflections, which reflect his various connections with the wool city over many years. The Quartet is featuring music from Wooltown Reflections in concert, together with material by contemporary composers including Jaco Pastorius, Bob Mintzer and Mike Mainieri.

PRESS

‘Like opening a box of jewels, you will discover many sparkling gems in this uplifting album – a fitting celebration of a long-standing partnership that continues to surprise and enchant. Catch them on tour if you can with dates through to the end of November 2026.’Jon Vernon, Jazz Views

‘An unaffectedly lyrical composer of direct and evocative melodies that draw in the uninitiated and jazz cognoscenti alike’ John Fordham, London Jazz News

‘Excellent northern bassist/bandleader’ The Guardian

‘Fluid and inventive contemporary bassist’ The Independent

‘His compositions are colourful, beguiling and thoroughly musical’ Mark Gilbert, Jazz Journal

‘The Crosland Quartet didn’t just hit the deck running, they cracked a
few Olympic records in the process…I could go on and on waxing
eloquently about this gig but I think by now you’ll have got the message
that it was something special’. Bebop Spoken Here
 

Sunday 29th November

18:30 (doors)

The Olive Bar, Gregson Arts Centre, Lancaster LA1 3PY

Entry £15 cash or card OTD

 

Celebrating Paul Clark

 

On Monday we celebrated the life of our dear friend, Paul Clark. Paul was a supporter of the Jazz Jam from day one, literally... he was there at the first session and still blowing with us until earlier this year, though his health was not good. Sadly, Paul passed away in June. We held a "minute's noise" for him at the Jam. 

We miss him.

Paul was a jazz enthusiast (amongst many other pursuits) and was always encouraging, generous and kind to fellow musicians and artists.  

The celebration at the Gregson Arts Centre featured performances from the bands that Paul played with; Elephant in the Room, Kader, Sun Dogs and Off The Rails.

A fitting tribute.

"Improvisation becomes the process of allowing whatever Spirit is to find One - from whatever is out there - the idea of giving up and accepting the fear of discovery. What is given in the moment is what I expect when I play"

                                                                                                                                    -Paul Clark 

Jack Pearce Quintet coming to Lancaster Jazz Scene 1st November

We can't wait to have this band back with us at the Olive Bar on the 1st November!

Described as “A band about to make its mark on UK Jazz”, The Jack Pearce Quintet showcases Jack’s original compositions that pay homage to jazz traditions while injecting a fresh, inventive spirit. A band of Leeds Conservatoire Alumni, the Jack Pearce Quintet focuses on a fusion of melodic and technical excellence. Drawing influence from Post-bop and 90s world fusion, the original compositions have a uniquely open and interactive approach.

The band's strength is particularly apparent in a live setting where countless hours have been dedicated to every facet of the music, then refined on the stage, culminating in an exciting musical experience. Strong rhythms underpin vibrant, playful melodies creating a fusion complimentary to both traditional and modern jazz.

Appearing with us as part of their UK album launch tour entitled "Church Lane", the Jack Pearce Quintet are quickly building a reputation as a band to watch on the UK jazz scene.

Come and see for yourself...

Sunday 1st November

18:30 (doors)

The Olive Bar, Gregson Arts Centre, Lancaster LA1 3PY

Entry £15 cash or card OTD

Gypsy Dynamite post-gig post

 

Thank you to Gypsy Dynamite otherwise known as Filippo Dall’Asta and Giulio Romano, two incredible guitar players who thoroughly entertained us on Sunday evening. It is always a special thing to see musicians of this quality at the top of their game. Appearing as part of their 15 year anniversary tour, the duo presented a masterclass of jazz manouche; sophisticated, elegant, stylish and compelling.

The set was well arranged, from original compositions such as the dynamic waltz “Stray Cat” to classics like the beautifully cool “Night and Day”, the energy and vitality of these top class players drove the performance and left the audience in awe. Weaving and passing around melody and rhythm with speed and dexterity they revelled in the genre and in their partnership. We often had the impression they were doing ten things at once which, of course, they were.

Classics like “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and “Minor Swing” were given the special Dynamite treatment and punctuated with so many quotes and surprising tangents that we were kept on the edge of our seats. The bouncy original “Laugh Often” finished the set and left us with joyful appreciation. Best wishes to Filippo and Giulio as they continue their tour. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ8wnu2qijc 

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 30th October

The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 30th October from 19:30 at the Printroom Cafe Bar located in the historic Storey Building on Meeting House Lane near Lancaster Castle.  

Here's more info; 

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called. The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too.

For more information and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.

 

Gypsy Dynamite coming to Lancaster Jazz Scene 18th October

  

 

Gypsy Dynamite 

1 5 t h  A n n i v e r s a r y · 2 0 1 1 – 2 0 2 6

Gypsy Dynamite is an acoustic guitar duo rooted in the tradition of Django Reinhardt, fusing the fire of Gypsy Swing with influences drawn from Italian jazz, classical music, and rock. The project began in 2011 when two guitarists crossed paths at a pub in West London and recognised, in an instant, that something uncommon was there. Over the fifteen years that followed, the duo built a reputation on stages across Europe and beyond, drawing in audiences who had never encountered anything quite like it: music that is simultaneously virtuosic and visceral,deeply rooted yet entirely original.

The live show has always been the heart of it — raw, spontaneous, and built on real interaction between two musicians who know each other's playing intuitively. For the 15th anniversary, Gypsy Dynamite returned to the studio — just the two of them, the guitars, and the music they have devoted themselves to for a decade and a half. The result is a brand-new show premiering in the UK this October: a celebration of fifteen years of partnership, perseverance, and music that continues to surprise even its creators.

https://youtu.be/d2t8-Bg66hs

Join us on Sunday 18th October for something special from this duo...

In the Olive Bar, Gregson Centre, Moor Gate, Lancaster LA1 3PY

Doors 18:30

£15 cash or card on the door 

 

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 25th September

 

The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 25th September from 19:30 at the Printroom Cafe Bar located in the historic Storey Building on Meeting House Lane near Lancaster Castle.  

Here's more info; 

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called. The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too.

For more information and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.

 

Coming soon from Lancaster Jazz Scene...

 

 

 

 

 

We have some fantastic gigs coming up for you from Lancaster Jazz Scene. More details to follow but for now save these dates to make sure you don’t miss out! Keep in touch with us via socials and this blog or send an email to lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com to join our monthly mailing list…

Gypsy Dynamite: Sunday 18th October

An acoustic guitar duo rooted in the tradition of Django Reinhardt, fusing the fire of Gypsy Swing with influences drawn from Italian jazz, classical music, and rock.

 

The Jack Pearce Quintet: Sunday 1st November

Described as “a band about to make its mark on UK Jazz”, showcasing original compositions that pay homage to jazz traditions while injecting a fresh, inventive spirit, drawing influence from Post-bop and 90s world fusion.

 

Ben Crosland Quartet: Sunday 29th November

Inventive and colourful compositions featuring Ben on bass, Rod Mason on saxophones, Dean Stockdale on piano and Dave Tyas on drums. 

 

These gigs will take place in the Olive Bar at the Gregson Arts Centre, Lancaster.

 

Doors 18:30

Entry £15 cash or card

 

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 28th August

 

 The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 28th August from 19:30 at the Printroom Cafe Bar located in the historic Storey Building on Meeting House Lane near Lancaster Castle.

Here's more info;

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called. The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too.

For more information and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.