AFTER a break, due to co-organiser Tom Baron's health scare, the Swinging Jazz Party, which has become one of "the" events of the UK's jazz calendar, will be staged at its usual venue, the Blackpool Hilton, later this year, again featuring some of the biggest names on the international scene.

Between Saturday, September 1, and Tuesday, September 4, jazz lovers have an opportunity to feast on musical fare provided by the following: Randy Sandke; Duke Heitger; Bill Allred; John Allred; Houston Person; Joe Temperley; Alan Barnes; Antti Sarpila; Bob Wilber; Dick Hyman; John Sheridan; Rossano Sportiello; Chris Hopkins; Bernd Lhotzky; James Chirillo; Marty Grosz; Martin Taylor; Frank Tate; Nicki Parrott; Len Skeat; Malcolm Creese; Ed Metz Junior and Bobby Worth.

The cost for the four-day party, music only, is £150 per person or £1680 for a table of 12. Those wishing to sit together must book at the same time, with payment in full.

There will be a special "Stride Piano Summit" concert at 8.30pm on the Saturday evening, free for people who book for the full four-day party. The cost for the Saturday only concert will be £20 per person and day tickets for the other three days will be £50 per person, per day.

Anyone wishing to make a real jazzer's holiday of the Swinging Jazz Party can arrange accommodation at The Hilton on 01253 623434, which is offering special rates at £180 for dinner, bed and breakfast for the three-day week-end, plus £60 per person, per night, for any additional nights, including Saturday. Supplements apply for single occupancy, superior rooms and suites.

For further information call 01253 764012 or 01254 665919. September may seem a long way off but demand for the Swinging Jazz Party of 2007 is bound to be great, judged by its success in previous years.

l The brilliant New York-based pianist/bandleader John Colianni will appear with Justin Lees (guitar), Ron Jackson (rhythm guitar), Robert Wagner (bass) and Matt Fishwick (drums) at The Monaco Ballroom, Hindley, on Sunday, March 25, at a special Sunday lunchtime concert promoted by Wigan Jazz Club.

l My Mainstream and Bebop band Jeriatric Jazz will appear at a concert to raise funds for Tottington Road Methodist Church, Harwood, in the church hall from 7.30pm on Friday, March 30. Sinatra tribute singer John Hargreaves will front the band in place of regular vocalist Terry Desmond, who is on holiday. This is the second of a number of fundraising concerts we are playing for local churches this year.

ART LESTER BIG BAND: The Pennine Suite, Horwich RMI Social and Recreation Club, Chorley New Road, Bolton. Every Tuesday. 8.30pm to 11pm. Free. Ballroom dancing in the main hall every second Tuesday in the month. £3 on the door.

JERIATRIC JAZZ: Astley Bridge Conservative Club, Moss Bank Way, Bolton, Wednesday, March 21. 8.30pm to 11.30pm. £1.The Jolly Carter, Church Street, Little Lever, Wednesday, March 28. 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Free. Tottington Road Methodist Church, Harwood, Bolton. In concert for church funds. Friday, March 30. From 7.30. £5 (including refreshments).

EAGLEY JAZZ CLUB: Dunscar Conservative Club, Hardman's Lane, Bromley Cross, Bolton. The Chicago Teddy Bears. Monday, March 19. From 8.30pm. Members £4. Guests £5.