THE juxtaposition of music and politics has become pretty much widely accepted, but in 1938 it would have been a daring departure for any band, no matter how established.

On reflection, that is too modest a description, so when the Benny Goodman Orchestra took the stage at Carnegie Hall, New York, on January 16, with a mixed-race personnel, it made political and musical history.

It was the first time black and white musicians had appeared on a concert stage together. It was a bold but very risky move as segregation was still rife in America, and lynchings were common in southern states.

However this event, now regarded as the most sensational jazz concert of all time, broke down for good hitherto rigid racial barriers.

With that in mind, Ian Darrington, director of the 24th Wigan International Jazz Festival, and his fellow organisers, have elected to launch this year’s event on Saturday, July 11, with a tribute to Benny Goodman, John Hammond and the rest of that history-making band. The concert, which will recreate, note for note, the music from the Carnegie Hall show, will feature Pete Long’s All-Star Goodmen Orchestra and be staged in the South Stand Suite at the JJB Stadium. Admission is £18 with concessions £16.

The theme of this year’s festival, which runs until July 18, is The Big Bands Are Back and the programme promises a feast of entertainment for those who can’t get enough of orchestral jazz.

It includes Mark Nightingale Big Band, Gene Krupa Centenary Celebration Big Band, Eleanor Keenan’s all-female Broadband, Ray Gelato and the Giants, Al Wood Big Band, Wigan Jazz Club Big Band and Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra.

There are the usual lunchtime concerts at Wigan Cricket Club, including Gay and Paul McIntyre, Esther Miller Quintet featuring Steve Waterman, Mark Nightingale and Alistair White and the Alan Barnes/Greg Abate Quintet. Throw in free street concerts, dinner jazz at Rigalettos Italian Restaurant, workshops and seminars and you have an eclectic mix of swing music to suit everyone. For details, call 01942 825 677 or visit wiganjazz.net l Denis Dundon, who books the weekly Wednesday evening concerts at The Chambers in Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, promised special attractions in 2009 and he is being as good as his word.

Wednesday sees the appearance of the Atlantic Jazz Septet, a combo dedicated to playing music from the Atlantic label and the many jazz greats from that wonderful era.

The personnel includes Jim Cory (alto), James Russell (baritone), Stuart McDonald (tenor sax), Steve Parry (trumpet), Andy Chorlerton (piano), Richard Hammond (bass) and Chris Sykes (drums). This will be the band’s first appearance at The Chambers and Mr Dundon says his regulars are in for a real treat.