For the first time, tickets for Newark Jazz Festival events are available to buy here on-line, and at a number of outlets in the town.

Festival director, Peter Duncan, says they have rushed the tickets out early due to strong demand: “Most gigs are open for music fans to drop into and enjoy. However, there are some ticket-only events which have been sell-outs in previous years and visitors are keen to get their hands on tickets for the most sought after bands.”

Top of the bill at Newark Jazz Festival 2008 is the ‘When Lights are Low’ concert at The Palace Theatre on Saturday 17^th May at 8pm. Multi-award winning jazz vocalist Claire Martin will be performing an intimate cabaret-style concert with classical composer and pianist, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett. Richard has written numerous film scores including Four Weddings and a Funeral and has credits on over 200 concert works. Festival organisers are confident this will be a sell-out concert.

Winner of the BBC Jazz Awards Best Album 2007, The Neil Cowley Trio, will be performing its high energy jazz including tracks from their new album, Loud... Louder... Stop! at the Baptist Concert Hall, Albert Street on Saturday May 17^th at 2pm, sponsored by architects MHI. Tickets are £10.

Tickets are also available for Jazz et Vin when some of the UK’s most talented jazz artists will come together for one special evening at Ann et Vin on Castlegate. Trumpeter and composer Guy Barker – more usually found playing with Sting or George Michael - is performing with current British Jazz Pianist of the Year, Dave Newton and saxophonist and clarinettist Pete Long, leader of Ronnie Scott’s Club Big Band. Tickets are £10 and include a glass of wine.

Then, on Sunday at Ann et Vin, Andrew Hall has assembled an equally stellar New Orleans All Star line-up. Tickets are again, £10 as before.

Big band fans can hear the amazing jazz and blues ambassador, Chris Barber, and his critically-acclaimed 11 piece band which will be performing at Newark Palace Theatre on Sunday 18^th May at 7.30pm. Chris has also played with many modern greats including Mark Knopfler, The Rolling Stones and, most recently, Van Morrison. Tickets are £17.

All tickets can be purchased on line at www.newarkjazz.co.uk. They are also being sold at Stray’s Bookshop and Cafe, Ann et Vin, The Music Shop, The Palace Theatre and Newark Tourist Office.