FOLLOWING a successful first season, Bolton is welcoming back jazz musicians from around the UK to brighten up the Sunday nights.

After a short break, Jazz at Harvey’s returns with a monthly offering of contemporary jazz and blues on the last Sunday of each month.

While organisers “took a gamble” introducing a regular night devoted to jazz in the town centre, it has now built up a strong following.

Dave Morgan, of Live from Worktown which is promoting the concerts, said: “It was a really good season considering it was a complete unknown!

“It worked out great though and all four artists and acts really liked playing here.

“Our audience was very varied, it changed each time, but they were really keen and are great at listening to the acts.

“This season will be a mix of jazz and blues. We’ve worked hard to get it ready for January, but off we go again!”

The spring season kick off at Harvey’s Cafe Bar this Sunday with Born to be Blue featuring the music of American jazz musicians Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan.

Described as ‘classically cool West Coast jazz’ it will feature Neil Yates on trumpet and flugelhorn, Dean Masser on baritone saxophone, Ed Harrison on double bass, and Caroline Boaden on drums.

On February 26, the mad-cap spirit of Mardi Gras takes over with a Carnival Night featuring Cuba Vida, who bring a unique fusion of Bossa Nova, salsa and Latin jazz, featuring Jesus Moreau Batallan on the piano and lead vocal, Enrico Marchesi on trumpet and percussionist Pete Williams.

Sheffield-based singer Rosie Brown will be lighting up the Harvey’s stage on March 26.

After studying in Brazil, she toured with acclaimed Scottish musician, the late Bobby Wellins.

She will be appearing with Dean Masser on tenor sax, Jamie Taylor on guitar and Sam Vicary on bass, and is best known for her covers of both classical and contemporary songbooks - winning praise for her tributes to artists such as Joni Mitchell.

Audiences can then celebrate April in Paris as Parisian Café Jazz comes to Harvey’s in the shape of Modjango, who blend the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt with contemporary jazz guitar.

It will feature duo guitarist Roy and Paul Gregory.

Live from Worktown aim to enhance the cultural life of Bolton Town Centre and Jazz at Harvey’s is the first part of their 2017 programme.

Tickets are £6 in advance or £8 on the door. A season ticket for all four events is £22. Doors open at 7.30pm, with music beginning at 8.15pm.Tickets from livefromworktown.org or Harvey’s in Mawdsley Street.

For more information email info@livefromworktown.org.