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| Established | February 6, 2016 |
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| Location | The Jazz Centre UK, Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EX, UK |
| Coordinates | 51°32′31″N0°42′40″E / 51.542°N 0.711°E |
| Type | Cultural Centre |
| Collections | LPs, artifacts |
| Founder | Digby Fairweather |
| Chairperson | Matthew Fisher |
| Website | www |
The Jazz Centre UK is a cultural charity organization focused on jazz music, based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. It was established in 2016 by British musician Digby Fairweather. [1] [2] The Centre's published aim is "to preserve, promote, and celebrate jazz music". [3] [4] In 2023, it renewed its relationship with Southend City Council and continues to operate from the Beecroft Art Gallery. [5] The Centre houses a collection of jazz LPs, [6] offers a live music program, and displays heritage and memorabilia such as Louis Armstrong's trumpet, the Humphrey Lyttelton collection, and Sir John Dankworth's first piano. [7] The live music program includes performances by both international artists, like Daryl Sherman, [8] and emerging musicians such as Emma Rawicz. [9]
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The organization is supported by musicians and industry professionals including Jamie Cullum, Zoe Rahman, Chris Philips, [10] and Yolanda Charles. [11] [12] It also had support from the late Sir Michael Parkinson [13] and political figures such as the late Sir David Amess during his bid to make Southend-on-Sea a city, [14] along with the late Councillor Derek Jarvis. [15]