The Cambridge Jazz Festival, now in its second year of operation, will once again be offering up top names, engaging educational workshops, copious concerts and literally something for everybody this year. The festival, taking place in a plethora of venues throughout the city between the 16th and 27th of November, and is a music highlight for the year. In spite of losing hundreds of posters due to a mysterious over-night confiscation of them as they were posted around town, this will be a festival to remember.

Founder Roslin Russell may be the busiest person in town. On top of running this festival (which, for a smaller jazz centre, is of incredible size), Russell has a family, has a PhD from Cambridge and a career in science, as well as being a musician herself. When asked about the founding of the festival, Russell says that she “finally got the courage to approach a number of other musicians (many of whom do other things) with this great idea”. Great indeed. In classic Cambridge style, Russell is taking on, and succeeding at, more than most of us mortals.

Local highlight: far from taking credit, Russell is quick to point out and highlight the immense talent in the Cambridge jazz community and to some of the artists she will be hosting later this month for the festival. Locally, the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra (CUJO) will be performing one of the featured shows in the line-up with special guest Soweto Kinch (full disclosure: currently holds the drum chair in CUJO). This big band is made of excellent players from across the University and from several different academic disciplines. On the group, Russell notes: “CUJO is a breeding ground for future jazz stars” and that the combination with Kinch will be a magical evening. Their performance together is on the 26th at the Mumford Theatre.

Workshops play a large part in this year’s festival. “Jazz musicians are the most talented out there,” declares Russell: “we need to have these musicians for the next generation here in Cambridge. When you hear and learn about jazz, it feels like all the parts of your brain simultaneously light up.” Audiences can learn more about jazz in general, refine their big band skills, learn Latin rhythms, take up a percussion instrument, find out just what is jazz harp, work on their vocal chops and even do some jazz hip hop throughout the week. Additionally, Sara Mitra and Magic Box are presenting an all-ages event where you can bring the kids and introduce them to this great artform.

“Jazz is trendy right now,” says Russell. It is true in the sense that jazz is evolving and now encompasses numerous cultures and musical styles. Kinch’s style is firmly rooted in hip hop and jazz-funk that became popular several decades ago. This kind of back-beat infused genre-crossing music is prevalent. Just last week, one of the more popular albums in jazz this year, Donny McCaslin’s Beyond Now showcased the group that backed up David Bowie on his last album. Bill Laurance, an alumnus of the famed Snarky Puppy band, is also no stranger to this genre-defying playing. Russell says his show on the 25th at the West Road Concert Hall, and the subsequent workshop the next day from this “fantastic guy and amazing musician” is also not an event to miss.

Other highlights from this vast festival are too many to list here. As a quick primer, here are a few suggestions. For the straight-ahead listener check out Alan Barnes at the Leys School on the 22nd. If you are a vocal jazz lover, make sure to catch Lauren Kinsella and her group Snowpoet at the Unitarian Church on the 26th. And finally, for those looking for Cuban-influenced music, Charanga del Norte are playing at the Churchill College Chapel on the 22nd.

There are many supporters that Russell thanked in our hour together last week as we spoke about all the exciting acts coming to town. Of particular mention was the University of Cambridge, the city of Cambridge and Arts Council England. Their support is integral to the event and Russell, as well as local jazz lovers, are deeply grateful for their support of such a world-class festival.