{"title":"Community","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJazz Scotland wants to ensure that a ethical community programme is a fully-embedded strand of all our festival work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt its core, this aim is about making sure that Jazz Scotland, as a publicly-funded organisation, is as relevant as it can be for a wide range of people.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e We believe that we can develop exciting, deep, and ethical models of working with musical, geographic, interest-based, and cultural communities that recognises their assets and agency and supports them to achieve their musical\/cultural goals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe can do this through a range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eapproaches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from the simple, but often valuable, ‘access-focused’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eproject where we provide better to what we already do\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, right through to acting as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecatalyst and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eplacing our skills, knowledge and resources at the service of communities \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto help them pursue their own\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e cultural goals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrucially, this work is not necessarily about creating pathways or pipelines to the professional sector (though that can certainly happen), but is about taking time to learn about and engage with communities and their musical ways on their own terms. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTo date, we have hired freelance Community Engagement Workers in Aberdeen and Dundee whose remit is to build relationships with various community organisations, groups, and individuals. They are working to understand the groups and their musical needs and desires, and subsequently working to co-produce events, activities, and ultimately, projects and programmes. Project ideas are developed together, and both parties work to secure the necessary funds and resources to realise the collaborative vision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBelow are some of great upcoming events from our festivals:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ron-bird-concert-celtic-django-project-1","title":"Ron Bird Concert - Celtic Django Project (Past Event AJF 2026)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis Event has now ended\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRon Bird was a prominent, colourful and distinctive figure in Aberdeen for almost half a century, with a passion for world music and encouraging community engagement, who passed away in 2025. In his honour we kick off our main festival with a free concert and workshop at Middlefield Community Centre, featuring a new collaboration blending Scottish and international musical style. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Celtic Django Project brings together leading Scottish gypsy jazz and folk musicians in a lively fusion of European hot-club swing with Celtic folk traditions. The result is an upbeat, joyful sound full of technical brilliance and infectious energy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“A thrilling collision of styles… an irresistible sound that is both technically brilliant and infectiously joyous.” — Celtic Connections\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a free event, booking is encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA workshop will take place after this event. More info to follow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Presented by Jazz Scotland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57506978234749,"sku":"2563601","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0830\/7862\/files\/CelticDjangoProject.jpg?v=1767802975"},{"product_id":"jazz-for-kids","title":"Jazz For Kids! (Past Event AJF 2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA lively and interactive workshop designed especially for children aged 2–11. This family-friendly show introduces young listeners to real instruments, upbeat rhythms and the fun of live performance. A relaxed, joyful experience that gets everyone moving—definitely not your average kids’ show.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a drop off event, adults must stay with the children the whole duration. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny children under 2yo get in free. All children 2 and over as well as adults need a ticket.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Presented by Jazz Scotland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57508877959549,"sku":"2563852","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0830\/7862\/files\/JAZ_030_AberdeenJazzFestival26_Programme_1.0_DIGITAL_singles12.png?v=1771241042"},{"product_id":"richard-michael-history-of-piano","title":"Richard Michael - History of Piano (Past Event AJF 2026)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis Event has now ended\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePianist, educator and broadcaster Richard Michael offers an engaging journey through the history of jazz piano. Drawing on a lifetime's experience of performing and teaching, he highlights the styles and techniques of influential players, from Fats Waller to Keith Jarrett, all delivered with his trademark clarity, humour and spontaneity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAudience members are invited to suggest themes for Richard to improvise on, making each performance unique. An enjoyable and insightful introduction to the evolution of jazz piano.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eFree entry, booking not required.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Presented by Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57510676726141,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0830\/7862\/files\/IMG_1004-RichardMichael.jpg?v=1767803357"},{"product_id":"dance-for-parkinsons-2","title":"Dance for Parkinsons (Past Event AJF26)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis event has now ended\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCitymoves Dance Agency is thrilled to be collaborating with Aberdeen Jazz Festival to bring a bit of jazz to their Dance for Parkinson's participants. Double Bassist Seth Bennett and Harpist Dara Dubh will join in-house pianist, Gordon Cooper, to provide music for the usual weekly class. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe weekly Dance for Parkinson's class is designed for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. No previous dance experience is required and class may be enjoyed seated or standing. Confidence and creativity will be developed, whilst addressing Parkinson’s specific concerns such as: balance, flexibility, coordination, gait and social isolation. Participants are invited to stay for tea\/coffee, cake and a blether at the end of the session.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a closed session for Dance for Parkinson's participants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. If you would like to know more information or be involved with the group, please get in touch with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCitymoves: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/citymoves@citymoves.org.uk\/01224\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecitymoves@citymoves.org.uk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \/ 01224 984 159\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Presented by Citymoves in partnership with Jazz Scotland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57705479340413,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0830\/7862\/files\/IMG_2482.jpg?v=1770041570"},{"product_id":"gypsy-jazz-workshop-w-the-celtic-django-project","title":"Gypsy Jazz Workshop w\/ the Celtic Django Project (past event AJF26)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e~\u003cstrong\u003eThis Event has now Ended\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEnjoy a free jazz workshop for guitar, double bass and violin with professional musicians from all across Scotland. This workshop gives you the chance to learn and play music from the rich musical culture of Jazz Manouche. Paul Paterson is one of UK’s leading gypsy jazz guitarists, playing recently at the Django Reinhardt Festival in France. Jim Mackay is a noted guitarist in both gypsy jazz and Celtic styles, as is John Carnie, who is the author of The Scottish Guitar Book. Charlotte Paterson is an in demand gypsy jazz double bassist, recently back from the Manouche Jazz Festival in Samois, France. Martin Macleod on fiddle \/ violin comes with the highest traditional musical pedigree. Ideally, participants would have some basic knowledge of playing their chosen instrument but all are welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBring a guitar or bass if you have one, or just bring yourself\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Presented by Jazz Scotland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57897306554749,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0830\/7862\/files\/celtic-django-project---gypsy-jazz-and-scottish-folk-band-october-2025-mk341Zp3rDuJ0wNN.avif?v=1767800268"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0830\/7862\/collections\/JAZ_015_DJF_WebsiteBanners_Draft_0.1_ME.jpg?v=1761858688","url":"https:\/\/jazzscotland.com\/collections\/community-events.oembed?page=2","provider":"Jazz Scotland","version":"1.0","type":"link"}