LOVERS of big band jazz are in for a good time in the coming months as there are a number of shows scheduled for the region which promise to be hugely entertaining, featuring as they do some truly outstanding musicians.

Tomorrow evening for example, Todd Miller and The Joe Loss Orchestra will appear at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom when they feature in a Valentine's Dance.

I can't imagine that people who read this column on a regular basis will need much of an introduction to the name Joe Loss or the band which still bears his name, even though, sadly, the man himself is no longer with us.

The band has been one of the most popular and successful music ensembles of the past 50 years, with countless records, radio and television broadcasts, world cruises on the QE2 and ballroom tours in Britain and Europe on their collective CV.

Todd Miller joined the orchestra as vocalist in 1972 and took over the leadership of the band in 1990.

He was recently presented to Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace, following in the footsteps of Joe Loss, whose orchestra has been a particular favourite with the Royal Family for generations.

The Valentine's Dance promises to be a memorable night and Chris Hopkins will help to keep the entertainment going as he plays the Wurlitzer Organ during the band's breaks.

Doors open at 7.00pm, the dance starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £12. Booking or inquiries on 01253 292029 or from Blackpool Tower on 01253 622242.

Nearer home the splendid Sounds 18 Big Band, with vocalist Joe McCarthy, will be in concert in Blakeys Bar on Monday from 8.15pm.

I have written before about this local band and how good they are so I hope that a decent number of big band jazz fans in the area will take themselves along to Blakeys.

Admission is pegged at £3.50 and it's got to be a bargain at that price, believe me.

Meanwhile I have been asked to pass on some information about the 2002 Wigan Jazz Festival, one of the biggest and best in the UK, which is scheduled for July 12-21.

This will be the 17th time jazz enthusiasts headed by Festival Director Ian Darrington have organised this event and it has to be conceded that it has got bigger and better by the year.

Mr Darrington tells me that this year, as the festival will coincide with the Commonwealth Games, he and his colleagues are linking the fare on offer with the track and field events taking place just down the road in Manchester.

Artists already signed to appear include Monty Alexander from Jamaica, Australian vocalist Marie Wilson plus bands from South Africa and Canada.

Also making a welcome return will be the Woody Herman Orchestra which created such a massive impact last year.

As well as an impressive line-up of celebrity concerts, the festival will once again offer a fabulous programme of free fringe events, late night jam sessions and a programme of jazz workshops.

July may seem some way off but, in fact, it isn't so make a date in your diaries and note that tickets for the festival will go on sale in May.

For further details or to receive a copy of the leaflet outlining the events, call 01942 825677.

Gig dates:

SOUNDS 18 BIG BAND: Blakeys Bar, King George's Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Monday, February 18. 8.15pm-11.00pm. Adm £3.50.

TODD MILLER AND THE JOE LOSS ORCHESTRA: Valentines Dance: Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Saturday, February 16. From 7.30pm. Adm £12.