I'M starting the column this week with an unusual but urgent request from The Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall. DON'T go there next Tuesday.

The place will be closed for refurbishment ahead of the anticipated Christmas rush.

This means that the eagerly-awaited appearance of brilliant Israeli-born saxophonist Gilad Atzmon has been postponed until the New Year. But Tommy Melville, who leads the backing quartet, assures me that Gilad WILL fulfil his engagement at the Rhythm Station. Now a reminder about the Chris Barber Big Band at King George's Hall, Blackburn, tomorrow night and notice of another terrific concert you may be interested in, though it will require a trip to Bolton.

Ben Castle and Mark Nightingale, two of the most talented musicians in Europe, will be headlining a Jazz Jamboree at Derby Ward Labour Club, in Deane Road, Bolton, next Friday.

This will be the third time Mark and Ben, son of legendary entertainer the late Roy Castle, have appeared together at this venue and they have built up an enthusiastic fan base.

They will be backed by the Steve Moore Trio, including superb Blackburn-based bassist Steve Berry of The Jam Factory, and the support band is popular local Bebop and mainstream combo Jeriatric Jazz.

The show starts at 8pm and admission is just £3. Tickets are limited so call 01204 531114 or 307329 (after 5pm).

I mentioned last week in the opening column that Blakeys Bar in King George's Hall was featuring fortnightly jazz concerts. To accomodate the anticipated heavy bookings during the festive period, the shows will be staged on consecutive weeks, December 3 and 10.

Next Tuesday the Jim Wilkes Stompers, a splendid and enthusiastic bunch of musicians, will bring their brand of Chicago jazz to Blakeys.

Well worth a trip if 'Trad' is your cup of tea. Worth a trip, anyway, just to hear a good band! CHRIS BARBER BIG BAND: King George's Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Saturday, December 1. From 8pm. Tickets £15, £12.50, £10. Tel: 01254 582582.

JIM WILKES STOMPERS: Chicago jazz. Blakeys Bar, King George's Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Monday, December 3. 8.15-11pm. £3.50 on the door.

LITTLE JOHNNY ENGLAND: Folk-Rock. The Met Arts Centre, Market St., Bury (0161 761 2216). Friday, Nov 30. From 8pm. Tickets £8 (conc £6).

THE PENDLE JAZZMEN: Holden Arms, Grane Rd., Haslingden. Every first, third and fifth Friday of the month. Whitechaff Inn, Bury Rd., Rawtenstall. Every second and fourth Friday of the month. From 9pm each venue. Free admission.

JERIATRIC JAZZ: Mainstream and BeBop. The Cotton Tree, Prince Street, Bolton. Thursday, December 6. From 8.30. Adm £1.

ART LESTER BIG BAND: Pennine Suite: Horwich RMI, Chorley New Rd., Bolton. Every Tuesday. From 8.30. Free.

KEN WARD BIG BAND: Mercury Motel, Manchester Rd., Westhoughton, Nr Bolton. Every Tuesday. From 8pm. Adm free.