Jazz North, a development agency for northern jazz, has been boosting artists’ careers since its inception in 2012. Northern Line is the flagship development programme that takes artists' live touring careers to the next level.
The programme, which has supported ninety five bands and hundreds of musicians since it launched in 2013, is seeking the next five artists to join its thriving roster of live touring artists.
Northern Line ensures gigs can happen, despite the ever changing landscape.
Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says:
"Northern Line remains the definitive launchpad for live jazz in the North, celebrating the artists who define the fearless creativity and vibrant spirit of our region.
In today’s touring landscape, building a sustainable live career requires more than just exceptional talent—it demands targeted investment, strategic guidance, and real industry visibility. Joining Northern Line isn't just about accessing vital tour bursaries and 1:1 mentoring; it’s an unmistakable stamp of quality that signals to promoters, festivals, and audiences nationwide that you are an essential artist to watch.“
Northern Line offers northern jazz and jazz-adjacent artists and bands intensive 1:1 support, industry upskilling and a live touring bursary through the following strands:
A cash bursary, scaled according to the size of their ensemble and proposed touring ambitions.
An artist development plan for targeting promoters, festivals and venues, helping them to perform in new places and build audiences.
A showcase at manchester jazz festival on Sunday 23 May 2027, with promoter networking.
1-1 support from the Jazz North team to help them achieve their goals.
Priority access to Jazz North workshops and events focussed on specialist areas (eg marketing, businesses advice).
Past Northern Line artist, Bryony Jarman-Pinto, Round 10 Northern Line artist, said: “It just feels like there’s been really amazing things that have happened through applying… it’s been a bit of a catalyst… this year has really been full of opportunities."
Northern Line artists are selected through an open application process, shortlisted by an advisory panel of music industry experts. For this 13th round, the panel includes Wesley Stephenson (Jazz North East, NFOJAiM), Grace Pitkin (Serious), Nanette Brimble (Promoter/Producer - YardFest, JPN), Bryony Jarman-Pinto (Northern Line alumni artist), Josh Aitman (We Out Here) and Makeda Krish (radio producer, Folded Wing).
Successful applicants will perform at the Northern Line Showcase at manchester jazz festival (mjf) on Sunday 23rd May 2027 in front of a public audience and invited music industry guests.
mjf is the city’s longest-running music festival, championing regional artists, new commissions, European collaborations and musical innovation. The festival celebrated its 30th edition in 2025. Next year’s festival will take place from 21-30th May 2027 at venues around the city.
Steve Mead, mjf’s Artistic Director, says:
“The Northern Line Showcase has become a highly-anticipated part of mjf each year, celebrating with Jazz North the latest roster of northern artists selected for this coveted scheme.
For artists, the showcase - during our free opening weekender at First Street - is a chance to perform in front of a curious, attentive crowd, many of whom will be first-time listeners to these artists. For audiences, it's a memorable afternoon of discovery, surprise and infectious northern spirit.”
Northern Line opens for applications at midday on Monday 5th October. Applications close at midday on Monday 2nd November 2026.
Visit www.jazznorth.org/northern-
line to find out more and apply.
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