CALLING all Jazz lovers from across the region - the 2003 Jazz Festival is well underway in Chester as national and international stars converge to create some amazing music.

Live sets will dominate the city for three weeks until Thursday, September 18 with indoor and outdoor performances at various venues including Alexander's Jazz Theatre, The Gateway Theatre and The Mill Hotel.

The festival is in its 7th year and brings back such favourites as Eso Es, who will launch the event with a Latin Salsa party, John Etheridge with his exciting Frank Zappa project Zappatistas and Jazz legends Don Weller and Dave Saul.

The finest in new talent will be playing at Alexander's including Protect the Beat, Jan Kopinski's, Pinski Zoo and Asaf Sirkis & the Inner Noise.

Local artists are well represented in the form of Goodfellas, A Tribute to Gerry Mulligan & Chet Baker from the Dave Roberts Quintet and Sunday afternoon sessions from Afro Blue and legendary guitarist Gary Potter.

Another headline act is Ordesa. The group, which features Stan Sulzman, Kenny Wheeler and John Paricelli who have been acclaimed as one of the finest bands to emerge in many years, with a unique brand of brain-food jazz that satisfies the soul - you can check them out at the Gateway Theatre.

Closing the festival in true rockin' style will be the fabulous Steve Gibbons Band.

The festival runs from Friday, August 29, to Thursday, September 18.

For more information call Chester Jazz on 01244 400414 or log onto their website at www.chesterjazz.com.

So sit back, relax and enjoy some cool music therapy.

Nice!