In what should prove a huge boost for British jazz in Canada and the USA, the International Association Of Jazz Education will be hosting an extensive showcase of home grown Brit talent at its annual conference, which this year takes place in Toronto from 9-12 January. With the backing of an Arts Council of England grant, Jazz Services is organising the initiative that will include many performances from the length and breadth of the current scene, as well as new commissions and an industry panel. This will be the biggest ever British presence at the IAJE and so far confirmed are: Acoustic Triangle, Polar Bear (pictured), Martin Taylors Freternity, Dennis Rollins, Denys Baptiste, Empirical, Ian Shaw, Nikki Iles, Tommy Smiths Youth Jazz Orchestra, East Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra with Alan Barnes and the Manchester-based big band Apitos. Courtney Pine will be leading a panel and Kenny Wheeler has been commissioned to write a new piece for the CUK Big Band, including musicians from British conservatoires, which will also feature Norma Winstone.