Allexa Nava 4tet at Clun Valley Jazz, SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Featuring: Allexa Nava

More details

From;
https://clunvalleyjazz.com/whats-on/p/allexa-nava-4tet-27th-september-2025-sparc-theatre-bishops-castle

Allexa Nava 4tet - 27th September 2025, SpArC Theatre Bishop’s Castle
£23.00
Doors at 19:15, start at 20:00

Join us in Bishop’s Castle for another incredible act from London youth jazz collective Tomorrow’s Warriors - the Allexa Nava Quartet.

Allexa is a saxophonist, flautist and composer from Peru, and has performed with numerous players in the Tomorrow’s Warriors collective, as well as playing the legendary Texan festival South-by-Southest (SXSW) with the all-female group Collectiva. Here in the UK, she has played Ronnie Scott’s, Jazz in the Round, Wilderness Festival and Glastonbury.

She’ll be playing her own compositions, sourced from an eclectic mix of material that she’s released over the past few years, exploring soundscapes drawing from classic and contemporary jazz alike. To get a sneak peek, check out her debut EP, No Language, which came out earlier this year.

Allexa will be joined by Emile Hinton (piano), Matt May (bass) and Cassius Cobston (drums).

SpArC Theatre, Brampton Rd, Bishops Castle
Box Office: 01588 630321 / 638038
http://www.sparctheatre.co.uk

Christ-Stéphane Boizi 6tet at Clun Valley Jazz, SpArC Theatre Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire.

Date: Saturday, August 09, 2025

More details

From;
https://clunvalleyjazz.com/whats-on/p/christ-stphane-boizi-6tet-9th-august-2025-sparc-theatre-bishops-castle

Christ-Stéphane Boizi 6tet - 9th August 2025, SpArC Theatre Bishop’s Castle
£23.00
Doors at 19:15, start at 20:00

The fourth instalment in the Clun Valley Jazz/Tomorrow’s Warriors series welcomes the Christ-Stéphane Boizi Sextet to Bishop’s Castle

Trombonist Christ-Stéphane Boizi studies at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in Greenwich, and as a part of the Tomorrow’s Warriors collective, he has graced venues like Ronnie Scott’s and festivals such as We Out Here with his inventive, electric sound.

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers are a key source of inspiration for Boizi, and he blends this with hard bop and Gospel ingredients to form the compositions you’ll hear on the night. It’s a real treat when we’re able to welcome a band this size to the SpArC Theatre. Don’t miss it.

Aside from Boizi, the band features Sacha Harlan (drums), Lauren Marie Breen (alto saxophone), Jacob Wilson (tenor saxophone), Tom Sheen (double bass) and Kezia Buoma (piano).

SpArC Theatre, Brampton Rd, Bishops Castle
Box Office: 01588 630321 / 638038
http://www.sparctheatre.co.uk

Lichfield Jazz & Blues Festival, Cathedral Hotel & The Guildhall, Lichfield, Staffs.

Dates: Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Sunday, June 15, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Lichfield Jazz & Blues Festival
Cathedral Hotel and The Guildhall, Lichfield
Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th June

The Lichfield Jazz & Blues Festival starts on Thursday evening with the opening gig at the Cathedral Hotel from Bryan Corbett’s Instrumental Groove Unit. On Friday evening, Nearly Dan will perform the music of Steely Dan at The Guildhall.



Saturday’s program kicks off at the Cathedral Hotel with Rich Hughes’ Fugue ’n’ Groove at 1:30pm followed by Roy Adams & Friends at 3:30pm. The program continues at The Guildhall with Aynsley Lister at 8pm.



Music returns to the Cathedral Hotel on Sunday afternoon, with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Salsa Orchestra at 1:30pm and Lydia Rae ) at 3:30pm.



For further information and tickets, go to the Lichfield Arts website.
https://lichfieldarts.org.uk/events

Keyon Harrold at 229, London.

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

Direct from the USA, KEYON HARROLD

“Keyon Harrold is the future of the trumpet”
Wynton Marsalis

Award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Keyon Harrold announces an exclusive London concert promoting his GRAMMY nominated album ‘Foreverland’ which guest appearances from Laura Mvula, Malaya, Common, Robert Glasper & PJ Morton.

Keyon Harrold first came into the International spotlight for his work as the trumpet voice behind the GRAMMY winning Don Cheadle film ‘Miles Ahead’, and his critically acclaimed album, ‘The Mugician’, (Sony Legacy/Mass Appeal). As a bandleader, he has created a compelling new statement with a riveting mix of jazz, Afrobeat, soul, spoken word, & hip-hop.

Keyon Harrold has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, Keith Richards, and Jeff Beck.

Tickets;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/keyon-harrold/229/3402557

Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 19:00.

229,
229 Great Portland Street,
London W1W 5PN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipFtGz0_dAg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqKsAdpYh64

Chris Cheek, album launch, two shows at Bar Bayeux, Brooklyn, New York City, USA.

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

GIG ALERT: Saxophonist/Composer Chris Cheek Celebrates the Release “Keepers of the Eastern Door” at Bar Bayeux in Brooklyn on June 11

Acclaimed Saxophonist/Composer Chris Cheek Celebrates the Releases of Keepers of the Eastern Door

Available Now via Analog Tone Factory

Album Release Show
Bar Bayeux, Brooklyn
Wednesday, June 11
Sets at 8 & 9:30 p.m.
Featuring Steve Cardenas, Tomek Miernowski, Dylan Keefe, Dan Rieser

“With Keepers of the Eastern Door, Cheek and his collaborators, exemplars of sensitive listening and responsive playing, have given us a recording that prioritizes restraint, offering the satisfactions of notes carefully chosen and phrases carefully crafted.” — All About Jazz

“Emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging, this artistically rewarding album honors those who strive to live in harmony with the world around them.” — Jazz Trail

“Poised between chill out and spine-chilling, this album is a late-night delight.” — The Times (London)

As European settlers moved westward from the Atlantic coast of North America, the Mohawk people – the easternmost tribe of the Iroquois Confederacy – became known as “Keepers of the Eastern Door” for their role as guardians against invasion from the encroaching colonizers. The outcome of that battle may seem inevitable from the historical perspective, but the tension at its heart, between those who respect and live in harmony with the land and those who view the Earth from a more rapacious perspective, persists.

In “The Kutenai Duck Hunter,” the image by photographer and ethnologist Edward Curtis that graces the cover of his breathtaking new album, Keepers of the Eastern Door, acclaimed saxophonist and composer Chris Cheek sees those two parallel mindsets represented in the reflection of a canoe in the river as its occupant looks to the horizon – and an uncertain future. These ideas lend richness and depth to Cheek’s stunning music throughout Keepers of the Eastern Door. The album features a remarkable all-star quartet, with Cheek joined by revered guitarist Bill Frisell, bassist Tony Scherr, and drummer Rudy Royston for a wide-ranging but harmonious repertoire including captivating originals and covers by everyone from The Beatles to Henry Purcell, Olivier Messiaen to Henry Mancini.

Chris Cheek · Keepers of the Eastern Door
Analog Tone Factory · Release Date: May 23, 2025

For more information on Analog Tone Factory, please visit:
http://www.analogtonefactory.com

Gwenifer Raymond + Elizabeth Still, afternoon event at Sy ; Gigs, The Darwin Room, Shrewsbury Library, Shrewsbury.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025

More details

From;
https://sygigs.com/events/event/gwenifer-raymond-elizabeth-still/

Gwenifer Raymond + Elizabeth Still

Event Details
Date: 28 September, 2025
Time: 2:30pm - 7:00pm
Tickets: Book Now
Event 6.0 of Season 3.0 (Exclusive Small show)

Gwenifer Raymond + Elizabeth Still
Event Details
Date: 28 September, 2025
Time: 2:30pm - 7:00pm
Tickets: Book Now
Event 6.0 of Season 3.0 (Exclusive Small show)

Tickets on sale to SY.Gigs Substack newsletter subscribers from 10:00am 12th June, 2025. Subscribers will need a password to purchase a ticket.

Tickets on general sale from 10:00am 14th June, 2025.

Limited to 65 tickets for this pilot event at The Darwin Room, Shrewsbury Library.

Welsh instrumentalist Gwenifer Raymond, is set to announce her third studio album, to be released September 5th on Canadian label We Are Busy Bodies. Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark is a hybrid of the ancient and the futuristic, where the arcane etchings of occult folk horror fuse with the unfathomable equations of the cosmos. As celestial drones and mutant folk meet a frenetic blues that bends and twists like space-time, on her new album Raymond finds herself evoking the work of pioneering rocket scientists, the words of fictional hobo prophets and the concepts of mathematical infinity.
Raymond, via the circuitous trans-Atlantic journey of her demo – signed to San Francisco’s Tompkins Square Records in 2017, with who she released her first two albums. Her first proper gig was at the Thousand Incarnations of the Rose Festival in Maryland, where she hung with heroes such as Glenn Jones, Marisa Anderson, Daniel Bachman and Peter Walker and was presented by Henry Kaiser with a 1880s Joseph Bohmann guitar which she feels may be possessed by some fingerpicking demon.
The Guardian has described her as a “profound talent” whilst The Observer praised her “awe-inspiring technique and intense musicality”, and Uncut Magazine has championed her “fast-developing talents as a composer of eerie menace.” She has since toured Europe, the US and Canada with the likes of Michael Chapman, Michael Hurley, The Handsome Family, Lankum, Charlie Parr, Richard Dawson, Ryley Walker, and Squid.
https://gweniferraymond.bandcamp.com/music

Gwenifer Raymond + Elizabeth Still
Event Details
Date: 28 September, 2025
Time: 2:30pm - 7:00pm
Tickets: Book Now
Event 6.0 of Season 3.0 (Exclusive Small show)

Tickets on sale to SY.Gigs Substack newsletter subscribers from 10:00am 12th June, 2025. Subscribers will need a password to purchase a ticket.

Tickets on general sale from 10:00am 14th June, 2025.

Limited to 65 tickets for this pilot event at The Darwin Room, Shrewsbury Library.

Welsh instrumentalist Gwenifer Raymond, is set to announce her third studio album, to be released September 5th on Canadian label We Are Busy Bodies. Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark is a hybrid of the ancient and the futuristic, where the arcane etchings of occult folk horror fuse with the unfathomable equations of the cosmos. As celestial drones and mutant folk meet a frenetic blues that bends and twists like space-time, on her new album Raymond finds herself evoking the work of pioneering rocket scientists, the words of fictional hobo prophets and the concepts of mathematical infinity.

Raymond, via the circuitous trans-Atlantic journey of her demo – signed to San Francisco’s Tompkins Square Records in 2017, with who she released her first two albums. Her first proper gig was at the Thousand Incarnations of the Rose Festival in Maryland, where she hung with heroes such as Glenn Jones, Marisa Anderson, Daniel Bachman and Peter Walker and was presented by Henry Kaiser with a 1880s Joseph Bohmann guitar which she feels may be possessed by some fingerpicking demon.

The Guardian has described her as a “profound talent” whilst The Observer praised her “awe-inspiring technique and intense musicality”, and Uncut Magazine has championed her “fast-developing talents as a composer of eerie menace.” She has since toured Europe, the US and Canada with the likes of Michael Chapman, Michael Hurley, The Handsome Family, Lankum, Charlie Parr, Richard Dawson, Ryley Walker, and Squid.

Listen here

Elizabeth Still is a Solo project of Haress Founder member. She released a solo album in 2023 of guitar and field recordings inspired by simple domestic moments composed on a kitchen stool on Wrong speed Records.
Live- Expect compositions and. songs, original versions of Haress tracks – played on Guitar, Harmonium and Shruti .
“her style of dancing up and down the fretboard creating the kind of woodsy sound portals that lead to new possibilities. And on Going for Home that continues, as Still orchestrates a homespun warmth where locality features heavily throughout.” Sun 13
https://estill.bandcamp.com/music

Simon Spillett with Alex Steele Quartet at Kenilworth jazz Club,Kenilworth Rugby Club, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Date: Monday, July 07, 2025

Featuring: Simon Spillett

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Simon Spillett with Alex Steele Quartet - Monday, 7th July 2025

In July we welcome back the wonderful Simon Spillett with Alex Steele Quartet.

“Straight-ahead, high energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb” (The Guardian)

KENILWORTH: RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
Monday 7th July, 2025
Door time: 7:30pm, Start time: 8:00pm
Tickets: £15.00, Students £7.50 available on the door or online at https://wegottickets.com/event/662059
* Please note the online price includes the ticketing site fee and is the same as the door price *
** If you intend to pay on the door please could you notify me at this email address of the number of tickets to be reserved which will assist in the planning of the event **

Over his twenty-five year career, Simon Spillett has worn almost as many hats as it’s possible to wear within jazz; multi-award-winning instrumentalist (BBC Jazz Awards, British Jazz Awards, Jazz Journal’s Album of The Year), quartet and big band leader, recording artist, author, historian, record producer, archivist, magazine columnist and latterly blogger. However, for all these varied skills, he identifies most strongly as a powerfully swinging, straight-ahead tenor saxophonist, one capable of taking the audiences who hear him on a roller-coaster ride encompassing everything from energetic bebop to heartfelt balladry. It is in this guise that he’s become a solid fixture on the UK jazz landscape, regularly playing sold-out gigs at major festivals (EFG London Jazz Festival, Brecon, Swanage, Scarborough, Wigan) and world famous club venues (Ronnie Scott’s).

A charismatic performer, gifted with a dry observational wit, he’s never lost sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as self-expression and whether playing, writing or articulately holding forth on his favourite subject – UK jazz history – he’s an infectiously passionate communicator.

Joining Simon Spillett, we have the barefoot energy, flying socks and passion of Alex Steele on piano; the insuperable groove merchant, Mike Cypher on drums, always ready to snatch the unexpected beats and turn them into unrivalled rhythmical joy; and the beautifully melodic, lyrical, eloquent and effervescent, ‘Moyk’ Green on double bass.

KENILWORTH JAZZ CLUB
KENILWORTH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
GLASSHOUSE LANE
KENILWORTH
CV8 2AJ

Fraser Urquhart, Calum Gourlay, Corrie Dick - The Scottish Connection with guests Bruce Adams and Jim Mullen at 606 Jazz Club, Chelsea, London.

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Venue

606 Club

90 Lots Road
London
SW10

More details

Laura Thorne of the 606 has forwarded the following announcement;

Special Announcement: ‘The Scottish Connection’ 11 June (a gentle tribute to Brian Kellock)

When we sent out our June event information last week, we announced that our programme for Wednesday 11 June had been cancelled - sadly, the artist to be featured that evening, Scottish pianist Brian Kellock, had passed away.
We have since put together a special night in his honour as described below. Though it’s only a week away, we still wanted to let you know.
And, for additional information visit the event link on our website,
https://www.606club.co.uk/events/view/fraser-urquhart-calum-gourlay-corrie-dick-the-scottish-connection/

The gig this evening was originally intended to feature one of the great Scottish jazz pianists (and old friend of the Club) Brian Kellock, but sadly Brian passed away just two weeks before he was due to appear here. We are hoping to host a Memorial concert for Brian in the early Autumn but tonight we felt it was appropriate to celebrate Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene (of which Brian was an integral part) by hosting an evening featuring just some of the many fine musicians who hail from there and who knew, respected and admired him.

Born and raised in Edinburgh Fraser Urquhart is one of the UK’s foremost jazz pianists. Cutting his teeth on the vibrant Scottish jazz scene Fraser fast became a first-call player for singers and horn players, appearing often at the Edinburgh & and Glasgow Jazz Festivals. Now based in London his fluent and exciting playing has been heard at all the major jazz venues both in his own right and as accompanist to a host of high profile jazz musicians including most recently the Award winning Scottish vocalist Georgia Cecile. A close associate of Brian’s it is with particular pleasure that we welcome this fine player to the Club this evening. Glasgow-born double-bassist Calum Gourlay has been a sought after UK jazz presence for almost two decades. An alumni of the Royal Academy of Music he has worked regularly with some of the finest modern jazz musicians in the UK, including the likes of award winning musicians Kit Downes & Trish Clowes. More recently he has also established himself as a highly regarded composer and arranger. Also from Glasgow, since graduating as a gold medal student from Trinity Laban’s prestigious jazz course the multi-award winning drummer Corrie Dick has garnered a host of accolades. He includes work with the likes of Laura Jurd, Jasper Høiby, Elliot Galvin and Rob Luft on a sparkling cv as well as establishing his own music with his various highly acclaimed projects, including a very well received debut album which was nominated for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards’ “Album of the Year”. More recently he has been impressing with his captivating solo shows which feature not only his jazz sensibilities but his extensive knowledge of World Music forms and rhythms.

Joining the trio will be two terrific Scottish musicians who were closer contemporaries of Brian; the wonderful cornet/trumpet player Bruce Adams and the iconic guitarist Jim Mullen. Performing with the likes of Harry Sweets Edison, Buddy Tate, Al Cohn and Benny Waters Bruce has been a stalwart of the UK jazz scene for almost 50 years and is undoubtedly one of the finest mainstream cornet/trumpet players in Europe.
The multi-Award-winning Jim Mullen is widely regarded as one of the finest jazz guitarists on the international jazz scene. He has toured and worked with an impressive range of artists, including Mose Allison, Jimmy Witherspoon and the Average White Band as well as being co-leader of the iconic jazz-funk band “Morrissey-Mullen”. This promises to be a wonderful show in its own right, as well as a gentle tribute to one of Scotland’s master musicians.

“Urquhart…unfailingly elegant piano playing” Bebop Spoken Here;

“Gourlay…his playing being both impressively agile…dexterous and highly melodic” The Jazz Mann;

“Dick’s playing is imaginative and sensitive to the players around him…[it] elevates and inspires” All About Jazz;

“Adams…there is as much delicacy as power in his playing” Guardian;

“Mullen…one of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise

—

Gast Waltzing Conducts The Czech National Symphony Orchestra on the Kinnekswiss, Luxembourg.

Date: Friday, July 04, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

4 July 2025 on the Kinnekswiss
Gast Waltzing Conducts
The Czech National Symphony Orchestra
in a fantastic program showcasing Luxembourg artists: Jackie Moontan, Maz Univerze, Nosi, OKE, ROME, Mutiny on the Bounty, Scheppe 7, Francis of Dilirium, D. Migliosi & J. Mailliet.
With a backing band of amazing musicians: Pol Belardi, Jerome Klein, David Laborier, Niels Engel.

Arrangements and Orchestration by Gast Waltzing, Michel Reis, David Laborier, Georges Sadeler, Jean Jacques Mailliet.

https://www.waltzingparke.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040376686319

DeeDee Bridgewater and The Orchestre National Jazz Luxembourg Conducted by Gast Waltzing + support China Moses on the Knuedler (Place Guillaume) Luxembourg Ville, Luxembourg.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the reign of His Royal Highness The Grand Duke of Luxembourg

21 June 2025 on the Knuedler (Place Guillaume) Luxembourg Ville
DeeDee Bridgewater
and
The Orchestre National Jazz Luxembourg
Conducted by Gast Waltzing

PROGRAM:
18:00 China Moses
21:00 DeeDee Bridgewater, The ONJL,
Gast Waltzing Conducting

https://www.deedeebridgewater.com/

Grammy winner Gast Waltzing Is honored to conduct the OPL for the celebration of National day at the Luxembourg Philharmonie. By the invitation of the Government the Grand Duke, the President of the Parliament and the Prime Minister address the the national authorities and diplomatic representatives of the countries accredited to Luxembourg. With a special presentation for the 25th anniversary of the reign of His Royal Highness The Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

This celebration can be streamed on RTL.lu or the RTL app.

https://www.waltzingparke.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040376686319

Vancouver International Jazz Festival, various venues, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Dates: Friday, June 20, 2025 - Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

For further information please visit Festival website;
https://www.coastaljazz.ca/

Jazztopad Festival, various venues, Manhattan & Brooklyn, New York City, USA.

Dates: Friday, June 13, 2025 - Wednesday, June 18, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release;

2025 Jazztopad Fest NYC: Immanuel Wilkins, Michiyo Yagi, Waclaw Zimpel, Amir Elsaffar, Maciej Obara & More 

Jazztopad Festival New York 2025, Poland’s most innovative jazz festival, announces genre-blurring international lineup for June 2025, its 9th edition in New York City

Lineup includes Immanuel Wilkins with the Lutosławski Quartet (World Premiere), Michiyo Yagi with Hamid Drake, Patricia Brennan & Maciej Obara, Maciej Obara NYC Quartet with John Patitucci & Nasheet Waits, plus Wacław Zimpel, Brooklyn Raga Massive with special guest Amir ElSaffar

Concerts to Take Place in Manhattan at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium and Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Rizzoli Bookstore; and in Brooklyn at Barbès and private living rooms

June 13–18, 2025 in Manhattan & Brooklyn

“Illuminating intersections between jazz, contemporary classical, electronic and other music without borders, Poland’s Jazztopad Festival returns to New York for the seventh time with sets from genre-expanding artists ...”  – Alan Scherstuhl, The New York Times

“...Jazztopad stands as an internationally renowned festival with a clearly defined ethos, one that combines a strong respect for the traditions and roots of the music with a progressive vision that provides a platform for the contemporary and innovative.”  – Ian Patterson, AllAboutJazz.com

“Jazztopad Festival meets the high standards set by its predecessors and invites healthy debate on key issues in arts programming.”  - Kevin Le Gendre, Jazzwise

“A model for what a jazz festival can be, Jazztopad is fertile soil for commissioned works and adventure-minded programming.” - Joe Woodard, Down Beat

“The Jazztopad Festival, a leading event of its kind in Poland…”– Nate Chinen, The New York Times

New York, NY — The paradigm-shifting Polish festival Jazztopad returns to New York City for its ninth edition from June 13–18, 2025, continuing its mission of building bridges between the most adventurous voices in contemporary improvised music. With concerts and events across Manhattan and Brooklyn, this year’s edition once again invites audiences into intimate, boundary-erasing performances by internationally celebrated artists and emerging innovators.

Presented by the National Forum of Music in Wrocław in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York, Jazztopad NYC has become a vital satellite of Poland’s most forward-thinking jazz festival. Each year, Artistic Director Piotr Turkiewicz brings together cutting-edge artists from across the globe, creating a creative platform that emphasizes new work, improvisational exchange, and international collaboration.

The 2025 edition features a compelling lineup of artists who blend traditional practices with contemporary experimentation—from raga and maqam to free jazz and electroacoustic performance. The events unfold in singular spaces across the city, including Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Rizzoli Bookstore, Barbès, and private living rooms, offering a mix of high-profile premieres and intimate, community-driven sessions.

“I’ve always believed the best jazz festivals don’t just present music—they build communities across borders,” says Artistic Director Piotr Turkiewicz. “This year’s New York edition reflects our most global vision yet. From Japanese koto traditions and Iraqi maqam to South Indian sounds and Mexican vibraphone improvisation and Polish string quartet textures, these artists are redefining what improvised music can sound like in a truly international context.”

“Improvisation is a universal language. Jazztopad invites musicians to speak across cultural vocabularies—sometimes for the first time,” Turkiewicz continues. “It’s not about seamless fusion, but real conversation—creative exchange in real time. That’s why I’m especially proud of this year’s premieres and small-room collaborations. You can hear the risk, the trust, and the wonder in the sound.”

2025 JAZZTOPAD NYC SCHEDULE

Friday, June 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Michiyo Yagi and Hamid Drake duo with Wacław Zimpel
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 1887 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Lineup:
Michiyo Yagi – koto
Hamid Drake – drums
Wacław Zimpel – alto clarinet, khaen, electronics
Partner: The Japan Foundation

Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Waclaw Zimpel, Arun Ramamurthy & Brooklyn Raga Massive with special guest Amir ElSaffar
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 1887 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Lineup:
Wacław Zimpel – alto clarinet, electronics
Arun Ramamurthy – violin
Amir ElSaffar – trumpet
Abhik Mukherjee – sitar
Mir Naqibul Islam – tabla
Sriram Raman – mridangam

Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Patricia Brennan & Maciej Obara duo
Rizzoli Bookstore, 1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
Lineup:
Patricia Brennan - vibraphone
Maciej Obara - saxophone

Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Jazztopad Festival at Barbès
Barbès,  376 9th St. Brooklyn, NY
Lineup:
Ned Rothenberg and Satoshi Takeishi with special guests

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM
Maciej Obara NYC Quartet feat. John Patitucci, Nasheet Waits, Dominik Wania
Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 10 Columbus Circle New York, NY
Lineup:
Maciej Obara – saxophone
Dominik Wania – piano
John Patitucci – double bass
Nasheet Waits – drums

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Immanuel Wilkins & Lutosławski Quartet –world premiere
Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 10 Columbus Circle New York, NY
Lineup:
Immanuel Wilkins –saxophone
Lutosławski Quartet:
Roksana Kwaśnikowska – 1st violin
Marcin Markowicz – 2nd violin
Artur Rozmysłowicz – viola
Maciej Młodawski – cello

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Wacław Zimpel
Wacław Zimpel is a multi-instrumentalist and producer, known primarily as a clarinet player and experiments at the intersection of genres. The New York Times described him as a “musical chameleon.” Despite completing his classical studies, he has devoted himself entirely to improvisation and expanding his musical horizons to include non-Western sounds. Wacław Zimpel has performed at such major festivals as Atonal in Berlin, WOS in Santiago De Compostela and Draaimolen Festival in Tilburg, and has given concerts in India, Japan and at international editions of Unsound in Canada and the United States.

Michiyo Yagi
Michiyo Yagi studied the traditional Japanese transverse harp known as the koto under the late Tadao Sawai and Kazue Sawai, and graduated from the NHK Professional Training School for Traditional Musicians. During her subsequent tenure as Visiting Professor of Music at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, U.S.A. she premiered numerous modern compositions for koto and came under the influence of maverick American composers such as John Cage, Christian Wolff, Conlon Nancarrow, and John Zorn. In addition to performing solo, with the Michiyo Yagi Trio or the newly-formed multi-koto ensemble Talon – all with an emphasis on her original compositions, extended techniques, and unique vocals based on the traditional jiuta style – Yagi continues to be active as the leading improviser on her chosen instrument.

Patricia Brennan
Mexican born vibraphonist, marimbist, improviser and composer Patricia Brennan “has been widely feted as one of the instrument’s newer leaders.” observed The New York City Jazz Record. Patricia has won the rising star vibraphonist award from Downbeat magazine’s 70th (2022) and 72nd (2024) Critics Poll and was listed #4 vibraphonist of the year on the 71st (2023) & 72nd (2024) Critics Poll. Patricia has performed in venues such as Newport Jazz Festival, SF JAZZ, and Carnegie Hall, as well as international venues such as Wiener Konzerthaus in Vienna, Austria, Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City and Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has also appeared on National Television, Public Radio, and the BBC radio show “Freeness” hosted by Corey Mwamba.

Maciej Obara NYC Quartet
Polish saxophonist and composer Maciej Obara leads a celebrated Polish-Norwegian quartet featuring pianist Dominik Wania, bassist Ole Morten Vågan, and drummer Gard Nilssen—an ensemble known for three acclaimed ECM albums. For the Jazztopad Festival’s NYC edition, Obara presents a special project with American jazz luminaries John Patitucci (bass) and Nasheet Waits (drums), creating a cross-cultural dialogue through his expressive compositions. Both Wania and Obara previously collaborated with the legendary Tomasz Stańko. Obara has forged a distinctive sound rooted in European lyricism and free improvisation. Pianist Dominik Wania, a central voice in the group, studied at the New England Conservatory under Danilo Pérez and is celebrated for his technical brilliance and lyrical sensitivity. His solo release Lonely Shadows was the first solo album by a Polish artist on ECM. Wania has worked with a wide range of artists, including George Garzone, Dave Liebman, Eddie Henderson, and Joey Baron.

Lutosławski Quartet
The Lutosławski Quartet performs contemporary music as well as recently commissioned pieces, and focuses on popularising Polish music, including works by Lutosławski, Bacewicz, Szymanowski, and also compositions by one of the group members – Marcin Markowicz. An ensemble made up of versatile and open-minded artists, they blend the contemporary repertoire with the gems of classical, Romantic and jazz music. They have worked with Charles Lloyd, Vijay Iyer, Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Sylvie Courvousier, Mark Feldman, James Brandon Lewis and other jazz greats, and recorded the world’s first album of Witold Lutosławski’s chamber works for the Accord label.

John Patitucci
As a performer, John has played throughout the world with his own band and with jazz luminaries Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Stan Getz, Pat Metheny, Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Michael Brecker, McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, Randy Brecker, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Hubert Laws, Hank Jones, Mulgrew Miller, James Williams, Kenny Werner and scores of others. Some of the many pop and Brazilian artists he has played with include Sting, Aaron Neville, Natalie Cole, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Milton Nascimiento, Astrud and Joao Gilberto, Airto and Flora Purim, Ivan Lins, Joao Bosco and Dori Caymmi. John has always felt a call to mentor and teach young musicians and to help further and sustain the art of jazz and bass playing around the world. In 2002, following the retirement of Ron Carter, John began teaching at The City College of New York and was a Professor of Jazz Studies there for ten years. He has also been involved with the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in Washington, D.C. and The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. John is a frequent clinician and guest lecturer at schools around the world and a regular featured performer at the International Society of Bassists conventions. In 2010, John began his involvement with the Berklee College of Music’s Global Jazz Institute, spearheaded by pianist Danilo Perez. He is currently a Visiting Scholar at Berklee, teaching in both the Global Jazz Institute and the Bass Department.

Nasheet Waits
Nasheet Waits, drummer/music educator, is a New York native. His interest in playing the drums was encouraged by his father, legendary percussionist, Frederick Waits. Over the course of his career, Freddie Waits played with such legendary artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, and countless others. Most recently Nasheet has been a member of Andrew Hill’s various bands, Jason Moran’s Bandwagon, and Fred Hersch’s trio. As an originating member of pianist Jason Moran’s Bandwagon, Jason, bassist Tarus Mateen, and Nasheet have been deemed, “the most exciting rhythm section in jazz” by JazzTimes, The 2001 recording “Black Stars” with the Band wagon, featuring Sam Rivers was named the “Best CD of 2001” in (Jazz Times, Jan 2002) and “The New York Times”. In addition he is receiving accolades as the drummer for Nasheet’s recording and performing discography is a veritable who’s who in Jazz, boasting stints with jazz notables such as Geri Allen, Mario Bauza, Hamiett Bluiett, Jane Bunnett, Abraham Burton, Jaki Byard, Ron Carter, Marc Cary, Steve Coleman, Stanley Cowell, Orrin Evans and Stefon Harris.

Hamid Drake
By the end of the 1990s, Hamid Drake had established himself as one of the leading percussionists in the world of improvised music. Drawing from a wide range of traditions, including Afro-Cuban, Indian, and African percussion, as well as the standard drum kit, Drake became known for his diverse and innovative playing. He collaborated with prominent free jazz figures such as Peter Brötzmann, Fred Anderson, and Ken Vandermark, among many others. Drake’s musical journey also extended into world music, performing with Foday Musa Suso’s Mandingo Griot Society in the late 1970s and exploring reggae rhythms as well. He has been part of several influential groups, including the Latin jazz ensemble Night on Earth, the Georg Graewe Quartet, the DKV Trio, Peter Brötzmann’s Chicago Octet/Tentet, and Liof Munimula, one of Chicago’s longest-running free improvisation groups. Additionally, Drake has worked with a wide range of notable musicians, such as trumpeter Don Cherry, saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, bassist William Parker, and percussionist Mahmoud Gania. Since 1991, he has also performed a semi-annual solstice celebration with fellow Chicago percussionist Michael Zerang.

Amir ElSaffar
Composer, trumpeter, santur player, vocalist, and bandleader Amir ElSaffar has been described in the New York Times as “the celebrated trumpeter and composer who explores vital connections between jazz and Arabic music.” A recipient of the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award and US Artist Fellowship, and Hodder Fellowship at Princeton University, ElSaffar has earned an international reputation for his work combining jazz and western classical music with the microtonal Maqam music of Iraq and the Middle East. He currently leads four critically-acclaimed ensembles: The 17-piece Rivers of Sound Orchestra; Two Rivers, which combines the musical languages and instrumentation of Iraqi Maqam and contemporary jazz; the Amir ElSaffar Quintet, performing ElSaffar’s microtonal compositions with standard jazz instrumentation; Safaafir, the only ensemble in the US performing and preserving the Iraqi Maqam in its traditional format; and The Alwan Ensemble, the resident ensemble of Alwan for the Arts, specializing in classical music from Egypt, the Levant, and Iraq. In addition, he has worked with jazz legends Cecil Taylor and Archie Shepp, and prominent jazz musicians, Danilo Perez, Mark Dresser, Gerry Hemingway, Marc Ribot, Henry Grimes, and Oliver Lake.

Arun Ramamurthy
Arun Ramamurthy is a multifaceted violinist, composer and educator based in Brooklyn, NY, and is a disciple of the celebrated Carnatic violinist brothers, Sri Mysore Nagaraj & Dr. Mysore Manjunath and the esteemed violinist Sri Ananthakrishnan. He is a versatile artist, performing internationally in both traditional Carnatic and Hindustani settings as well as bridging genres with his own innovative projects like the acclaimed Arun Ramamurthy Trio. Arun is a recipient of Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works commission, and will premiere the original work end of 2022. Arun has shared stages with luminaries like Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna, Sudha Ragunathan, Subhankar Banerjee, Reggie Workman, Kenny Werner, Jamey Haddad, Amir ElSaffar among others. Arun’s music has brought him prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Celebrate Brooklyn and more. Arun is a co-founder of Brooklyn Raga Massive, a collective of forward thinking musicians rooted-in and inspired-by the classical music of India. He also created the popular concert series Carnatic Sundays at Cornelia Street Café, an iconic jazz venue in New York’s West Village. As an educator, Arun teaches students ranging from beginners to professional musicians in Indian music performance, technique and theory. He has taught workshops on Indian classical music at music schools, universities, conservatories and summer music programs.

ABOUT JAZZTOPAD FESTIVAL
Founded in 2004 and held annually at the National Forum of Music in Wrocław, Jazztopad has grown into one of Europe’s leading festivals for improvised music. Since Artistic Director Piotr Turkiewicz took the reins in 2008, the festival has distinguished itself through long-term creative partnerships, high-profile commissions, and its embrace of the unknown—favoring artistic process and experimentation over familiar formats.
Jazztopad has organized satellite editions around the world—from Tokyo and Seoul to Vancouver and Istanbul—in partnership with such prestigious festivals as the Jarasum International Jazz Festival, Tokyo Jazz Festival, Akbank Jazz Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival. In New York, the festival has become known for its mix of marquee premieres and underground energy, capturing the spirit of Poland’s music scene while embedding itself in the cultural life of the city.
What sets Jazztopad apart is its commitment to commissioning original works, with over 50 pieces premiered since 2008. These include orchestral works, string quartet commissions, and solo chamber projects by such luminaries as Wayne Shorter, Wadada Leo Smith, Charles Lloyd, Craig Taborn, Joëlle Léandre, Jason Moran, William Parker, Nicole Mitchell, and James Brandon Lewis. These pieces often explore new compositional terrain, with a particular interest in placing improvising soloists into dynamic relationships with classically trained ensembles, including the in-house Lutosławski Quartet and Wrocław’s full symphony orchestra.
Turkiewicz has also placed a special focus on bringing together musicians from disparate traditions—uniting improvisers, contemporary classical composers, folk musicians, and artists working in electronic and experimental formats. The result is a curatorial vision that thrives on dialogue, surprise, and transformation.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
The National Forum of Music (NFM) in Wrocław is one of Europe’s premiere cultural institutions, housing 11 in-house ensembles and presenting concerts in a state-of-the-art, 1,800-seat concert hall. In addition to Jazztopad, the NFM presents leading events across classical, early, and experimental music.
The Polish Cultural Institute New York supports and promotes Polish arts and culture in the U.S. through partnerships with major festivals, cultural institutions, and venues across New York and beyond.

ABOUT THE SPONSORS
NFM, Polish Cultural Institute in NY, Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Culture.pl) and Japan Foundation.

https://instytutpolski.pl/newyork/2025/04/22/jazztopad-festival-new-york-2025/

Hot Club Gallois at Insole Court, Cardiff.

Date: Friday, June 13, 2025

Featuring: Hot Club Gallois

More details

From;
https://www.facebook.com/events/554055730911696

Event by Insole Court, Hot Club Gallois and Xenia Violin
Insole Court
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

Join us for a swinging concert at this stunning venue.
Doors are at 7pm for concert at 7.30pm.
Locally homemade cakes by Sadie Bakes and drinks will be available to purchase during the interval.

Hot Club Gallois are a dynamic 4-piece gypsy-jazz band based in South Wales playing the hottest picks of the Swing Era.
Seen us before? We’ve added lots of new tunes and songs to our repertoire since we last performed in Cardiff!

Their irresistible mix of fiery violin, lyrical vocals, virtuosic guitar and stomping bass has thrilled crowds around the British Isles and is guaranteed to get the audience sizzling!

Their set contains Django Reinhardt classics, swing-flavoured jazz standards, gypsy jazz twists on modern classics and some Hot Club Gallois originals.
From gypsy to jitterbug, ballads to bolero, Hot Club Gallois will transport you to the swirling dance halls and gypsy camps of Paris in the 1930’s and 40’s.

https://ticketlab.app/event/28527#/

Insole Court
55 Fairwater Road
Cardiff, CF5 2LN

Jay Azzolina / Terence Collie Duo at Jazz on the Plaza, Café Yukari, Kew, London.

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025

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We have received the following information regarding this event;

Sunday 29 June 7.30 pm
Jazz on the Plaza
Café Yukari, Kew

Jay Azzolina - Guitar
Terence Collie - Piano
£20 in advance, £25 on the door

Join us for a special edition of Jazz on the Plaza as we welcome acclaimed guitarist Jay Azzolina as this month’s featured guest. A world-class player with deep roots in the New York jazz scene, Jay has performed and recorded with legendary artists such as Michael Brecker, Dave Samuels, Spyro Gyra and Chuck Loeb. Now based in Fishguard, Wales, Jay brings his soulful, inventive style to this intimate duo concert with pianist Terence Collie. Expect a night of expressive interplay, rich harmonies and inspired improvisation in the intimate and cosy Cafe Yukari. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear one of jazz’s finest guitar voices up close.

Mood Indigo Events are run by Kingston based vocalist Janet McCunn and Hampton based pianist Terence Collie combining their efforts to bring great jazz music to SW London and beyond. This is all done without any funding and is reliant solely on your continued support in attendance at our events.
https://www.moodindigoevents.co.uk/

Neighbourhood Café Yukari
110 North Road
Kew,
Richmond,
London,
TW9 4HJ

The Fabulous Red Diesel at Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zedel, London.

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/the-fabulous-red-diesel/

The Fabulous Red Diesel
Date
16 Jun,09:15 PM
Price (At The Venue)
£18
Duration(approx)
80 Minutes

The Fabulous Red Diesel will sweep you off your feet. Kat Lee-Ryan belts out raw soul with Bush/Mitchel-esque lyrics over the grooviest arrangements of original funk, Latin, soul, gypsy punk and swing. There are trumpets, a flute and even a tuba when one is required. You come away from a gig feeling like you have met friends, the vibe is so infectious. You will smile like a loon, sing along and dance like nobody’s watching. Their current album ‘Goddess The Seahorse’ has been featured on Jazz FM, they have sold out Upstairs at Ronnie Scotts three times.

‘Think Eartha Kitt meets Tina Turner, tone it down a tone then add a touch of a mother tigress and you have some idea of how Kat‘s voice purrs, roars and can also turn up the sassiness like a Vaudeville star- and all while staying perfectly in tune. It is unique.”‘

“An insouciant playfulness that’s fully in accord with jazz tradition.” – Jazz Journal

“Light-hearted lyrical lines, echoed by the keyboard and supported by a tight ensemble. This is smile-defying music and lifts the heart.” – Sammy Stein

“This band has made it onto my list of bands I need to see as soon as I physically possibly can” – Deb Grant, JazzFM/6 Music

020 7734 4888
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
20 Sherwood Street,
London, W1F 7ED.

Stella Cole at Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Saturday 15 November, Saffron Hall

Stella Cole
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Stella Cole — the dazzling vocalist breathing new life into the Great American Songbook with vintage charm, modern flair, and show-stopping style.

Tickets here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/stella-cole-2

SAFFRON WALDEN Saffron Hall,
Audley End Road
CB11 4UH

K-Music Festival 2025, various venues, London.

Dates: Wednesday, October 01, 2025 - Thursday, November 20, 2025

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We have received the following information regarding this event;

1 October - 20 November 2025

K-Music Festival 2025

From 1 Oct to 20 Nov, the K-Music Festival returns with its most ambitious line-up, celebrating the richness and innovation of Korean music like never before! Explore bold boundary-pushing sounds, from powerful post-rock and experimental jazz to immersive ritual performances and world-premiere orchestral works. ⁠

Further information and tickets here;
https://serious.org.uk/k-music-2025

Booker T. Jones at Koko, London.

Dates: Monday, August 04, 2025 - Tuesday, August 05, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

As leader of the legendary Booker T. & The MG’s, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, GRAMMY lifetime achievement award recipient Booker T. Jones is arguably the most famous Hammond B3 player in History.

Working alongside Otis Redding, Albert King and more at Stax Records, Booker T. Jones has also worked with Willie Nelson, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Bill Withers and countless others.

Do not miss this chance to catch one of the finest musicians of all time as part of the Ace Records 50th Anniversary Concerts Series.

Tickets here;
https://agmp.seetickets.com/tour/booker-t-jones

KOKO, London NW1 7JE

Brecon Jazz Club presents ‘Jazz & More’  with Community Music Network Tån Cerdd at The Muse Arts Centre, Brecon.

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Tån Cerdd Music Night
BJC presents ‘Jazz & More’ 
with Community Music Network Tån Cerdd
Tuesday 10 June, 7.30pm - special earlier start
Tickets only £10 & PWYC (£12 door)
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/breconjazz-jazzlivecymru/t-rpngqak

This month we have an invited quartet mixed with community & professional performers.
Expect swing, soul, the delightful vocal notes of Ella & Nina, some great instrumentals and voices.
We’re giving young people and emerging artists a ‘stage’ to promote & perform at BJC
TICKETS £10 ADV https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/breconjazz-jazzlivecymru/t-rpngqak

Our project LLWYFAN / PLATFORM - preparing for performance on Brecon stages is helping provide opportunitives for new promoters and performers in JAZZ to develop their practice in front of a live audience

Supported by the Margaret & Gwendoline Davies Sisters Charity.

BRECON JAZZ CLUB
MUSE ARTS CENTRE
Glamorgan St.
Brecon, LD3 7DW

Jazz Connections: Everyday Lives - Exhibition featuring the work of jazz scholar Dr Pedro Cravinho & photographer Brian Homer at Library of Birmingham Foyer, Centenary Square, Birmingham.

Dates: Friday, June 06, 2025 - Thursday, August 28, 2025

More details

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here has provided the following information regarding this event;

Jazz Connections: Everyday Lives
Library of Birmingham Foyer, Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2ND
Friday 6th June - Thursday 28th August

An exhibition featuring photographs and quotes from musicians involved in the Birmingham jazz and improvised music scene opens on Friday at the Library of Birmingham. The material is from three collaborative research projects, which brought together jazz scholar Dr Pedro Cravinho & photographer Brian Homer. The combination of photographs and interview quotes provides distinct insights into how active members of the local jazz scene view themselves and the scene, and how they negotiate their lives while developing their professional, musical and other careers.



The launch on Friday, 1:30pm - 4pm includes a short presentation and discussion followed by a duo performance led by Sam Slater. The launch has been arranged so you can follow it up with the 5pm ‘Free Jazz Fridays’ performance by the RBC Jazz and Salsa Orchestra at Symphony Hall and then the Magpie Trio at 8pm at 1000 Trades.

More information at;
https://www.brianhomer.com/everyday-jazz-life-project/

John Law’s Re-Creations at Music Spoken Here, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Featuring: John Law’s Re-Creations

More details

From;

June 26 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
John Law’s Re-Creations
The Marrs Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire.

Familiar music re-imagined through an exceptionally accomplished jazz quartet

We’re wrapping up our summer program of exceptional jazz, funk & fusion with a covers band like no other! Re-Creations began as a fun project from pianist John Law, with the aim of playing lots of different tunes from different genres. It very quickly developed artistically to the point that it began to rival Law’s contemporary originals project ‘Congregation’ in terms of artistic excellence and spontaneous creativity.

The arrangements became more complex and interesting, while the fact that audiences almost always knew the tunes meant that the group was at the same time very accessible.

Along with some jazz classics, their repertoire includes pop, rock and indie from Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Jam, Stevie Wonder and Radiohead and maybe the occasional well-known classical piece, all re-interpreted by this talented and accomplished jazz quartet featuring Parliamentary Jazz Award winning saxophonist Sam Crockatt, joined by Henrik Jensen on bass and Alex Goodyear on drums.

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our fortnightly events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £10-15.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/

The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester,
Worcestershire WR1 1TA

Dreamscapes at Music Spoken Here, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025

More details

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/dreamscapes/

Dreamscapes
June 12 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Post-fusion, nu-jazz ensemble creating a musical experience of true freedom

DREAMSCAPES is a young UK-based post-fusion, nu-jazz ensemble formed by London-based guitarist Julien Durand. Drawing from a wide range of influences, their sound is immersive and rich in texture, creating a musical experience of true freedom.

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our fortnightly events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £10-15.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/

The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester,
Worcestershire WR1 1TA

Electric instruments and effects craft expansive soundscapes that shift from serene, ambient moments to powerful prog-rock grooves. Known for blending multiple songs into one, DREAMSCAPES seamlessly combine improvisation with intricate structures, pulling audiences into a deep, multi-layered journey. Each performance is distinct, offering an experience that’s as much felt as heard.

Following the release of their debut three-track EP in January 2024 that includes two original pieces and the band’s take on ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’, the band performed at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and EFG London Jazz Festivals last year and toured in September performing in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Kidderminster, Birmingham, Sheffield, London and Bristol.

The six-piece band features vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels and sees the return of saxophonist George Garford to The Marrs Bar following his first appearance with the Torin Davis Quartet in September last year. The line is completed with Cenk Esen on keys, John Jones on bass and Jack Robson on drums.

Summer Sounds feat. Nitin Sawhney, Poppy Ajudha, Sarathy Korwar a.o.  at Cliffe Castle, Keighley. Yorkshire.

Date: Sunday, August 03, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Sunday 3 August, Cliffe Castle, Keighley, Bradford
Summer Sounds

Part of Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations, join us at Summer Sounds, an all-day music festival across two stages in Cliffe Castle Park featuring singer-songwriters, poets, DJs, producers and big bands who will mix afrobeat, drum ’n’ bass, jazz and much more.

Further information and tickets here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/summer-sounds

East Neuk Festival feat, Tom Smith Septet, Euan Stevenson Trio a.o. , various locations, Fife.

Dates: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - Sunday, June 29, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

Multi-genre festival. Jazz performers include the Tom Smith Septet and the Euan Stevenson Trio.

For further information please visit;
http://www.eastneukfestival.com

Daylight Music feat. The Memory Band, Lisa Knapp + Lucine Musaelian, lunchtime event at St. John’s, Leytonstone, London.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

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We have received the following information regarding this event;

A Midsummer Celebration of the Sun with The Memory Band, Lisa Knapp + Lucine Musaelian this June

The Memory Band, Lisa Knapp + Lucine Musaelian | Saturday 21 June at St John’s Leytonstone, E11 1HH | midday to 2pm |buytickets.at/arcticcircle/1707590

The midsummer solstice, the longest of days and the shortest of nights. A time of congregation and celebration.

‘O as I walked out one mid-summer’s morning,
For to view the fields and the flowers so gay,
’Twas there on the banks of the sweet primroses,
That I beheld a most pleasant maid.’

On June 21st The Memory Band will assemble at the parish church of St John’s Leytonstone for a ‘Celebration of the Sun’ inspired by the midsummer radio mix the band produced for 6music’s Freak Zone Playlist last year. Across the afternoon you will experience solo performances from Armenian viola da gamba singer and storyteller Lucine Musaelian, plus BBC Folk Award winning singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Lisa Knapp. The Memory Band themselves will bring a four-piece band to perform songs ancient and modern in their own style with Liza Bec on recorders and dulcitone, Olie Brice on double bass and the voice of Hannah Caughlin alongside the band’s leader Stephen Cracknell on guitar and vocals.

Since the release of their first EP in 2003 The Memory Band been navigating their own path through the folk music landscape of the digital age. Led by producer Stephen Cracknell with a fluid cast of collaborators, they blend the traditional with the modern, the sacred with the profane and over two decades their adventure has produced six studio albums. They have a long history of performing music from Paul Giovanni’s soundtrack to The Wicker Man as well as other film and archive related projects. In 2024 The Memory Band released Never The Same Way Twice and A Common Treasury - two volumes of unreleased archive recordings on their own Hungry Hill label - and in 2025 make their return to live performance.

BBC Folk Award winning folk-singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Lisa Knapp’s solo career began back in 2007 with her remarkable debut, Wild & Undaunted (2017), which marked her out as one of the most innovative figures of a newly invigorated British folk movement. Till April is Dead - A Garland of May (2017), was the result of her long-held fascination with the traditional practices erupting across the UK during the month of May. Lisa’s most recent release, Hinterland is as part of a duo with her partner, Gerry Diver, has garnered 5* reviews in Songlines and Guardian. “Folk at its most exalted” Observer, “ A marvel” MOJO.

Lucine Musaelian is a viola da gamba player, singer, and songwriter who will perform a programme of self-accompanied music. Her practice is inspired by Armenian ashugh storytelling traditions and by women of the 16th Century Ferrarese court, who accompanied themselves on instruments like the viola da gamba. The programme will combine these traditions to tell a story about love, loss and redemption.

‘Today bright Phoebus she smiled down on me for the very first time;
For the very first time she smiled on me.’

Tickets;
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arcticcircle/1707590

St John’s, Leytonstone
St John the Baptist, 825 High Rd Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 1HH.

Small Blue, lunchtime event at The Guildford Institute, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025

More details

Martin Collins of Guildford Jazz writes;

Monday 16 June 2025: June Lunchtime Jazz: “Small Blue”
Small Blue is a jazz trio led by drummer/composer Martin Pyne with Marianne Windham on bass and David Beebee on piano. The group’s debut album, The Stealthy Moon, was released in February 2024 to enthusiastic critical acclaim. Small Blue’s music is intimate, but ranges far and wide in mood and tempo, taking in heartfelt ballads, mysterious grooves, evocative atmospheres and melodic swing along the way.
At The Guildford Institute, Ward St, North St, Guildford GU1 4LH. Lunch is available from 12 to 2pm, and the performance is a single one-hour set from 2 to 3pm,
Tickets: £12 (Discounts for members and students) https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk/

Tim Whitehead & Tony Woods Quintet at Guildford Jazz, Guildford Pavilion, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

More details

Martin Collins of Guildford Jazz writes;

Wednesday 11 June 2025: Tim Whitehead & Tony Woods Quintet
Tim Whitehead and Tony Woods are two of the UK’s finest saxophonists. Their styles are contrasting yet complementary, and they have been described as “blood brothers
in music”. With fantastic chemistry between these two great players, this will be an evening of exciting and passionate exchanges between two masters. With Simon Cook on piano, Martin Pyne on drums and percussion and Marianne Windham on bass.
From 19.15 to 22.30 at Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road GU1 4RP.
Tickets £20 (Discounts for Members and Students) https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Music Spoken Here Sunday Service feat. Danni Mayers at The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025

More details

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/events/

Sunday Service: Danni Mayers
June 29 @ 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Danni has created a unique sound mixing reggae, RnB and gospel to deliver passionate vocals and weave soulful melodies.

Born in Manchester UK, Danni Mayers has spent the last 20+ years carving out a career as a session vocalist recording, performing and supporting a vast array of artists from around the globe including Loose Ends, Omar, The Lisa Marie Experience, Tippa Irie, Susan Cadogan Sugar Minott, Luciano, Backyard Dog, Sixth Revelation, Etana and Beenie Man. Danni has toured Europe playing at some of Europe’s biggest festivals including Summer Jam, Chiemsee (Germany), Rototom (Italy) and Cheltenham Jazz festival.

As a solo artist, Danni’s debut single “Summer Love” was released in July 2018. She performed headline shows at Pizza Express Live (Holborn) and The Jam House in Birmingham last year and has released further singles “Monday Blues” and “I Am Blessed”. Danni is no stranger to The Marr’s Bar either – she appeared as a guest vocalist when her husband Reed Bass performed for us in December 2023.

Her music has been described as a meeting of Jean Carne, Bob Marley and Erykah Badu in an urban UK city. Mixing Reggae, RnB and Gospel, Danni has created a unique sound to deliver passionate vocals and weave soulful melodies that you can’t help humming along to.

For this gig, Danni will be performing her own songs and some choice covers with her full, seven-piece band.

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £12.

The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 1TA

The Full House Brass Band at Black Mountain Jazz, Melville Centre, Abergavenny.

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/the-full-house-brass-band

The Full House Brass Band
Sun 29 Jun |  Melville Theatre

Time & Location
29 Jun 2025, 20:00 – 22:30
Melville Theatre, 4 Pen-Y-Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD, UK

About the event

Bounce to the beat of the big bass drum and sousaphone in this homage to the New Orleans Brass Tradition. The ringing bells of the horns will sing out loud and proud and one great party will be had.

Heavily influenced by legendary groups like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, and the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, every Full House gig is a main event. Expect soulful horns, infectious rhythms, and an unstoppable groove.

If you’re a true connoisseur of NOLA music, Full House Brass Band is a must-see.

Website Links:

http://www.jackmacsax.com/groups/fullhousebrassband

Tickets
Ticket type
General Admission
Price
From £8.50 to £19.00

Standard
£19.00

Friends of BMJ
£17.00

Under 18’s
£8.50

Black Mountain Jazz presents Jazz Pick ‘n’ Mix at the Revibe Fest, Melville Centre, Abergavenny.

Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/jazz-pick-n-mix-at-the-revibe-fest

Jazz Pick ‘n’ Mix at the Revibe Fest
Sun 15 Jun |  Melville Theatre

Time & Location
15 Jun 2025, 19:00 – 22:00
Melville Theatre, 4 Pen-Y-Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD, UK

About the event

The Melville Centre’s Revibe Festival promises a weekend full of cultural vibrancy, running from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June. Capping off the festivities in style, Black Mountain Jazz has been invited to present the festival’s final event: Jazz Pick ‘n’ Mix - a dynamic evening showcase in the theatre.

This closing performance aims to take audiences on a musical journey full of twists, turns and toe-taps. Jazz Pick ‘n’ Mix will aim to celebrate the diversity of jazz, from familiar standards to unexpected contemporary interpretations. The programme promises a seamless flow of live music, reflecting the genre’s wide-ranging styles and moods.

Musicians from various corners of the jazz scene will take the stage, offering an evening built on variety and spontaneity. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz lover or a curious newcomer, the showcase is designed to appeal to all; those who want to soak in the full three hours or those simply wishing to ‘drop by for a taste’.

Importantly, the event is free to attend, inviting anyone and everyone to come along, enjoy a drink, and immerse themselves in the sounds of jazz.

As with the rest of the Revibe Festival line-up, a key aim of this performance is to raise awareness of what’s available at The Melville and to encourage wider community engagement.

Whether you’re there to discover new musical flavours or to simply unwind to some great live music, Jazz Pick ‘n’ Mix promises to be a lively, engaging, and possibly even
perspective-changing finale to a weekend of creative celebration.

Double bill: Karim Saber Quintet + Louis Sheridan Wildi Quintet at World Heart Beat, Embassy Gardens, London,

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Featuring: Karim Saber Quintet

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Double
bill: Karim Saber Quintet + Louis Sheridan Wildi Quintet, Saturday 20 September 2025 (7:30pm) (jazz)

Born and raised in London, British/Iranian guitarist Karim Saber is steadily building a profile as both a performer and composer to watch. Known for his instrumental prowess and creativity, he established his Quintet, which features four of London’s most virtuosic and in-demand young musicians in 2021.

Drawing inspiration from a blend of players such as Dick Oatts, Keith Jarrett and John Coltrane, Louis’ sound and improvising reflect a deep engagement within both the traditional and conceptual field. Louis and his band will be performing original compositions and standards, shaped in a modern aesthetic, blending spiritual soundscapes with nods to the bebop tradition as well as latin/world influences.

Tickets;
https://worldheartbeat.org/events/double-bill-karim-saber-quintet-louis-sheridan-wildi-quintet/

World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Road, London, SW11 7BD

Michael Dease at Smalls Jazz Club, New York City, USA.

Dates: Friday, June 20, 2025 - Saturday, June 21, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

GIG ALERT:

Trombonist Michael Dease Celebrates the Release of City Life Smalls
New York City
Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, 2025
Shows at 9PM and 10:30PM
Tickets Available Online
https://www.smallslive.org/events/30010-michael-dease-city-life-quintet/

On City Life, Available June 20 on Origin Records, Dease Captures a Vibrant, Gritty, Fast-Moving Portrait of NYC’s Urban Jungle on City Life, a New Double Album of Songs by Gregg Hill

City Life Features a Trio with Linda May Han Oh, Jeff “Tain” Watts and Quintet Adding Geoffrey Keezer and Nicole Glover

Trombonist Michael Dease performs at Smalls in New York City on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21. Shows are at 9PM and 10:30PM. Tickets available are available here. Joining Dease are tenor saxophonist Julieta Eugenio, pianist Arcoiris Sandoval, bassist Jonathan Hilliard and drummer Maria Marmorou.

On June 30, 2025, Dease will release the album City Life via Origin Records. Dease and composer Gregg Hill both served their time in New York City, formative years that provide the patchwork of colors and emotions that make up Dease’s latest album of Hill’s compositions that make up the multi-faceted album

“We all become New Yorkers once we spend some time in the city,” Dease says. “Of course there’s that element of sophistication that we all rise to meet, but no matter how cultured you become, you can’t get away from the grit and the rawness that New York exhibits.”

City Life is the third album that Dease and composer Gregg Hill have crafted together – this one staggering double album primarily focused on the compositions of the prolific Mr. Hill. Both feature the stellar rhythm section of bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, a first-time pairing whose bristling chemistry was a keen stroke of intuition on Dease’s part. For the second album they form the core of a remarkable quintet with pianist Geoffrey Keezer and tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover. Special guests include the trombonist’s daughter, Brooklyn Dease, and his former student, bassist Jared Beckstead-Craan.

These collaborators, and the carefully selected repertoire, bring out a different side of the acclaimed trombonist than many listeners might be used to. Dease is revered as one of the most versatile voices of his generation, but he’s best known as a modern-day torchbearer for the jazz tradition. City Life doesn’t deviate from that tradition so much as detour into some of its more adventurous pathways, with Dease displaying a more rough-hewn and fiery approach while maintaining his virtuosic agility.

“This project feels a bit like taking the gloves off,” Dease says. “It’s all based on that unpolished, risky feeling that you encounter in the city. These days I go back with much more money than I had when I lived there, but you still get sideswiped by a car, you still step in a puddle at the curb, you still get told to go to hell. There’s no way to escape that power that New York City possesses.”

Marc Ribot Quartet, “Hurry Red Telephone” at The Jazz Cafe, Camden, London.

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025

More details

Thursday 17 July, Jazz Cafe
Marc Ribot Quartet “Hurry Red Telephone
This July, catch Marc Ribot Quartet “Hurry Red Telephone” live at Jazz Cafe. The legendary guitarist performs with his quartet of Ava Mendoza (guitar), Sebastian Steinberg (bass) and Chad Taylor (drums).

Tickets here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/marc-ribot-quartet-hurry-red-telephone

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2025, various venues, Edinburgh.

Dates: Friday, July 11, 2025 - Sunday, July 20, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release;

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2025

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns in 2025, ready to electrify the city with ten days of world-class music. From Friday 11 to Sunday 20 July, the capital will come alive as venues across Edinburgh host an incredible line-up of jazz and blues artists from around the globe. Whether you’re a festival regular or a first-time visitor, prepare for a genre-spanning celebration - from bebop to boogie-woogie, funk to soul, trad to techno, swing to searing blues-rock. There’s something for every musical mood in this year’s programme. 

From Fri 11 – Sun 20 July, the festival will feature: 

·     

More than 100 events taking place across the city

·     
A return to The Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square

·     
Edinburgh Festival Carnival – Edinburgh’s largest multi-cultural event

·     
Edinburgh Napier University Jazz Summer School

·     
A host of interactive events including workshops, kid’s events, masterclasses and a talk

No other festival covers jazz and blues, across all the styles, with such depth and quality, and with so many unique events. Acclaimed American guitarist Julian Lage, leading lights of the British and Irish blues scene Elles Bailey and Muireann Bradley, mesmerising singer Anaïs Reno and the techno brilliance of LBT are highlights of the programme. These names join the previously announced gigs from world-renowned singer Curtis Stigers, American blues star Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Scotland’s own Colin Steele and corto.alto.

EJBF prides itself on promoting live events all over the city with highlights including award-winning blues artist Stacy Mitchhart in Oxgangs, Luxembourg quartet Saxitude in Murrayfield, and a jazz party at The Pitt Street Food Market.

This year’s international showcases introduce some exciting new names to the festival as we collaborate with partners in Poland and Luxembourg. 

Our Polish Jazz Focus shines the spotlight on compelling mix of voices including visionary pianist Joanna Duda, trailblazing all-women ensemble O.N.E., vocalist Aga Zaryan’s trademark intimacy and nuance and Pawel Kaczmarczyk Trio, an unmissable piano trio. Acclaimed saxophonist Marta Wajdzik joins Alan Benzie in a Polish/Scottish musical meeting. Finally, the stellar Maciej Obara presents a masterclass whilst Piotr Smith talks about the history. This series is part of the 2025 UK/Poland Season organised by the British Council.

Our SPARK programme presents the best in jazz from Luxembourg with a programme curated in association with Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg. We will welcome a host of new generation of artists who are making waves across the European modern jazz scene. We look forward to introducing Veda Bartinger, Maxime Bender Trio, Michel Meis and Joel Metz (who performs with Scotland’s Brodie Laird-Jarvie) to Edinburgh audiences. 

Scottish artists are the beating heart of our programme, and we feature an array of new and exciting bands, projects and commissions including Nathan Somevi’s Afro-jazz playlist, Emma Smith’s tribute to carers and Paul Harrison pays homage to Keith Jarrett’s legendary Köln Concert. Collaborations include Martin Taylor, who performs with Sweden’s Ulf Wakenius and Mathew Kilner with German drummer Gerwin Eisenhauer. We also give a voice to the new wave of Scottish jazz including Unoma Okudo, TAO and Gaia Jeannot.

As part of a series of interactive events, the festival presents digital music making workshops from Stu Brown, as well as two shows for young music fans with Jazz For Kids and Sound Explorers, both courtesy of Sue McKenzie, as well as talks, masterclasses, jam sessions and more.

The Edinburgh Festival Carnival, Scotland’s largest and most flamboyant multicultural event, returns to the city centre on Sunday 13 July with over 750 participants from across the globe and from the heart of Edinburgh. The Carnival programme will be released on Thursday 12 June.

The full programme will be live from noon on Tuesday 29 April at http://www.ejbf.co.uk and live on social media Facebook| Instagram

Chair of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Councillor Jason Rust said:
“I am delighted that the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns for 2025 with an exciting programme that sees us presenting our events at iconic venues right across the city, including a welcome return to The Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square. The festival spans a huge range of styles and specialisms, and features familiar faces, new names and everything in-between. I am proud to see us celebrating the history of the artform in Edinburgh while supporting the brightest and best young talent in Scotland.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland commented:
“This year’s festival takes giant steps towards connecting audiences to all styles of jazz and blues from the past, present and future. Reaching out through a wider network of venues spread across the city, it builds bridges between some of Scotland’s greatest musicians and international partner countries in Europe and beyond. The carnival draws from our grassroots communities to present a global portrait of modern Scotland, where traditions become richer and music more diverse. The 2025 festival is the first to be supported through Creative Scotland’s Multi Year Funding programme, which puts this essential event on a stable three-year footing at a time when Scotland’s jazz sector is overflowing with talent and attracting attention from all over the world.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:
“It’s great to see so many talented musicians from Scotland and around the world collaborating and converging in Edinburgh once again.  The breadth of this year’s programme, which includes gigs, workshops and events for people of all ages in so many venues across the city, underlines why this festival is held in such high esteem internationally.

“The Scottish Government is proud to continue our support for the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. Receiving multi year funding from Creative Scotland for the first time, thanks in part to a record increase in culture spending in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget, will ensure they have certainty and confidence to build on this year’s programme and plan ambitiously for the years ahead.”

http://www.ejbf.co.uk

Gregory Porter at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, New Jersey, USA.

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

Soulful Vocalist Gregory Porter Returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), June 29
Prudential North to Shore Festival + sponsored in part by TD Bank

NJPAC
Prudential Hall
Betty Wold Johnson Stage
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
http://www.njpac.org

NEWARK, NJ — As part of this summer’s highly anticipated Prudential North to Shore Festival, smoother-than-silk 2X GRAMMY® winner GREGORY PORTER returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in a highly anticipated one-night only concert. A vocalist whose rich baritone and masterful artistry have established him as one of the most important jazz voices of his generation, Porter brings his signature blend of jazz, soul, and gospel that has captivated audiences worldwide to Newark, New Jersey. Winner of the 2024 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, rising star vocalist APRIL MAY WEBB will open for Porter with her acclaimed duo: Sounds of A & R.

From his humble beginnings singing in San Diego jazz clubs to selling over a million albums globally, Porter’s musical journey is as inspiring as his performances. His breakthrough album Liquid Spirit earned him his first GRAMMY® Award, with NPR declaring him “America’s Next Great Jazz Singer.” His follow-up Take Me To The Alley secured a second GRAMMY®, confirming his position as his generation’s most soulful jazz artist.

Drawing inspiration from his roots in Southern Gospel and the influence of Nat King Cole, Porter’s performances are a masterclass in emotional depth and musical sophistication. His powerful voice and heartfelt original compositions create an intimate connection with audiences, while his interpretations of jazz standards reveal new depths in familiar classics.

Porter’s performances showcase his extraordinary repertoire, from soul-stirring originals to beloved standards, all delivered with the warmth and authenticity that have become his hallmarks. Backed by a stellar ensemble, this evening promises to be a celebration of jazz at its finest, presented by an artist at the top of his game.

Tickets for Gregory Porter go on sale Friday, March 7, 2025, and can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®     
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/. 

About NJPAC      
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit http://www.njpac.org for more information. 

Breabach at Widcombe Social Club, Bath.

Date: Friday, June 27, 2025

More details

From Nod Knowles of All The Above Promotions;

FRIDAY 27 JUNE
BREABACH
Widcombe Social Club

“As polished as it was passionate, matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse, this was a magnificent set” The Scotsman ★★★★★

“Breabach are in an electrifying new phase – one that illustrates the band’s strength and interest in experimentation. Exhilarating, energetic and accomplished” Songlines ★★★★

Breabach are
Megan Henderson (Fiddle, Vocals, Step Dance)
James Lindsay (Double Bass, Vocals)
Calum MacCrimmon (Bagpipes, Whistle, Bouzouki, Vocals)
Conal McDonagh (Bagpipes, Whistle, Vocals)
Ewan Robertson (Guitar, Vocals, Cajon).

Securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative folk acts, Breabach unite deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative musical ferment of their Glasgow base.

Acknowledging and respecting the origins of both the music they play and the roots of the band whilst embracing the future with new ideas, energy and belief is a key attribute of the band and has remained a constant theme throughout their career.

Breabach’s adventure has included live performances from Sydney Opera House to Central Park NY. They have racked up an impressive array of accolades including five Scots Trad Music Awards, nominations as ‘Best Group’ in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and ‘European Album of the Year’ in The Songlines Music Awards. The band did very well at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in December 2022 with Megan winning Musician of the Year and Breabach winning the top prize of Folk Band of the Year.

Tickets:  £ 20/£18 WSC members
BOOK ONLINE HERE
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/all-of-the-above-amp-bath-jazz-weekend-16630581839

Amser Jazztime Festival at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), Cardiff.

Dates: Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Sunday, June 15, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

From;
https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats-on/our-events/amserjazztime-festival

AmserJazzTime Festival 2025
RWCMD’s annual jazz festival (12-14 June 2025) returns, with new music from some of the most exciting jazz artists from the UK and beyond.

There is also a programme of free performances from RWCMD jazz students, with sets throughout the festival, including the ever-popular AmserJazzTime Friday night session in the Carne Foyer.

Josephine Davies & Satori
Thurs 12 June 2025 7.30pm
Details
Approx. length: 75-85 mins
Venue
Dora Stoutzker Hall
Pricing
£15 / £13
https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats-on/tickets/book?EventInstanceId=479002
Award-winning saxophonist and composer Josephine Davies brings her dynamic ensemble Satori to RWCMD to celebrate the launch of ‘Weatherwards’, their fourth album on Whirlwind Recordings. The music is inspired by Josephine’s Nordic roots in the Shetland Islands and beautifully weaves together the band’s contemporary jazz background with a hauntingly evocative folk influence.
In addition to Satori’s tours around the UK and Europe, Josephine also runs her own jazz orchestra, The Ensō Ensemble, which will soon release their debut album ‘The Celtic Wheel of the Year Suite’ on Ubuntu Records. She is also a member of the Harper Trio, with recent performances at Patras Jazz Festival and the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall, and Espial, a free jazz group with a fully improvised album out last year on Discus Records.
Piano Alcyona Mick
Bass Dave Whitford
Drums Jay Davis
‘The powerful combination of fearless free improvisation and melodic empathy from these gifted players creates a powerful and timely statement.’
Jazz in Europe Magazine

Jazz open day 2025
Friday 13 June 2025
Details
BMus (Hons) Jazz and MA Jazz
Venue
Carne Foyer
Pricing - Free
About the open day
This open day will cover the BMus (Hons) and MA Jazz courses at RWCMD, and will be hosted by Head of Jazz, Andrew Bain.
We want to support you in making an informed decision about where you want to study and have put together an exciting programme of sessions to help guide you.
The Jazz open day has been scheduled for Friday 13 June 2025.
Bookings for our Jazz open day are now open. Book here.
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx

Neil Cowley Trio: Entity Tour
Fri 13 June 2025 7.30pm
Venue
Dora Stoutzker Hall
Pricing
£18 - £20
Unpausing of the Pause
https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats-on/tickets/book?EventInstanceId=450802
The Neil Cowley Trio reunite to perform for the first time in seven years, presenting music from their brand-new album, ‘Entity’, alongside some fan-favourite Cowley classics.
In 2006 the Neil Cowley Trio burst onto the scene with an exciting sound that fizzed with energy; their muscular anthems, galloping grooves and tender moments placed them at the forefront of a new movement in jazz, paving the way for six highly acclaimed albums over ten years. Cowley returns with his close musical allies, bassist Rex Horan and drummer Evan Jenkins in a powerful performance of deeply impassioned music and hooks aplenty with Cowley’s infectious wit and playfulness never far behind.

Norma Winstone & Kit Downes
Sat 14 June 2025 7.30pm
Venue
Dora Stoutzker Hall
Pricing
£17 / £15
ttps://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats-on/tickets/book?EventInstanceId=481802
One of Britain’s finest and most versatile vocal talents and lyricists, Norma Winstone became a notable figure on the British jazz scene during the sixties when she shared the bill at Ronnie Scott’s with Roland Kirk. Since, she has regularly collaborated with the likes of Steve Swallow, Kenny Wheeler, and Dave Holland amongst others, and became known for evolving her own wordless approach to improvisation.
Together with pianist Kit Downes, Norma will bring her poetic sensibilities to new pieces by Downes as well as compositions by Carla Bley, Ralph Towner, and John Taylor, alongside fresh perspectives on two traditional tunes, ‘Black Is The Colour’ and ‘Rowing Home’.
‘I’m looking for words that are already in the music. Always. That’s how I work. And if the words do come, it’s as if they were always there.’ - Norma Winstone

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Castle Grounds
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3ER

Box Office tickets: 029 2039 1391

Jazz on The Lawn feat. The Wonder of Stevie and Liane Carroll Trio at Fulham Palace, London.

Dates: Friday, August 01, 2025 - Saturday, August 02, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.606club.co.uk/events/fulham-palace-1/

JAZZ ON THE LAWN AT FULHAM PALACE
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Welcome to the online home of Jazz on the Lawn at Fulham Palace. With two brilliant nights of music presented on the lawns of this charming historic property first established in AD 704, it’s a delightful way to spend a summer evening.
THE SHOW GOES ON RAIN OR SHINE

Friday 1 August, 2025
Doors 6:30pm :: Show 7:30pm :: Show Ends 10pm
SOME KINDA WONDERFUL PRESENTS: ‘THE WONDER OF STEVIE’ FT. NOEL MCCALLA & DEREK NASH
Some Kinda Wonderful Present Derek Nash Noel McCallaGENERAL ADMISSION
Adults/Youth 11 & Up: £23.00 :: Children 4-10: £14 :: Children 3 & under: Free*
Two of the UK’s finest musicians, saxophonist Derek Nash, singer Noel McCalla and their band come together to celebrate the music of one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Stevie Wonder. An award-winning player, Derek Nash is perhaps best known as one of the featured saxophonists with the Jools Holland Band and leader of the enormously successful “Sax Appeal”. Noel McCalla first came to prominence in the mid 80’s with the seminal Jazz/funk band Morrissey/Mullen, subsequently joining the iconic Manfred Mann’s ‘Earth Band’ with whom he toured and performed for almost 20 years. This is a uniquely powerful, feel-good show!  VIEW VIDEO CLIP
Fulham Palace Jazz on the Lawn“Nash…bravura display of contemporary saxophone” The Observer; “Nash…breathtaking” Sunday Times; “McCalla…spine tingling” Guardian
Tickets may be returned up until 48 hours before the event, after which no cash returns will be available. Tickets may be exchanged for 606 vouchers on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the club.
https://www.606club.co.uk/buy-tickets-friday-1-august-2025/

Saturday 2 August, 2025
Doors 6:30pm :: Show 7:30pm :: Show Ends 10pm
LIANE CARROLL TRIO
Liane Carroll Jazz on the Lawn Fulham Palace
GENERAL ADMISSION Adults/Youth 11 & Up: £23.00 :: Children 4-10: £14 :: Children 3 & under: Free*
The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for Best Vocalist and Best of Jazz, Liane Carroll is a dynamic vocalist and pianist whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. Recognised as one of the finest singer/pianists on the scene, she’s been featured at Glastonbury and worked with the likes of Gerry Rafferty, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Paul McCartney. A world-class performer, Liane’s powerful, blues-tinged voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a truly remarkable show! 
Fulham Palace Lawn“Liane Carroll…she seems in some magical way to be made out of music”” Observer; “Liane Carroll doesn’t just sing jazz. She is jazz” MOJO
Tickets may be returned up until 48 hours before the event, after which no cash returns will be available. Tickets may be exchanged for 606 vouchers on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the club.
https://www.606club.co.uk/buy-tickets-saturday-2-august-2025/

General Information

WEATHER: The show goes on rain or shine.

FOOD AND DRINK: The Club will be hosting a full bar serving beer, wine, champagne & spirits. We’ll also have food available for purchase, details to be announced closer to the event.
However guests are absolutely welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy, as well as beverages including alcohol.

SEATING: This event takes place on the main lawn of Fulham Palace. Chairs and tables are not provided with your ticket though are available to rent in advance for a small fee (we cannot guarantee availability of tables on the night itself unless they are pre-booked). You may also bring your own blanket or low-backed chair if you wish, but Fulham Palace stipulates that they “not damage the Lawn as it is an area of archaeological significance. Therefore, furniture must not dig into the ground, as this could risk damaging the historic site.”

DISABLED ACCESS: Fulham Palace is quite easy to access; the grounds are level and there is a mix of grass with paved and unpaved paths. For more information, visit the Fulham Palace site.

ANIMALS: With the exception of guide dogs, animals are not permitted at Fulham Palace.

PARKING & TRANSPORT:  There are many convenient ways to get to Fulham Palace, and street parking on Bishop’s Avenue is generally available during the event (unless it’s a Fulham FC match day). For detailed instructions, please visit the Fulham Palace Map, Transport & Parking page.

ON SITE SECURITY: For the safety and security of all present, we will be checking the bags of anyone attending the event prior to entry. After passing through security, customers will be provided with a colour-coded wristband to allow them to leave and re-enter the Palace grounds if they wish. Security provided by http://rocknrollsecurity.com/.

*Children are very welcome to attend however must be supervised throughout by an adult, and consideration must be given not to disturb other audience members enjoying the performance.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Tickets may be returned up until 48 hours before the event, after which no cash returns will be available. Tickets may be exchanged for 606 vouchers on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the club. In the event of another Covid-related lockdown forcing us to cancel the event, we will issue refunds for all purchases made up to and until the cancellation date less 20% for fixed costs (costs to suppliers for which we are liable regardless of cancellation). We may also be required to implement specific Covid-related health and safety policies as directed by the Council or other government authority, but are unknown to us at this time. We will update our website as this information becomes available. For any questions regarding the above conditions please contact us at ‘jazz@606club.co.uk”.

Les Égarés:  (Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani ) at Cadogan Hall, London.

Date: Tuesday, October 07, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

SERIOUS PREENTS
Les Égarés: Sissoko, Segal, Parisien & Peirani
Announce Headline Show At Cadogan Hall on 7 October
Tickets available here at 10am on Friday, 4 April
https://serious.org.uk/events/les-egares-sissoko-segal-parisien-peirani

“Les Egarés could be described as jazz as communication, exploration and awareness.” Jazzwise

“Intoxicatingly addictive” - UNCUT

“This is truly fusion music” - The Observer

“If ever there was an argument for jazz being an attitude to music-making rather than a genre, it’s this rare gem” - The Guardian

The stellar quartet featuring Ballaké Sissoko (kora), Vincent Segal (cello), Vincent Peirani (accordion) and Émile Parisien (sax), channel a multitude of influences to irresistible effect. They bring their intoxicating live show to London’s Cadogan Hall on 7 October for a special performance.

Malian musical royalty Ballaké Sissoko is a laureate of the Aga Khan Music Awards 2019 and has spent many years making records with French cellist Vincent Segal that bring together Manding and European chamber traditions. Meanwhile, Émile Parisien and Vincent Peirani have worked together as a saxophone and accordion duo somewhere in the hinterlands of jazz and folk. Their collaborative album, Les Egarés (2023), meaning ‘those who have gone astray’, saw the two pairs combine and recombine in the art of cross-fertilising sounds and transcending genres.

Les Egarés reminds us of the rebelliousness that can be found in a spirit of concord and the extent to which the art of playing together with such fine intelligence can generate an extremely subtle way of lighting a fuse. In Les Egarés, they succeed in reordering the musical landscape to uncover lines of escape of a hitherto unheard beauty.

Serious is one of the UK’s leading producers of live jazz, international and new music through concerts, festivals, tours, digital shows, talent development schemes, learning and participation programmes, and bespoke events for all.

Cadogan Hall
5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
020 7730 4500
http://www.cadoganhall.co.uk

Jazz A Juan, various venues,  Juan-les-Pins, France.

Dates: Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Sunday, July 20, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

Guest contributor Colin May sets the scene;

64th Jazz A Juan

The line up has been announced for this year’s Jazz A Juan. The 64th edition will take place from 10th to 20th July. Herbie Hancock, Jamie Cullum, Dianne Reeves, Gregory Porter and Ibrahim Maalouf are among those scheduled to appear. It will be Herbie Hancock’s 14th appearance at Juan-les-Pins but 13 of the 22 artists or 65 percent of the artists will be making their first appearance at the festival. Among those making their debut in the open air 2800 seat arena will be Robert Plant, and in what is high risk programming for a Jazz festival with a big venue to fill, Emile Londonien, a leading group of French new wave jazz whom I have just enjoyed seeing along the coast in Nice. Review here;
https://www.thejazzmann.com/reviews/review/leon-phal-quintet-emile-londonien-stockfish-nice-france-21-03-2025

In another welcome development, For the first time to my knowledge the programme launch included the latest iteration of the Jammin’ Summer Sessions, the free second stage, that hosts emerging groups several of which impressed at last November’s Jammin’ Juan jazz Market place . I am delighted that Obradovic -Tixier duo whose late night performance at an earlier edition of Jammin’ Juan was riveting, are among the line up. Their 2020 album ‘The Boiling Stories of a Smoking Kettle’ received a four- star review in Jazzwise and was an editor’s choice.
https://www.jazzwise.com/review/obradovic-tixier-duo-the-boiling-stories-of-a-smoking-kettle).

The full day -by -day programme for both venues is available via this link
https://jazzajuan.com/en/programme-jazz-a-juan-2025/

Nice Jazz Festival, various venues, Nice, France.

Dates: Thursday, July 24, 2025 - Sunday, July 27, 2025

More details

Guest contributor Colin May sets the scene;

The programme for this year’s Nice Jazz Festival has been announced.

This year the Nice Jazz Festival will take place in the centre of the city from 24 to 27 July. The Théâtre de Verdure open air stage which is where nearly all the pure jazz happens will see an increase in the number of acts from three to four a night while the bigger Place Masséna stage mainly will have three urban music and pop-oriented acts a night.

There’s a strong retro, or a looking back to look forwards, thread running through this year’s jazz selection. The hundredth anniversary of Oscar Peterson’s birth will be celebrated by a trio led by pianist Sullivan Fortner, Edouard Pennes will present ‘Bird Lives’, manouche jazz stars Stochelo & Mozes Rosenburg will explore the musical legacy of Charlie Chaplin, leading bassist Christian McBride will lead a trio that will remember the Ray Brown Trio, the veteran jazz masters The Cookers will channel the post-bop of the mid- sixties, and the festival will conclude with a Jazz Celebration of the most essential jazz compositions as voted by listeners to TSF Jazz.

The rest of the programme on the Théâtre de Verdure stage is a mix of established and rising stars. Jazz royalty is represented by guitarist John Schofield and by bassist Avishai Cohen and those on the rise include Haitian-American singer Tyreek McDole ad French trumpeter DAOUD whom I enjoyedat the Jammin ‘Juan jazz market in 2023 (https://www.thejazzmann.com/features/article/jammin-juan-2023-palais-des-congress-juan-les-pins-france-8th-to-10th-november-2023.

  British saxophonist Nubya Gacia makes a return to the festival having appeared in 2019.

Full details of the programme are available at:
https://www.nicejazzfest.fr/en/programmation/2025

EFG London Jazz Festival 2025, various venues, London.

Dates: Friday, November 14, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

26/03/2025

We have received the following press release;

SERIOUS
Announce First Names For
EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL 2025
Including Tanita Tikaram, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tune-Yards, Makaya McCraven and Hiromi
14-23 November 2025

Now entering its 33rd year, the global celebration of music, EFG London Jazz Festival, is announcing the first names for its 2025 edition, which takes place from 14-23 November. For 10 days and nights musicians from all over the world will come together in London to perform boundary-pushing music that showcases jazz and its influence across genres and cultures.

Jazz transcends borders, blending various musical traditions around the world and bringing together diverse communities through the shared language of music. EFG London Jazz Festival has always embraced collaborations between musicians from all over the globe with jazz and its surrounding genres’ openness to diversity, creativity and unity, while continuing to evolve and inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.

Grammy and Tony Award-winning Jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater is bringing her WE EXIST! show to the Barbican on Saturday, 15 November. Bridgewater has had a glittering four-decade career reimagining jazz classics, ascending to the upper echelon of vocalists, uniquely spinning standards and taking intrepid leaps of faith.

When she was just 18 years old, Tanita Tikaram achieved worldwide recognition, selling over 4 million of her debut album, ‘Ancient Heart’, defying previous female music stereotypes, and defining her in the eyes of music history. She returns for the first time in 8 years to make a rare performance at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on Saturday, 15 November.

Following the announcement of their new album Better Dreaming, Tune-Yards, the music project of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner, are performing at the EFG London Jazz Festival on 22 November at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. Known for their vibrant fusion of indie pop, Afrobeat and experimental loops, Tune-Yards gained widespread acclaim with w h o k i l l in 2011, which featured the breakout hit “Bizness” and won the Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics’ poll. Tune-Yards’ music is characterised by layered vocals, polyrhythmic beats, and socially conscious lyrics, tackling themes of race, privilege, and politics.

Over more than 20 years as a recording artist, the jazz piano phenomenon Hiromi has shifted seamlessly from one spellbinding project to the next. In the process, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history and a global ambassador for the art form. She performs on Friday, 21 November at the Barbican, which follows her 2023 performance at the same venue for the festival for which The Arts Desk enthused: “as breathtaking for its energy as for its brilliant versatility” in their 5-star review.

A midweek highlight will see the return of Makaya McCraven to the festival following his Sold Out show at the Barbican in 2023, which the Financial Times said was “like being immersed in a recording session in which each song was a master take”. This year, the prodigiously talented drummer and composer takes over KOKO in Camden on Wednesday, 19 November.

At the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Saturday, 15 November is acclaimed Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, and composer, Chris Thile. A multifaceted musical talent, described by The Guardian as “that rare being: an all-round musician,” and hailed by NPR as a “genre-defying musical genius,” Thile is a founding member of the highly influential string bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, and has collaborated with countless luminaries from Yo-Yo Ma to Fiona Apple to Brad Mehldau.

The following night at Cadogan Hall, Kurt Elling and The Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report. Known for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, the two-time Grammy winner brings his one-of-a-kind brand of contemporary lyricism and vocal ingenuity to jazz. This celebration of Weather Report, one of jazz’s great supergroups, will reimagine the fusion band’s iconic songs in addition to new arrangements inspired by their constellation of musicians.

Closing the first weekend on Sunday, 16 November at Village Underground is American Neo Soul star Bilal, who returns to the spotlight following the success of his two album releases in 2024. His latest, Adjust Brightness, is a giant step forward, as Bilal merges his organic, soulful roots with experimental electronic influences inspired by artists like Aphex Twin and Stereolab. Fans can expect an immersive sonic experience that defies genre conventions, as Bilal continues to evolve and refine his unique style.

Trombonist, singer and composer Rita Payés is one of the standout emerging talents of the Sant Andreu Jazz Band, the nucleus from which some of the most promising young musicians on the jazz scene in Spain have emerged in recent years. She performs at the EFG London Jazz Festival for the first time at Union Chapel on Wednesday, 19 November.

At the Union Chapel on Thursday, 20 November is pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie whose music is a unique blend of jazz and Scottish folk inspired by his country’s sublime landscapes. McCreadie’s music captures the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide, with an appeal that extends far beyond the constraints of genre. Also performing that evening is trumpeter and synthesist Laura Jurd whose unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates. Laura’s love of folk traditions can often be heard in her music, alongside a background in classical composition, taking twists and turns that both invite surprise and evoke the inevitable.

Following their Sold Out show at last year’s EFG London Jazz Festival, GeeJay return with their strong, soulful and emotionally-charged songs to Islington Assembly Hall on Thursday, 20 November. Expect vintage jazzy chords and groovy rhythms, with saxophone adding a further element to the melodic mix.

The festival will once again launch at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with Jazz Voice, the glittering opening gala featuring star vocalists reimagining timeless songs for the specially-created EFG London Jazz Festival Orchestra and guest conductor. Taking place on Friday, 14 November, this year’s all-star names will be revealed soon.

EFG London Jazz Festival is a place to explore music and to celebrate the legacy and the future of an inspiring musical universe.

EFG London Jazz Festival Director, Pelin Opcin, said:
“The EFG London Jazz Festival 2025 is all about celebrating global talent, with incredible artists from the UK and around the world performing in venues across London this November. We’re excited to announce the first artists in this year’s lineup, from emerging musicians to iconic performers. As ever, the Festival will feature never-before-seen performances, including one-off collaborations and new commissions. A special thank you to the Festival’s title sponsor, EFG Private Bank, for their continued support; our shared values of innovation, collaboration and diversity are so important to the ongoing success of the Festival. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back in November to experience the unforgettable magic of live music.”

Serious would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of their partners, particularly the extended support of title sponsor EFG, which helps to support the breadth and diversity of the festival. The EFG London Jazz Festival is made possible thanks to the support of many key sponsors and funders, including Arts Council England, Serious Trust, PRSF, BBC Radio 3, Champagne Thienot, Jazzwise Magazine and Jazz FM UK.

EFG London Jazz Festival Shows

14 Nov - Jazz Voice - Royal Festival Hall

15 Nov - We Exist! The Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet - Barbican

15 Nov - Tanita Tikaram - Royal Festival Hall

15 Nov - Chris Thile - Queen Elizabeth Hall

15 Nov - Kurt Elling and The Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report - Cadogan Hall

16 Nov - Bilal - Village Underground

19 Nov - Makaya McCraven - KOKO

19 Nov - Rita Payés - Union Chapel

20 Nov - Fergus McCreadie + Laura Jurd - Union Chapel

20 Nov - GeeJay - Islington Assembly Hall

21 Nov - Hiromi’s Sonicwonder - Barbican

22 Nov - Tune-Yards - Royal Festival Hall

Praise for 2024 edition

“beautifully curated” - The Guardian, ★★★★★

“The incredible musical jamboree of the EFG London Jazz Festival is our yearly reminder that the jazz scene has never been more various” - The Telegraph, ★★★★★

“exceptional” - The Times, ★★★★

“November can be a month to hunker down for the onset of winter and its weather, and where better to do that than in one of the myriad venues across the capital” - The Arts Desk, ★★★★

“there’s a noticeable buzz amongst the crowd amassing” - Clash

Serious is one of the UK’s leading producers of live jazz, international and new music through concerts, festivals, tours, digital shows, talent development schemes, learning and participation programmes, and bespoke events for all.
https://serious.org.uk/

EFG International is a global private banking group offering private banking and asset management services and is headquartered in Zurich. EFG International’s group of private banking businesses operates in around 40 locations worldwide. Its registered shares (EFGN) are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
https://www.efginternational.com/uk

John Scofield’s Long Days Quartet at Union Chapel, Islington, London.

Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

More details

From;
https://agmp.seetickets.com/event/john-scofield-s-long-days-quartet/union-chapel/3280589

John Scofield’s Long Days Quartet featuring John Medeski, Vicente Archer, Ted Poor.

After post pandemic touring of Trios, Duos and Solo, John Scofield has configured a new group for the Summer of 2025.

Calling it the Long Days Quartet in honor of the lengthy daylight hours of July, this group is freshly forming to debut Scofield’s recent groove compositions and revisit some classic Scofield material with modern perspectives.

26 years after their initial association (John Scofield’s A GoGo album) keyboardist John Medeski and John Scofield continue their imaginative collaboration together. Over the decades they’ve followed with three more albums and much touring with Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, Duo work and together in the cooperative project Hudson.

Summer 2025 will unite them with the brilliant and versatile bassist Vicente Archer and a new team member, Seattle based Ted Poor on drums. John played with Ted in the Scary Goldings group and loved it.

An AGMP Concerts presentation.

Union Chapel, London N1 2UN
Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 19:00.
GENERAL ADMISSION £46.75 (£42.50)

Brandon Allen / Alex Garnett Quartet, “Celebrating Tough Tenors” at Cheltenham Jazz Club, The Victory Club Ballroom, Cheltenham, Glos.

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.cheltenhamjazz.co.uk/

THE BRANDON ALLEN / ALEX GARNETT QUARTET “Celebrating Tough Tenors”Exploring the Tenor Battles of the past! Expect Foot Tapping Rhythm, Blues and Classic Hard Bop

WHEN: 8.00 pm, Monday 16th June 2025
WHERE: The Victory Club Ballroom Burlington House, Lypiatt Road Cheltenham.
Tickets: CJ Members £17.00, non members £20.00

Brandon Allen & Alex Garnett – Saxophones, ,Liam Dunachie -  Organ, Matt Home – Drums.             

Saxophonists Brandon Allen and Alex Garnett have been friends and musical sparring partners for well over 20 years. The musical chemistry between them was apparent early on and is still very much the case today, both players inspiring the other to strive for greater heights.

For this particular project, a wide range of saxophone pairings will be celebrated and re-imagined. Some of the more commonly known collaborations will include Dexter Gordon/Wardell Gray, Johnny Griffin/Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis, Sonny Stitt/Gene Ammons and Al Cohn/Zoot Sims. They will also explore lesser known as well as contemporary pairings including David ‘Fathead’ Newman/James Clay, Joe Lovano/Joshua Redman, Seamus Blake/Chris Cheek and Eric Alexander/Grant Stewart.

Expect foot tappin’ rhythm and blues, classic hardbop, high energy modal blowouts, contemporary jazz and gorgeous full toned ballads.

Tickets available on the door or online at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk

https://brandonallen.co.uk/home

https://www.alexgarnettsax.com/profile/

Nick Dewhurst Quartet at Corn Exchange Jazz Club, The Corn Exchange, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.rosscornexchange.co.uk/events-one/the-nick-dewhurst-quintet

The Nick Dewhurst Quartet
Thursday, June 12, 2025
7:30 PM -  9:30 PM

Nick Dewhurst Trumpet, Flugelhorn & Guitar,  will be joined by pianist &  vocalist Tom Lindsay, with Ben Markland on Double & Electric Bass, plus Jonathan Silk on Drums.

Nick Dewhurst is a Jazz Trumpeter, Guitarist, Composer & Music Educator. Based in Lichfield, just north of Birmingham (UK), Nick’s musical portfolio consists of a mixture of live performance, recording and educational work.

In addition to leading his own band (see The Nick Dewhurst Band), Nick’s performance credits include playing with a wide variety of bands and artists (everything from performing with The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, through to recording with the heavy rock group Magnum).

Tickets Here
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/vidlerhospitalityltd/1632716

Corn Exchange
8 High St,
Ross-on-Wye HR9 5HL.

Remi Harris, ‘Man of the World ; The Music of Peter Green’, at The Regal, Tenbury Wells, Worcs.

Date: Saturday, November 01, 2025

Featuring: Remi Harris

More details

From;
https://www.regaltenbury.co.uk/events/man-of-the-world-the-music-of-peter-green-1

Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green
Saturday 1 November 2025
7:30 pm 9:30 pm
Regal Tenbury Trust
49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. , WR15 8AE

Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Nicky Waters on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green’s career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

“A highly enjoyable show that featured some much loved material from the ‘Golden Era’ of the first edition of Fleetwood Mac, alongside some less familiar gems from the Bluesbreakers’ catalogue… The standard of the playing was excellent throughout” thejazzmann.com

“this was a band that brought vivid life to the songs and instrumentals written and performed by Peter Green… The songs were treated with proper respect, but each of the musicians played things with taste and accuracy” Lichfield Live

Budapest Cafe Orchestra at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, Shropshire.

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

More details

From;
https://ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk/event/budapest-cafe-orchestra/

Budapest Cafe Orchestra
June 26 @ 7:30 PM

“Not so much a band name as a whole genre of its own, Budapest Café Orchestra embraces an encyclopaedia of music and mischief.” SCOTSMAN

In 2009 Christian Garrick established the refreshingly unconventional and snappily attired Budapest Café Orchestra. The intention to present a broad range of music from all over the world in the most entertaining and fun way. One of BCO’s prime directives is to take the music seriously but not so much themselves. Part of the secret formula of the BCO’s show presentation is performing all the music from memory and, combined their trademark wit and charm, audiences leave tingling with warmth and delight.
Each member of the orchestra is a freelance musician in their own right. Both Eddie and Adrian teach prolifically for budding school-age musicians. Christian is a professor of jazz violin at Guildhall School of Music, Royal Academy of Music, and Royal College of Music in London. 

From a musical family with jazz and classical learnings Christian Garrick is musical director of BCO and his influences run far and wide. He first discovered Hungarian and Romanian folk and gypsy music listening to Sandor Lakatos and Taraf du Haidouks. Christian’s arrangements for BCO of Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Greig – the so called ‘squeezebox concertos’ – are rooted in BCO folklore. His arrangements of traditional Gaelic tunes on the album The Gaelic Chronicles was met with critical acclaim with the likes of Cerys Matthews and Mark Radcliffe both championing the disc on their respective radio shows. Christian is influenced by a range of fiddlers from Grappelli to Stuff Smith to Indian virtuosos L Shankar and L Subramaniam. Nigel Kennedy, a sometimes collaborator with Christian on stage, described him as “one of my favourite violinists”. Christian’s own unique hybrid playing style, sheer emotional passion and extraordinary improvisational abilities thrills audiences everywhere.

“Your music is really great.” Helena Bonham Carter

“The music is magic in their hands.” Sean Rafferty BBC Radio 3

“Absolutely acoustically electrifying!” Time Out

Back by popular demand, the fiery vivacity and awe-inspiring musicianship of the finest purveyors of Eastern European gypsy music this side of a Lada scrap heap will leave you with a grin on your face and rhythm in your feet…” TIMES

BCO are a tonic to the eardrums and boost to the soul.”

Dinner and a Show!
Bill’’s Kitchen and come along any time after 5.30pm to eat before the show starts – the earlier you come the bigger the menu selection. Please note that due to the popularity of these events you may be invited to share a table with other diners on the night.
For information about the meals, please contact Bill’s Kitchen directly on 01584 877956 or please book via the Bill’s Kitchen meal-deal booking page
https://book.mysimpleerb.com/18403/bills-kitchen-ludlow/?__type=text&__target=nw

Ludlow Assembly Rooms
1 Mill Street
Ludlow
Shropshire
SY8 1AZ

Box Office;
01584 878141

The Neil Coley Big Band at St Mary Magdalene Church, Leintwardine, Herefordshire.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

More details

From;
https://ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk/event/the-neil-coley-big-band-live-in-concert/

The Neil Coley Big Band ‘Live in Concert’
June 21 @ 7:00 PM

Placed in the beautiful church of St Mary Magdalene, Leintwardine, classic tracks from the era of George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and the rest, to modern numbers made popular by the likes of Michael Bublé and Jools Holland. This is a feast of swinging big band music, dazzling instrumental solos and great songs from the band’s nationally acclaimed vocalist Rich Hazlewood.

Running time: 2h 10 incl interval

x1 U18 admitted free with a paying ticketholder – no ticket required

Details
Date:
June 21
Time:
7:00 PM
Event Category:
Music

Venue
St Mary’s, Leintwardine

Will Barnes Trio ft. Dom Franks at Shrewsbury Jazz Network, The Hive Music & Media Centre, Shrewsbury.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Venue

The Hive, Shrewsbury

5 Belmont,
Shrewsbury,
Shropshire.
UK

More details

From;
https://events.hiveonline.org.uk/whats-on/will-barnes-trio-ft-dom-franks/

Will Barnes Trio ft. Dom Franks
Saturday 14th June (Doors open at 7:30pm for an 8pm start)
Tickets £25 / £12 for Under 22s

A consummate guitarist, Will Barnes’s technical brilliance is matched with an innate and versatile musicality. His versatility and virtuosity combine to produce solos with unpredictable excitement, as he draws from his rich palate of influences. This special line-up features former winner of the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Musician of the Year Dom Franks (reeds) alongside a formidable rhythm section of Paul Jefferies (double bass) and Alex Goodyear (drums). The band will explore music inspired by the great guitarists of jazz including Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell.

Evocative, intelligent… contemporary” Ian Mann, JazzMann

Presented by Shrewsbury Jazz Network

10th London Piano Festival at Kings Place, London.

Dates: Thursday, October 09, 2025 - Sunday, October 12, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

We have received the following press release;

Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen announce the programme for the 10th London Piano Festival at Kings Place

Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen announce the programme for the 10th London Piano Festival at Kings Place, featuring three world premieres by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Stephen Hough and Elena Langer

Katya Apekisheva | Janneke Brits | Keelan Carew | Jeremy Chan | Ingrid Fliter | Berniya Hamie | Joseph Havlat | Emile Hinton | Stephen Hough | Julian Joseph | James Kreiling | Ella Lee | Mishka Rushdie Momen | Michael Morpurgo | Nnamdi Nnachi Cole | Ronan O’Hora | Charles Owen | Danny Piers | Zoe Rahman | Steve Rosenberg | Seta Tanyel | Emily Tran | Petroc Trelawny

9-12 October 2025 | Kings Place, London
#LondonPianoFestival

Three world premieres written to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Festival by composers Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Stephen Hough and Elena Langer

The central Gala, featuring co-founders Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva with Stephen Hough, Ingrid Fliter, Ronan O’Hora, Seta Tanyel, Mishka Rushdie Momen, and Joseph Havlat performing four-, six- and eight-handed works

Solo recitals by Ingrid Fliter, Mishka Rushdie Momen, and festival co-founders Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva

A family concert narrated by Michael Morpurgo and featuring Keelan Carew, James Kreiling and Janneke Brits

A masterclass led by Stephen Hough

A showcase of star pianists from the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy

Pre- and post-concert discussions led by Ella Lee, presenter of the Classical Circuit podcast

Pianists and co-Artistic Directors Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen reveal another dynamic line-up for the tenth-anniversary edition of the London Piano Festival (LPF) which returns to Kings Place from 9-12 October 2025. Four days of classical and jazz piano performances will include three world premieres by internationally renowned composers, each commissioned especially for this year’s Festival. The programme sees Ronan O’Hora, and Julian Joseph returning to perform at the Festival, and Stephen Hough, Ingrid Fliter, Keelan Carew, Zoe Rahman, Joseph Havlat, Mishka Rushdie Momen and more making their Festival debuts.

Under 30s tickets are available for all concerts at a reduced price of £10. The Festival is delighted to be working with International Piano magazine as its media partner for the tenth year running.

Co-Artistic Directors Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen commented,
“It is our great pleasure to be announcing the programme for the 10th London Piano Festival alongside the world premiere of three new commissions by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Stephen Hough and Elena Langer. When we first dreamt up the idea of starting a piano festival over a decade ago, we hoped to fill a gap in London’s musical offering by creating a festival devoted exclusively to the piano. Ten years on, having presented nine Festivals featuring over 45 exceptional jazz and classical pianists, we are immensely grateful to continue offering world-class piano performances at our Festival home – Kings Place.”

Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place, commented:
“London Piano Festival is back with an epic programme to mark its 10th anniversary year. This year’s theme, ‘Maturity & Youth’, beautifully reflects the festival’s journey—celebrating a decade of artistic excellence while championing the future of piano music. From world premieres to classics, this programme embodies the spirit of sharing, friendship and collaboration that defines Kings Place.”

The Festival opens with a joint recital from Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen, featuring two world premieres. Katya Apekisheva will perform Seasons by Elena Langer, inspired by Philip Larkin’s poetry and commissioned as a companion piece to Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons. Charles Owen performs Stones of the Sky, a new composition by Cheryl Frances-Hoad inspired by gemstones found in the Austrian Alps and the Gem Poems by Pablo Neruda, and conceived as a complimentary piece to Schumann’s Carnaval. The event will be preceded by a pre-concert talk with the composers, led by Ella Lee, presenter of the Classical Circuit podcast [9 October].

Argentinian pianist Ingrid Fliter makes her LPF debut with a solo recital including Beethoven’s Sonata in E Flat and Sonata in D Major, and Chopin’s Nocturne in B Major and Sonata No. 3 in B minor. Ella Lee will lead a discussion with Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva beforehand, exploring the artists featured across the rest of the program and reflecting on the Festival’s decade-long legacy [10 October].

On Saturday, the Festival hosts a family concert, featuring a world premiere arrangement of Stravinsky’s The Firebird for two pianos, arranged and performed by James Kreiling and Janneke Brits, alongside Keelan Carew performing Poulenc’s Barbar the Elephant, with celebrated children’s author Michael Morpurgo as narrator. World-renowned pianist Stephen Hough will later present a piano clinic masterclass with pianists from the London conservatoires and beyond, closing with a Q&A led by pianist and broadcaster Keelan Carew [11 October].

The Saturday concludes with the Festival’s central event, the Two-Piano Gala, this year featuring no less than eight performers – Stephen Hough, Ingrid Fliter, Ronan O’Hora, Seta Tanyel, Mishka Rushdie Momen, and Joseph Havlat, in addition to Charles and Katya themselves. This year’s programme will include a world premiere composition by Stephen Hough, King’s Cross March, commissioned by the Festival and performed by Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva. Joseph Havlat, Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva will perform the UK premiere of Havlat’s own composition 64 Geese. Stephen Hough also joins Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva for a rendition of Rachmaninov’s Romance for Six Hands, and Ingrid Fliter, Joseph Havlat, Mishka Rushdie Momen and Ronan O’Hora perform Smetana’s Sonata for Two Pianos, (Eight Hands). Other featured composers include Mozart, Brahms, Shostakovich, Britten, Babajanian, Ravel and more [11 October].

The Sunday begins with a morning recital from Mishka Rushdie Momen, centred around her acclaimed album Reformation, exploring the rich sound world of Renaissance repertoire. This recital will include pieces by Byrd, Gibbons, Bull, Sweenlinck and more, and will conclude with a post-performance Q&A with Ella Lee [12 October].

BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg intersperses stories of his life in Russia with piano improvisations at an event hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenter Petroc Trelawny. Running in parallel with this conversation will be a special focus on the historical and political significance of Dmitri Shostakovich, including a selection of his Preludes and Fugues performed by Berniya Hamie and Jeremy Chan, making their Festival debuts [12 October].

Julian Joseph returns to LPF with Zoe Rahman (in her Festival debut), bringing the 2025 Festival to a close with a recital of outstanding young pianists from the Julian
Joseph Jazz Academy, including Danny Piers, Emile Hinton, Emily Tran and Nnamdi Nnachi Cole, all performing at LPF for the first time [12 October].

The London Piano Festival was founded by pianists Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen in 2016 and takes place every October at Kings Place, London. Previous visiting artists have included Alfred Brendel, Alexandra Dariescu, Julian Joseph, Gabriela Montero, Stephen Kovacevich, Jason Rebello, Vadym Kholodenko, Leszek Możdżer, Lara Melda, Reinis Zariņš and Kathryn Stott, amongst many others. The Festival has also commissioned several new works for two pianos, working with composers including Sally Beamish, Jonathan Dove, Elena Langer and Nico Muhly.

Full programme

Thursday 9 October, 6:45 pm | Kings Place, St Pancras Room
Ella Lee in Conversation with Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Elena Langer
Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Elena Langer
Ella Lee Host

Thursday 9 October, 7:30 pm | Kings Place, Hall One
Opening Night – Carnaval meets The Seasons
Cheryl Frances-Hoad ‘Stones of the Sky’ World Premiere (CO)
R. Schumann Carnaval, Op. 9 (CO)
Tchaikovsky The Seasons, Op. 37a (KA)
Elena Langer ‘Seasons’ World Premiere (KA)
Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva Piano

Friday 10 October, 7:30 pm | Kings Place, Hall One
Ingrid Fliter performs Beethoven and Chopin
Beethoven Sonata in E flat, Op. 31/3
Beethoven Sonata in D Op. 10/3
Chopin Nocturne in B Op. 9/3
Chopin Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
Ingrid Fliter Piano
Featuring pre-concert Q&A with Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva in conversation with Ella Lee

Saturday 11 October, 12:00 pm | Kings Place, Hall One
Once Upon a Piano: Babar & The Firebird with Michael Morpurgo
Poulenc The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant (KC)
Stravinsky The Firebird (JK and JB)
Keelan Carew, James Kreiling and Janneke Brits Piano
Michael Morpurgo Narrator

Saturday 11 October, 2:30 pm | Kings Place, Hall Two
Stephen Hough’s Piano Clinic
Stephen Hough
Featuring post-Piano Clinic conversation and Q&A with Stephen Hough in conversation with Keelan Carew

Saturday 11 October, 7:00 pm | Kings Place, Hall One
Tenth Anniversary Two-Piano Gala
Joseph Havlat 64 Geese UK Premiere (JH, CO & KA)
Mozart Sonata in D major, K448 (KA & IF)
Shostakovich Concertino, Op. 94 (ST & CO)
Britten Mazurka elegiaca, Op. 23 (SH & ROH)
Poulenc Élégie (KA & CO)
Elena Langer RedMare (MRM & JH)
Babajanian Armenian Rhapsody (KA & ST)
Stephen Hough King’s Cross March World Premiere (CO & KA)
Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56b (MRM & ROH)
Smetana Sonata for Two Pianos, 8 Hands in E minor (IF, JH, MRM & ROH)
Albeniz ‘Triana’ from Iberia (CO & IF)
Ravel La Valse (JH & ROH)
Rachmaninov Romance for Six Hands (1891) (SH, CO & KA)
Stephen Hough, Ingrid Fliter, Seta Tanyel, Ronan O’Hora, Charles Owen, Katya Apekisheva, Mishka Rushdie Momen and Joseph Havlat Piano

Sunday 12 October, 11:00 am | Kings Place, Hall One
Mishka Rushdie Momen – Reformation
Byrd Pavana Lachrymae after Flow my tears, by John Dowland
Gibbons Fantazia of Foure Parts
Bull Walsingham: 30 Variations
Byrd Callino Casturame
Sweelinck Ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la a 4 voci
Dowland In Darkness Let Me Dwell arr. Mishka Rushdie Momen
Adès Darknesse visible
Bull My Grief
Byrd The Bells
Mishka Rushdie Momen Piano
Featuring post-concert Q&A with Mishka Rushdie Momen in conversation with Ella Lee

Sunday 12 October, 2:00 pm | Kings Place, Hall Two
Shostakovich & Rosenberg - Reflections on contemporary Russia
Shostakovich Preludes and Fugues (selections) (BH and JC)
Steve Rosenberg, Berniya Hamie and Jeremy Chan Piano
Petroc Trelawny Presenter

Sunday 12 October, 6:00 pm | Kings Place, Hall One
Julian Joseph Presents: The Sounds of our Next Generation
Julian Joseph, Zoe Rahman, Danny Piers, Emile Hinton, Emily Tran and Nnamdi Nnachi Cole Piano

About Kings Place
Kings Place is an open, multi-arts venue, presenting an adventurous and critically-acclaimed programme, with words and music at its heart. Every year we curate a series of festivals to engage a breadth of different communities. We are a place where many audiences belong, a place where people connect with their passion and no-one is lost in the crowd.
Kings Place was developed from a generous act of philanthropy. Driven by a belief that arts and culture are a fundamental part of a thriving city – our work is as vibrant as our location in King’s Cross. We are independently-funded and generate income through ticket sales and the staging of world-class conferences and events.
We are rooted in partnership and have developed a collaborative community of resident partners and artistic associates. By opening our doors, people and creativity can flourish. We provide stages for artists, space for local communities and young musicians, share our home with partners, and offer audiences unforgettable, shared experiences.
We are Kings Place, the cultural pulse of King’s Cross.
http://www.kingsplace.co.uk

Kings Place
90 York Way, London,
N1 9AG.

Walt McClements plus support Lucy Sissy Miller at Sy ; Gigs, Unitarian Church, Shrewsbury.

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.facebook.com/events/519905620764681

Event by Sy.gigs
Shrewsbury Unitarian Church, High Street, Shrewsbury
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
Event 6.0 of Season 3.0

Walt McClements is an accordionist, multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Los Angeles. His solo compositions focus on processed accordion, creating patient and emotional meditations that nod to drone and ambient music. His debut record, “A Hole in the Fence” was released in 2021 on American Dreams, and utilized a minimal palette of accordions processed through pedals to create glacial soundscapes and odes to hidden worlds. On his latest record, and first for Western Vinyl, “On a Painted Ocean”, he expands his sonic tools to include lush synths, droning pipe organs, and spirited horns, creating a vibrant journey from solitary stillness to community exuberance. The record also follows last year’s “Rain on the Road”, a collaborative album with Harpist Mary Lattimore, who played for SY in Season 1.0.
Prior to releasing music under his own name, McClements had been a touring member of Weyes Blood, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Dark Dark Dark, as well as leading New Orleans art-punk brass ensemble Why Are We Building Such A Big Ship? and one man band Lonesome Leash.

Support comes from Lucy Sissy Miller, who is a French-British singer-songwriter, composer, and artist based in Paris. On her latest release for Métron Records, Pre Country, she offers her own take on country music—an ambient and airy ode to her love of Americana.In her songs, she uses auto-tune as an instrument, crafting melodic textures and using field recordings as a storytelling tool. Blurring the lines between acoustic and electronic sounds, she seamlessly merges organic and digital elements. Across 16 tracks, Miller reflects on love like friendships, breakups, mermaids, and missing girl mysteries—the album unfolding like a cinematic tribute to girlhood and desire. Pre Country exists in a liminal space, where pop, folk, and ambient dissolve into one another, shapeshifting with every listen—both haunted and luminous.
Lucy has recently had her latest album, Pre Country, published by UK label Métron Records. This is is an airy and ambient ode to Americana blending folk music with electronic and field recording elements.

https://sygigs.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100095324282062

Cal Tjader 100, all star celebration at 229, London.

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

An all-star celebration of Cal Tjader, the Latin Jazz vibesman who would have been turning 100 years old on Wednesday 16th July 2025.

Callen Radcliffe Tjader Jr. was an American Latin Jazz musician who primarily recorded playing the vibraphone but was also accomplished on the drums, bongos, congas, timbales and piano.

Cal Tjader started his career alongside Dave Brubeck in the late 1940’s before joining George Shearing’s group in the early 1950’s. In 1954 he formed the Cal Tjader Modern Mambo Quintet.

Expect to hear Cal Tjader classics performed live by some of the UK’s finest Latin Jazz musicians.

Tickets here;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/cal-tjader-100/229/3375294

229 London
229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN
020 7631 8379

Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Étoile De Dakar at The Roundhouse, Camden, London.

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

A legend in African music, Youssou N’Dour blends Senegalese tradition with global influences to create a sound both timeless and contemporary. His signature Mbalax rhythm and storytelling prowess have captivated audiences worldwide.

Rolling Stone hails “Youssou N’Dour has a voice so extraordinary that the history of Africa seems locked inside it”, while The Village Voice calls his band, Le Super Étoile De Dakar, “the greatest in the world.”

His latest album, Mbalax, is a powerful reflection on love, culture, and change. Don’t miss this extraordinary live performance at the Roundhouse, Camden, on 17th July—a night of rhythm, passion, and pure musical magic!

Tickets from;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/youssou-n-dour/roundhouse/3323712

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra with Ben Creighton-Griffiths at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff,.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/cardiff/bbc-hoddinott-hall-wales-millennium-centre/cardiff-philharmonic-orchestra-june-14-2025-at-7-30pm/e-qdbdkx

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra - June 14 2025 at 7:30pm
BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, CF10 5AL
Sat 14th June 2025
Conductor - Michael Bell MBE

After a sell-out concert in June 2024 CPO returns to BBC Hoddinott Hall with a colourful and joyous programme that includes the Welsh Premiere of Cardiff-born composer and harpist Ben Creighton-Griffiths’s Concerto for Jazz Harp and Orchestra, for which Ben will be the soloist.
Continuing the jazz theme we feature George Gershwin’s glorious evocation of 1920s Paris, in An American in Paris featuring a host of great Gershwin tunes…and four car horns!
Ravel’s sensuous and exciting music from his ballet Daphnis et Chloé completes the programme.

Full Programme;
Shostakovich : Festive Overture Op.96
Ben Creighton-Griffiths : Concerto for Jazz Harp and Orchestra - Welsh Premiere
George Gershwin : An American in Paris
Ravel : Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2

Please note that online ticket sales will close at noon on Friday, June 13 to allow us to prepare for concert day. Tickets will be available on the door if the event is not sold out.

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra - June 14 2025 at 7:30pm
Sat 14 Jun 2025, 7:30PM - 10:00PM
BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

Serious Summer Jazz Series at The Barbican Centre and Cadogan Hall, London.

Dates: Monday, June 16, 2025 - Saturday, July 26, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

We have received the following press release;

Herbie Hancock announces 3-day residency at Barbican as part of Summer Jazz Series with Tigran Hamasyan, Brad Mehldau Trio and Madeleine Peyroux

ERIOUS Announce 2025 Summer Jazz Series

Herbie Hancock leads the way with 3 night Barbican residency

Brad Mehldau Trio, Madeleine Peyroux, Tigran Hamasyan and more also announced

June and July between the Barbican and Cadogan Hall

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
https://serious.org.uk/summer-jazz-series-2025

Serious are announcing their Summer Jazz Series, in which a handpicked collection of global jazz stars will take to the stage at the Barbican and Cadogan Hall across June and July. This news is led by a very special three night stint from legendary keyboardist and composer Herbie Hancock whose last performance at the Barbican in 2023 was described as “completely engrossing” by The Guardian.

Herbie Hancock returns to the Barbican Hall with a 3-night UK exclusive residency to celebrate his 85th birthday and over 50 years since his first ever London show, at the historic Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park. Herbie Hancock is a true icon of modern music. Throughout his explorations, he has transcended limitations and genres while maintaining his unmistakable voice. With an illustrious career spanning five decades and 14 Grammy Awards, he continues to amaze audiences across the globe.

There are few artists in the music industry who have had more influence on acoustic and electronic jazz and R&B than Herbie Hancock. As the immortal Miles Davis said in his autobiography, “Herbie was the step after Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, and I haven’t heard anybody yet who has come after him.”

Now in the sixth decade of his professional life, Herbie Hancock remains where he has always been: in the forefront of world culture, technology, business and music. Though one can’t track exactly where he will go next, he is sure to leave his inimitable imprint wherever he lands. This exclusive residency is promoted alongside Marshall Arts.

Tigran Hamasyan is considered one of the most remarkable and distinctive pianists and composers of his generation seamlessly fusing potent jazz improvisation and progressive rock with the rich folkloric music of his native Armenia. On 16 June, Hamasyan returns to the Barbican Hall to perform a special concert in which he brings his latest album, The Bird of a Thousand Voices to life, live with a quartet. This follows his Sold Out performance at Cadogan Hall as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival last year. Opening for Hamasyan is singer, violinist and composer Alice Zawadzki who has established herself in the peripheries and crossovers of the classical, folk, jazz and art-pop worlds. The award-winning singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer has released three albums of her solo work, the latest her highly lauded Za Górami, released on the iconic ECM Records in 2024.

One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Brad Mehldau has forged a unique path, which embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure. Performing at the Barbican as a trio including Felix Moseholm and Jorge Rossy on 24 June as part of the Summer Jazz Series, Mehldau continues to garner numerous awards and admiration from both jazz purists and music enthusiasts alike. With his self-proclaimed affection for popular music and classical training, “Mehldau is the most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years” (The New York Times).

Described as “the finest banjo player on the planet” by the Guardian, Béla Fleck’s new all-star trio completed by harpist Edmar Castañeda, and drummer Antonio Sanchez who composed the soundtrack to Oscar winning film Birdman (2014), and received a Grammy award in the same year for the soundtrack. Playing original repertoire, much of it collaboratively written, this trio embarks nightly on fearless explorations that audiences will find irresistible — rich with strong melodies, gorgeous harmony and grooves that twist and turn while feeling fantastic. Catch them at Cadogan Hall on both 9 & 10 July.

Following their successful show at EFG London Jazz Festival last year, which The Telegraph described as “a joyous evening” Take Me to the River All-Stars Memphis Soul Revue is a collection of some of the legendary Memphis musical talents who created countless classic hits that have stood the test of time! Featuring the Queen of Memphis Soul STAX legend and GRAMMY Nominee Carla Thomas who collaborated with R&B star Otis Redding, the legendary Hi Rhythm Section (the band behind 27 Gold and Platinum Records in a row, including all of Al Green’s classics, along with classics from Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, and many others) along with BBKing’s All-Stars vocalist Jerome Chism, GRAMMY winner Boo Mitchell (son of Willie Mitchell) and GRAMMY winner Martin Shore. Taking place the night is guaranteed to keep everyone dancing, shaking, and smiling! As if transported to Memphis itself. Expect to hear the best of Al Green, BB King, Otis Clay, along with classic songs Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes), B-A-B-Y, and the greatest hits from STAX and Hi Records.

And while celebrating the musical treasures of Mississippi, expect a stop over in Berclair, the birth place of BB King. On the occasion of the legend’s centenary, his musical collaborators will pay homage to his great legacy as well.

Fresh from two sold-out events at Saffron Hall and Cadogan Hall this month, Madeleine Peyroux is performing another London show at Cadogan Hall on 15 July for the Summer Jazz Series following her captivating ninth album, Let’s Walk, which came out last year to critical acclaim.

SUMMER SERIOUS DATES

16 June - Tigran Hamasyan + Alice Zawadzki, Barbican

24 June - Brad Mehldau Trio, Barbican

9 July - Béla Fleck, Antonio Sanchez, Edmar Castañeda, Cadogan Hall

10 July - Béla Fleck, Antonio Sanchez, Edmar Castañeda, Cadogan Hall

12 July - Take Me to the River All-Stars Memphis Soul Revue, Barbican

15 July - Madeleine Peyroux Cadogan Hall

24 July - Herbie Hancock, Barbican *

25 July - Herbie Hancock, Barbican *

26 July - Herbie Hancock, Barbican *

Serious is one of the UK’s leading producers of live jazz, international and new music through concerts, festivals, tours, digital shows, talent development schemes, learning and participation programmes, and bespoke events for all.

* co-promoted with Marshall Arts

2025 Petersfield Jazz Festival at Churcher’s College, Ramshill, Petersfield, Hampshire.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

We have received the following press release;

Stellar line-up confirmed for Petersfield Jazz & Blues Festival 2025
BBC Radio 3 shows support for this summer’s festival

Hampshire’s largest jazz and blues festival has announced a stellar line-up for this year’s musical extravaganza.

Petersfield Jazz & Blues Festival 2025 is all set for Saturday, June 14th 2025 and will showcase world-leading talent from12 acts, featuring musicians who have played and collaborated with legends including Jeff Beck, Amy Winehouse, James Taylor Quartet, Van Morrison, Madonna, Incognito, Groove Armada, Bill Bruford and many more.

The festival, which has been promoted by Soweto Kinch of BBC’s Radio 3 ‘Round Midnight ‘will put the spotlight on an array of artists, many of whom are recognized internationally and some of whom also live in Hampshire and the surrounding areas.
The confirmed line-up will be a thriller for jazz and blues fans alike and features:

The Full Circle Quartet
Jazz Samba
Betty Accorsi
Jana Varga
Meirer, Roth and Redtenbacher
Rainey’s Revue

Petersfield Jazz & Blues Festival 2025 takes place in the stunningly beautiful grounds of Churcher’s College, a leading co-ed private day school founded in 1722.

Colin Clark, the chief organiser and driving force behind the festival which is now in its second year said; “Jazz and blues fans are in for a real treat in just a few months’ time. I’m delighted that we have secured such a depth and breadth of musical talent for the festival this year and we expect a sell-out show.”

Tickets are priced at £40 are limited and are available along with full details of the festival at:
http://www.petersfieldjazzfest.com

The venue, hosted by Churcher’s School is Ramshill, Petersfield, GU31 4AS and features two marquees, food and drink as well as ample parking for ticketholders.

Colin Clark’s inspiration for the Petersfield Jazz & Blues Festival came from running The Strange Fruit Jazz Club in Petersfield, which takes over Gallery No.30 on the third Friday of each month. This club has been thriving for over three years, consistently selling out events thanks to the remarkable local talent. With a wealth of musicians, artists, and actors in the Petersfield area, the success of Strange Fruit highlighted the need for a dedicated jazz festival.

About the line-up

The Full Circle Quartet has crafted an album inspired by the South Downs and was recognized by Jazzwise magazine as one of their top 100 picks for 2023. Under the leadership of the esteemed bassist Terry Pack, the band boasts an impressive array of talent. They delighted audiences last year and are returning due to popular demand.

Jazza Samba features the exceptional tenor saxophonist Mark Crooks and the award-winning guitarist Nigel Price, presenting a fresh take on the classic ‘Jazz Samba’. This performance pays homage to the iconic 1962 album by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd.

Betty Accorsi is a talented saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer originally from Italy, now residing in Brighton. She began her classical saxophone training at a young age at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan. The Betty Accorsi Quartet has made notable appearances at venues such as Pizza Express Soho, the Pheasantry Chelsea, Hampstead Jazz Club, the Verdict Brighton, and the Brighton Jazz Festival.

Jana Varga: Blending a variety of influences, including classical music and the songwriting styles of Janis Ian, James Taylor, and the folk sounds of Paul Simon, Jana has developed a unique voice that continues to grow.  Currently, she regularly appears in the acclaimed ‘Joni Reimagined’ show, a tribute to Joni Mitchell’s music, where she has recorded and performed live alongside platinum-selling artist Rumer.

A festival one-off ‘super-group’ features top guitarists Nicolas Meier, Pete Roth, and bassist Stefan Redtenbacher performing for the first time ever as a trio. Their CVs are hugely impressive;
UK-based guitarist Nicolas Meier has carved a reputation out as one of the world’s most original and uniquely talented guitarists. His considerable talents drew the attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, who made Nicolas a mainstay in The Jeff Beck Group—carrying him on two world tours during the course of the last several years.
Pete Roth is a versatile artist and accomplished session guitarist, born in Germany, where his musical journey began in the heart of a family deeply rooted in music.
His new endeavour with his trio featuring bassist Mike Pratt and legendary drummer, Bill Bruford.
Stefan Redtenbacher was born in Salzburg and though most popular musicians are self-taught, Stefan took the formal training route, his natural talent and capacity for study taking him from the Vienna Conservatory to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Chichester University where he assembled his Funkestra, purveyors of a deft line in what their leader, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, terms ‘Strudel Funk’.

Rainey’s Revue showcasing music from the 1920s/30s/40s with classic songs by Ma Rainey. The music has been arranged by Richard Exall (sax/clarinet/flute) in conjunction with Musical Director, Dom Barnett (piano).  The established rhythm section of Sam Kelly (drums) and Marianne Windham (double-bass) are complimented by the acoustic jazz-influences of Tony Qunta (acoustic guitar).

Bath Jazz Weekend 2026 at Widcombe Social Club, Bath.

Dates: Friday, January 09, 2026 - Sunday, January 11, 2026

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

Bath Jazz Weekend - on the ever shifting first full weekend of January - will happen next year on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026.  Make sure you put it in your diary now!

Tigran Hamasyan at The Barbican Centre, London.

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025

Venue

Barbican Centre

Silk Street,
London.
EC2Y 8DS

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

Tigran Hamasyan
Announces headline show at the Barbican on 16 June

Tickets available here from 10am, Friday 7 February
https://serious.org.uk/events/tigran-hamasyan-3

Tigran Hamasyan is considered one of the most remarkable and distinctive pianists and composers of his generation. A piano virtuoso with groove power, Hamasyan seamlessly fuses potent jazz improvisation and progressive rock with the rich folkloric music of his native Armenia.

On 16 June, Hamasyan returns to the Barbican Hall to perform a special concert following his Sold Out performance at Cadogan Hall as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival last year. This show is the first of a special series of shows taking place this summer, more details to follow soon.

Born in Gyumri, Armenia, in 1987, his musical journey began in his childhood home, where he was exposed to a diverse array of musical influences leading to him playing piano at the age of three, performing in festivals and competitions by the time he was eleven, and winning the Montreux Jazz Festival’s piano competition in 2003.

Hamasyan’s new conceptual album “The Bird of a Thousand Voices” was released in August 2024. Hamasyan composed, scored, and arranged the much-anticipated project blending its traditional folk footprints with rock influences. The recently released double album is inspired by an ancient Armenian tale in which a hero travels into unseen realms to find and bring back a mythical bird – whose thousand different songs will awaken people again and bring harmony to the world.

In addition to awards and critical acclaim, Hamasyan has built a dedicated following worldwide, as well as praise from Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau and the late Chick Corea.

Serious is one of the UK’s leading producers of live jazz, international and new music through concerts, festivals, tours, digital shows, talent development schemes, learning and participation programmes, and bespoke events for all.

The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, Greater London, EC2Y 8DS.

Under Milkwood by the Clark Tracey Sextet at Cheltenham Jazz Club, The Victory Club, Cheltenham, Glos.

Date: Monday, September 29, 2025

Featuring: Clark Tracey Sextet

More details

From;
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheltenham-jazz/under-milkwood-by-the-clark-tracey-sextet/e-egopkg

Cheltenham Jazz Events ›Under Milkwood by the Clark Tracey Sextet
Under Milkwood by the Clark Tracey Sextet
The Victory Club, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY
Monday 29th September 2025

Much acclaimed jazz drummer Clark Tracey has been leading his own bands since 1981 and currently leads an ever-evolving quintet as well as tribute bands to his father, the late Stan Tracey.

His latest quintet features a few of the most exciting young musicians today. They recently recorded their first CD, which is due for release in the New Year. The unusual inclusion of a vocalist in Clark’s quintet, next to a horn player, offers another soundscape with which to work.  An exceptional vocalise artist, Emily Masser adds rhythm and words from the heart of Bebop, as well as beautiful lyrics.

Clark Tracey - drums
Be Tracy - Vocals
Sharon Myfanwy White - vocals
Simon Allen - Tenor
Gareth Williams - Piano
Andrew Cleyndert - Bass

Maddy Coombs 4tet at Clun Valley Jazz, SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire.

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025

More details

From;
https://clunvalleyjazz.com/whats-on/p/maddy-coombs-4tet-12th-july-2025-sparc-theatre-bishops-castle

Maddy Coombs 4tet - 12th July 2025, SpArC Theatre Bishop’s Castle
£23.00
Doors at 19:15, start at 20:00

The third instalment in the Clun Valley Jazz/Tomorrow’s Warriors series welcomes Maddy Coombs and her quartet to Bishop’s Castle.

Hailing from Northampton, Maddy studied at Guildhall. She has played alongside Judi Jackson, Soweto Kinch and Mark Kavuma, as well as having performed her own music at venues including, We Out Here Festival and Pizza Express Jazz Club.

Her own music draws inspiration from many artists including Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, Melissa Aldana and Joel Ross, amongst others, and her and her band will be playing a set of standards and original music.

Alongside Maddy (tenor sax) will be Sultan Stevenson (piano), Zoe Pascal (drums) and Menelik Claffey (bass)

Donovan Haffner 5tet at SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

More details

From;
https://clunvalleyjazz.com/whats-on/p/donovan-haffner-5tet-21st-june-2025-sparc-theatre-bishops-castle

Donovan Haffner 5tet - 21st June 2025, SpArC Theatre Bishop’s Castle
£23.00
Doors at 19:15, 20:00 start.

In the second collaborative show from Clun Valley Jazz and Tomorrow’s Warriors, we are joined by the Donovan Haffner 5tet.

Donovan has played with a multitude of professional musicians including the big contemporary British names such as Moses Boyd, Charlie Stacey, and Jay Phelps, Balimaya Project, and European contemporary names such as Rasmus Sorenson. Donovan is also included in Jay Phelps’ Miles Davis Kind of Blue Project who play shows around the UK. He has been selected as a finalist for the ‘Jazz Newcomer of the Year award in the prestigious ‘Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2024’. Donovan was also a finalist at the ‘Music Company’s Tina May Award’ in 2024.

Donovan Haffner runs his own Quintet which comprises band members Donovan Haffner (Alto Sax), Francisco Garcia de Paredes (Guitar), Jay Verma (Piano), Harry Pearce (Bass) and Harry Ling (Drums). The group was formed by playing together at Guildhall School of Music when Donovan was just 18 years old.

Brecon Jazz Festival 2025, various venues, Brecon, Powys.

Dates: Friday, August 08, 2025 - Sunday, August 10, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

We have received the following press release;

Brecon Jazz Festival 2025: A New Chapter Begins

Brecon, Wales – One of the UK’s most respected jazz festivals is set to return bigger and bolder than ever. Brecon Jazz Festival 2025, running from August 8th to 10th, will feature an ambitious line-up, a fresh new team at the helm, and a renewed commitment to celebrating the best in jazz.

This year marks an exciting new chapter for the festival, blending its rich heritage with a community focused approach to programming and audience engagement.

A Historic Stage Returns
For the first time in recent years, the Market Hall will serve as the festival’s premier venue. This 500 capacity space will host an extraordinary lineup jazz talent, featuring:

Friday 8th August:
• Hejira – An acclaimed ensemble paying homage to Joni Mitchell’s jazz legacy.
• Cleveland Watkiss – Jazz vocalist presenting The Great Jamaican Songbook.

Saturday 9th August:
• Sultan Stevenson – One of the most exciting young jazz pianists in the UK.
• Ruby Turner – The legendary soul, jazz, and blues vocalist.

Sunday 10th August:
• Soweto Kinch – Award-winning saxophonist and MC fusing jazz and hip-hop.
• Jazz Sabbath – A unique jazz reimagining of Black Sabbath’s music featuring Adam Wakeman of Black Sabbath

To make the most of this stellar line-up, the Market Hall Weekend Pass is available now at an early bird price for a limited time only. This exclusive pass provides access to all six performances across the weekend, offering unbeatable value. With individual tickets ranging from £17.50 to £40.00, securing a pass now can save attendees up to £80 compared to door prices. This is the only weekend pass available for Brecon Jazz Festival 2025, making it a must-have for jazz lovers.

A Festival with a Fresh Vision
Since 1984, Brecon Jazz Festival has been a staple of the UK jazz scene, welcoming some of the world’s greatest musicians. With a new team leading the festival, 2025 promises to be a thrilling new chapter that both honours tradition and introduces exciting innovations.

Festival Chairman, Chris Jones CBE, stated:
“This is an exciting moment for Brecon Jazz. We’re bringing together a world class lineup, reintroducing the Market Hall as a key venue, and building an experience that reflects both the festival’s deep roots and its bright future.”

Springtime Jazz Day-Festival – April 12th
To build momentum for the August festival, a special Springtime Jazz Day-Festival will take place on April 12th, 2025. This one day event will feature a mix of free and ticketed performances at venues across Brecon, including:

• Saskia Laroo & Warren Byrd at The Muse (2:00 PM) – Trumpeter Saskia Laroo’s first- ever UK performance alongside acclaimed pianist Warren Byrd, supported by Paula
Gardiner and Mark O’Connor.

• Jack Mac at The Muse (7:00 PM) – An explosive saxophonist blending jazz, funk, and blues.

• Jon Crespo Trio featuring Jane Williams at Brecon Tap (9:00 PM) – A free late-night jazz experience.

Empowering Young Talent – The Young Person’s Stage

A key addition to Brecon Jazz Festival 2025 is the Young Person’s Stage at Bishops Meadow, funded by Arts Council Wales. This stage will showcase the next generation of jazz talent, featuring emerging artists and providing a platform for exciting young musicians to develop their craft. Headlining the stage is Ursula Harrison, the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2024, who will not only perform but also assist in curating the line-up.

Beyond the performances, the Young Person’s Stage will serve as a training ground for aspiring industry professionals. Young people will take on roles in sound engineering, lighting, stewarding, photography, and event management, gaining hands-on experience in festival production. This initiative reinforces the festival’s commitment to nurturing future generations of jazz artists and industry professionals.

A Festival for the Community & Beyond
The revitalised festival is committed to community engagement, local business partnerships, and artistic excellence. The Brecon Frazz Parade and fringe events will continue to bring jazz to the streets, and partnerships with Brecon Town Council, Tan Cerdd, and Mid Wales Rhythm & Blues Club will strengthen its impact.

Tickets for Brecon Jazz Festival 2025 are now available, with early bird Market Hall Weekend Passes selling fast. Visit http://www.breconjazzfestival2025.co.uk for more information and ticket bookings.

James Taylor Quartet & Orchestra + Nitin Sawhney, Graham Day, Snowboy & Yvonne Yanney at The Barbican, London.

Date: Friday, July 18, 2025

Featuring: James Taylor Quartet (JTQ)

Venue

Barbican Centre

Silk Street,
London.
EC2Y 8DS

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET & Orchestra + Nitin Sawhney, Graham Day, Snowboy & Yvonne Yanney.

James Taylor Quartet announce a one-off concert featuring a full Orchestra and very special guests Nitin Sawhney, Graham Day (The Prisoners), Snowboy, & Yvonne Yanney at London’s Barbican.

In recent years the James Taylor Quartet have taken inspiration from Lalo Schifrin, Quincy Jones, John Barry and more to produce a trio of breath-taking albums ’Soundtrack from Electric Black’ (2018), ‘People Get Ready’ (2020) and 2022’s ‘Man in the Hot Seat’.

All of the LP’s feature a full orchestral line up and are a cinematic stew of lush strings, powerful horns, funk rhythms and the trademark James Taylor Hammond organ sound.

This is a night not to be missed - The James Taylor Quartet with a full Orchestra and very special guests.

https://www.seetickets.com/event/james-taylor-quartet-orchestra/barbican/3253132

Curved Air at The Forge, Camden, London.

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

British Progressive Rock Group CURVED AIR

Curved Air are a pioneering English progressive rock group formed in 1970 by musicians from mixed artistic backgrounds, including classical, folk, and electronic sound. The resulting sound of the band was a mixture of progressive rock, folk rock, and fusion with classical elements.

Along with High Tide and East of Eden, Curved Air were one of the first rock bands after It’s a Beautiful Day, The Flock and The United States of America to feature a violin.

Curved Air released eight studio albums, the first three of which broke the UK Top 20, and had a hit single with Back Street Luv which reached #4 in the UK Singles Chart.

The Forge, Camden, London NW17NL
Thursday 13 November 2025 at 19:00

https://www.seetickets.com/event/curved-air/the-forge-camden/3225819