Renowned jazz and folk acts headline at the Howard Assembly Room, Leeds, November and December 2026.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
The Howard Assembly Room is set to host leading jazz and folk musicians in the run up to Christmas, including bands led by bassist Jasper Høiby and drummer Ari Hoenig, Press release attached.
We have received the following press release;
INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED JAZZ AND FOLK MUSICIANS TO HEADLINE THE HOWARD ASSEMBLY ROOM IN THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS
As the days become shorter and the nights draw in, the Howard Assembly Room is the place to be to combat the seasonal blues with exceptional live music, including performances from international jazz artists Jasper Høiby and Ari Hoenig, and renowned folk singer Cara Dillon.
Wednesday 18 November sees Danish jazz bassist Jasper Høiby take to the stage with his trio 3Elements to perform music from their third album Conversations of Hope. Founding member of award-winning group Phronesis, Høiby now joins pianist Xavi Torres and drummer Naíma Acuña to create an urgent, fluid sound built on sharp intuition and collective momentum. In partnership with Jazz Leeds, the night will feature support from Leeds Conservatoire alumni Fight the Giant.
Two days later, jazz audiences can immerse themselves in the complex polyrhythms of drummer Ari Hoenig, who visits Leeds on Friday 20 November as part of a major European tour. Based in New York, Hoenig uses a distinctive blend of intricate rhythm work and a melodic approach with tuned drum skins to lead his ensemble from the drumkit. He performs alongside rising stars Tom Ollendorff on guitar and Conor Chaplin on bass for a showcase of rhythmic interaction and improvisation.
Folk fans are treated to Mercury Prize-nominee Dove Ellis on 28 November who brings his acclaimed debut album Blizzard from the West of Ireland to the warm acoustics of the Howard Assembly Room. Presented by Future Sound, Ellis’ enchanting vocals and dreamy melodies offer a fresh yet nostalgic voice to the indie-folk genre.
On Saturday 5 December, the venue welcomes another indie-folk act The Dunwells back to their hometown for a rare full band performance in partnership with Hurricane Promotions. After their formation in Leeds in 2009, the group’s accessible fusion of rock, pop and indie-roots influences has taken them around the globe, supporting major artists including Mumford & Sons and Elbow. This homecoming gig offers a unique chance to experience their dynamic live sound in the intimate surroundings of the HAR.
The following night, Hurricane Promotions returns with award-winning Northern Irish folk singer Cara Dillon and her much-loved Christmas tour Upon a Winter’s Night. Dillon’s clear, expressive voice accompanied by the Celtic rhythms and acoustic instrumentation of her live band create a haunting performance of both ancient carols and contemporary folk songs: a perfect way to kick off the festive season.
Tony Green, Howard Assembly Room Programmer, commented:
“What I love about this programme is the mix of artists we’re bringing to Leeds. We’ve got internationally respected jazz musicians alongside some of the most exciting names in contemporary folk, from established performers to emerging talent. It’s exactly what I want the Howard Assembly Room to be about – great music, a broad range of audiences and the chance to experience exceptional artists in an intimate setting. And with the bar and food offer now in place, it’s somewhere you can come for a whole evening, not just a concert.”
Under 30s can claim discounted tickets for Jasper Høiby’s 3Elements at just £11.50, with standard prices for other events starting at £17.50. Available online now.
Upcoming Howard Assembly Room Events for 2026:
Thu 12 Nov - Hurricane Promotions presents: The Slow Show
Wed 18 Nov - Jasper Høiby’s 3Elements
Thu 19 Nov - Spotlight: Burgz, Midnite Pharmacy and more
Fri 20 Nov - Ari Hoenig Trio featuring Tom Ollendorff and Conor Chaplin
Sun 22 Nov - BISHI and SAA-uk present: Maya
Fri 27 Nov - National Opera Studio: Awakening
Sat 28 Nov – Future Sound presents: Dove Ellis
Mon 30 Nov – Distilled: Ravel, Debussy and Bax
Thu 3 Dec – Manchester Collective presents: Black Gold
Fri 4 Dec – Game Republic presents: From Console to Concert
Sat 5 Dec – Hurricane Promotions presents: The Dunwells
Sun 6 Dec – Hurricane Promotions presents: Cara Dillon
Mon 28 Dec – TransPennine Xpress Christmas Shindig: Greg Wilson & PBR Streetgang
A proudly independent venue in the heart of Leeds, the Howard Assembly Room hosts top talent from across the world. A meeting place from its very first days, this historic space still brings people of all ages together to enjoy a drink or two in the HAR bar, delicious street food from Yuzu and to be surprised, entertained and inspired by exceptional live music and performance. With fantastic acoustics and a personality all its own, this is the place to go for anyone looking for an intimate setting, a genuinely warm welcome and a night out to remember.
Our spaces are also available for hire. Forget standard white-wall spaces, this beautifully refurbished, accessible building combines historic surroundings with the latest technology and modern facilities. World class music entertainment featuring soloists or ensembles from the Orchestra of Opera North is also available. With excellent transport links, nearby parking, a flexible auditorium and a stunning atrium bar, it’s the ideal space for launches, receptions, conferences, talks and celebrations.
Box Office
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Address:
Opera North Box Office
32 New Briggate
Leeds, LS1 6NU