SERIOUS announces Summer Jazz Series - May, June, July 2026.

Saturday, January 24, 2026

The 2026 Summer Jazz Series will feature performances from leading international jazz artists at a number of London venues. Performers include Pat Metheny, Robert Fonseca, Stacey Kent, RIOPY.

We have received the following press release;

Pat Metheny takes over the Barbican in July for the Summer Jazz Series

Pat Metheny takes over the Barbican on 18 & 19 July with three special concerts
Buy Tickets Here;
https://serious.org.uk/summer-jazz-series-2026

Part of the Summer Jazz Series 2026, a celebration of world-class music across London this summer from the producers of the EFG London Jazz Festival, Serious

Twenty-time Grammy Award–winner Pat Metheny, one of the most influential and celebrated musicians of his generation, returns to the Barbican for a special weekend takeover in July with three shows across two days on 18 and 19 July 2026. In a career spanning more than five decades, Metheny has continually redefined the possibilities of jazz, blending lyricism, innovation and genre-crossing ambition to create a body of work that has inspired generations of artists and audiences alike. A tireless and prolific performer, he has sold out major London venues in recent years, including the Barbican and Hammersmith Apollo, affirming his enduring connection with UK audiences and his reputation as one of the most compelling live performers in contemporary music.

This Barbican residency places Metheny centre stage, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his music in depth across a concentrated series of performances. Renowned for his restless creativity and openness to collaboration, Metheny continues to balance landmark solo projects with bold ensemble work, championing both emerging talent and long-established voices while pushing his own artistry forward.

As part of this weekend, Metheny presents the latest evolution of his ongoing SIDE EYE project. SIDE EYE III sees him joined by Chris Fishman (piano and keyboards), Jermaine Paul (bass) and Joe Dyson (drums), a dynamic lineup that reflects Metheny’s long-standing commitment to mentoring the next generation of jazz innovators. Featuring new music alongside reimagined classics, the project embodies Metheny’s fearless approach to exploration, tradition and collaboration.

A bandleader since the 1970s and an artist who has often performed more than 100 concerts a year, Pat Metheny remains a vital creative force, continually evolving, questioning and redefining what modern jazz can be.

This special show is part of the return of the Summer Jazz Series in 2026, bringing world-class artists to some of London’s most iconic venues next year. It’s presented by Serious, the producers behind the annual EFG London Jazz Festival.

The series begins with Roberto Fonseca, the visionary Cuban pianist, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and former Buena Vista Social Club virtuoso, who will bring his electrifying artistry to the Barbican on 13 May. On Thursday, 4 June at Cadogan Hall with acclaimed pianist and composer RIOPY, whose deeply expressive and genre-defying music has earned over a billion streams and international acclaim.

On Saturday, 6 June, back to the Barbican for Emeli Sandé MBE, who brings her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt songwriting to the stage for a special evening blending soul, pop, and jazz influences. The series continues on Sunday, 7 June at Theatre Royal Drury Lane with Italian soul-jazz star Mario Biondi, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his timeless hit “This Is What You Are.”

Stacey Kent, the Grammy-nominated American jazz singer and recent recipient of the Montreal Jazz Festival’s Prix Ella Fitzgerald, will perform at Cadogan Hall on 16 July ahead of Pat Metheny’s special weekend takeover at the Barbican to conclude the Summer Jazz Series in style.

Summer Jazz Series 2026

13 May - Roberto Fonseca - Barbican
4 June - RIOPY - Cadogan Hall
6 June - Emeli Sandé - Barbican
7 June - Mario Biondi - Theatre Royal Drury Lane
16 July - Stacey Kent - Cadogan Hall
18 July - Pat Metheny SIDE-EYE III+ - Barbican (6:30 doors, 7pm show time)
19 July - Pat Metheny SIDE-EYE III+ - Barbican (matinee 12:30 doors, 1pm show time. Evening performance 5pm doors, 5:30pm show time)

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, creative engagement programmes, and bespoke events for all.
http://www.serious.org.uk