The Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival is returning to the city for its 42nd year.
We are pleased to be hosting several acts in our Bandstand at the Water’s Edge once again along with a special appearance by the Singitbig Choir who will be performing in Central Square.
Singitbig Choir
Saturday 25th July – Central Square 1:00 pm
The Sing It Big choir is run by Debbie Jones of Tipitina and Karen Strickland who have collaborated on many occasions and share the same philosophy about music and attitudes to choral singing: everyone has the ability to sing together and singing in an ensemble should be a fun, positive experience.
The choir is a community choir from Chorley in Lancashire, with no audition process, and has a fantastic time rehearsing and performing our repertoire of mostly popular classics with some jazzy numbers. The choir mostly gives performances around Lancashire, playing at events from weddings to singing for the mayor and switching Christmas lights on.
Brad Henshaw
Monday 27th July, Bandstand 12:30 pm
Brad Henshaw is a Birmingham-born singer-songwriter whose remarkable career has seen him collaborate with some of the most iconic names in music. His extensive résumé includes work alongside legends such as Whitney Houston, Buddy Guy, Blur, Richard Ashcroft, UB40, Rod Stewart, Roy Wood, Michael Bolton, Slade and Shirley Bassey, as well as performances with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Widely respected within the industry, Henshaw has earned praise from a host of influential artists, reflecting both his versatility and enduring musical impact. Having spent significant time living in America, he has developed a distinctive sound rooted in the timeless spirit of Americana and Southern Rock.
Known for his strong, expressive voice, Henshaw performs with clarity and feeling. Blending soulful vocals with confident guitar work, his performances are engaging without being overworked, letting the quality of the songwriting and musicianship speak for itself.
James Oliver Blues Band
Tuesday 28th July Bandstand 12:30 pm
James Oliver is one of the UK’s busiest acts playing over 300 gigs a year all over the UK, Europe, and the USA! He has performed over 3000 gigs and shared the stage with many acts including Albert Lee, Bill Kirchen, Deke Leonard, Greg Koch, Walter Trout, Steve Gibbons, Billy Bremner, Geraint Watkins, and many others. In 2020 James won the UK Blues Awards Emerging Artist of the Year and has since been nominated 3 additional times.
Jake Leg Jug Band
Wednesday 29th July Bandstand 12:30 pm
The Jake Leg Jug Band bring the authentic sounds of 1920s and 20s America – jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel. Songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption. With a live show that guarantees old-fashioned feel-good entertainment – transporting the audience back in time to the prohibition era, with a sound and look refined from 14 years on the road, performing nearly 800 gigs, releasing 10 albums and receiving airplay on BBC Radio 2 and Jazz FM.
Core members Duncan Wilcox (bass) and Warren James (banjo/guitar) keep their music fresh by bringing in guest musicians, giving the band a floating populationof up to six players, not necessarily including a jug blower.
Django Chutney
Thursday 30th July Bandstand 12:30 pm
Brighton-based gypsy-jazz trio Django Chutney have been blowing away audiences since October 2021. A chance meeting of great minds and kindred spirits led to an instantaneous connection and a first gig that went on for over 6 hours (and only finished because it was closing time).
An infectious love of performing – whether its jazz, blues, folk or Black Sabbath – has helped propel this trio into a non-stop run of shows around the festivals, pubs and jazz clubs of the UK. Their combination of three-part vocal harmonies, huge repertoire that draws from so many eras and genres of the 20th century, virtuosic guitar show-offery, and ridiculous sense of fun and musical adventure has helped them secure fans not only from the sometimes-staid jazz-world, but from across the spectrum – all ages, and all musical tastes will find something to enjoy in Django Chutneys hugely entertaining and energetic performances.
More information about the full festival programme can be found here: https://www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/
