Bristol Jazz Festival makes its highly anticipated return for its eleventh edition this month (22nd - 24th March) at its new South Bristol home, the Tobacco Factory Theatre. Promising a vibrant weekend of performances, workshops, free stage and jam sessions, the festival celebrates grassroots talent and jazz heroes with an eclectic lineup of contemporary and traditional jazz, swing, big brass bands, soul electronica and blues music.
Images 1 & 2: Bristol Jazz Festival in full swing; Image 3: Rising super star saxophonist Emma Rawicz; Image 4: Bristol’s much-loved Snazzback; Image 5: Ife Ogunjobi, trumpeter of the 2023 Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective. Link to download below.
The festival kicks off on Friday with a New Orleans-esque Pavement Parade led by the incredible Brass Junkies starting at North Street Green at 5pm. The 6-piece brass band, made up of some of Bristol’s best, will play their way down North St to the Tobacco Factory for a free set in the cafe bar, marking the start of a wonderful weekend.
Highlights of the 2024 lineup include:
- Captivating performances by Ife Ogunjobi, trumpeter of the 2023 Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective and young saxophonist, rising super star Emma Rawicz.
- Renowned jazz icons Andy Sheppard, Clare Teal and John Etheridge, taking the stage across the weekend to mesmerise audiences with their world-renowned talents.
- Spectacular performances featuring Bristol’s own Snazzback, Sheffield’s Renegade Brass Band, The Jazz Defenders, and a Jimi Hendrix-inspired spectacular - Electric Lady Big Band.
Beyond the stages, the festival also offers a series of interactive workshops providing aspiring musicians and lovers of jazz with an opportunity to hear from the best in the business.
Workshops include the return of vocal jazz with Victoria Klewin (director of Bristol Vocal Tuition), guitar mastery with guitar royalty John Etheridge, plus an exclusive Q&A session with the legendary Andy Sheppard, curated by Bristol music journalist Tony Benjamin which is sure to delight and inspire.
Attendees are also invited to immerse themselves in the heart of the festival experience as the Tobacco Factory Café Bar hosts more world-class music on the much-loved free stage and each evening from 10pm members of The Jazz Defenders will lead the legendary jam-sessions. Participants are invited to unleash their spontaneity and ignite their creative spark, or simply sit back and enjoy the guaranteed musical energy.
Tickets for the festival are now on sale and in high demand with some shows already selling out. With both rising talent and international stars, workshops, talks and a free stage there's truly something for everyone at this year's festival whether you're a die-hard jazz aficionado or looking for a pocket-friendly performance.
Katya Gorrie, Festival Director, Bristol Jazz Festival:
“We can't wait to welcome audiences old and new to Bristol Jazz Festival 2024 in our new home here in South Bristol. This year's festival will be a celebration like no other – a celebration of resilience, of community, and of the enduring power of music to uplift and inspire. We're embracing that spirit wholeheartedly, creating an inclusive space where people from all walks of life can come together to share in the magic of jazz and even get stuck in themselves.
“So mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us for a weekend of unforgettable performances. Bristol Jazz Festival is back – and we can't wait to see you there.”
Since its inception in 2013, the charity-based festival has been a beacon of creativity, collaboration, and connection, bringing together jazz enthusiasts from near and far to celebrate world-class jazz right in the heart of Bristol.
Nestled in the vibrant South Bristol, the iconic Tobacco Factory provides the perfect backdrop for the festival's unique blend of top-tier performances and grassroots charm, and marks the festival's commitment to making jazz accessible and affordable.
Ticketed events will be taking place at Tobacco Factory Theatre while the festival's Free Stage and jam se
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