Image: Jonny Wickham
Winchester Jazz Festival returns for its eighth year, from September 19 to 22, promising a long weekend of world-class performances and unmissable musical experiences.
Founded in 2016 with the aim of bringing world-class jazz to the heart of Hampshire, Winchester Jazz Festival prides itself on offering a platform for both established and emerging artists, while also fostering a sense of community through The Nutshell Jazz Club – a monthly live event in collaboration with The Nutshell and award-winning saxophonist, Alex Western-King.
“We are thrilled to bring such an exciting line-up to this year’s Winchester Jazz Festival,” says Hannah Castleman, Director of Winchester Jazz Festival. “From Jonny Wickham’s Terra Boa, celebrating the rhythmic traditions of Brazil, to the timeless elegance of Jacqui Dankworth, and the vibrant energy and sensational talent of YolanDa Brown – this festival truly has something for everyone.
“We’re especially excited to welcome families to YolanDa’s Band Jam, making jazz accessible and fun for all ages. We can’t wait to share these incredible performances with our community and visitors alike.”
On Thursday 19 September, Jazz Club at The Nutshell will be opening the festival with Jonny Wickham and his band, who will be performing music from his first album, a self-professed love letter to the sprawling rhythmic traditions of Brazil. The Guardian described this album as a “Striking debut…an engaging mix of airy and snappily staccato vocals, smoky horn solos and sophisticated ensemble arrangements.”
Jonny Wickham will also be performing at The Nutshell’s JazzBops, a jazz gig for grown-ups and their little ones, at 11:30am – coffee and cake included in the ticket price!
On Friday 20 September, The Arc hosts Horns Up Front, a UK based 7-piece funk-jazz-fusion band led by Northern Irish trumpet player, Neil Doherty. Made up of some of the finest funk and jazz musicians in the south, the band play a combination of original music and arrangements, taking inspiration from the likes of Lettuce, Tower of Power, Jerry Hey, The Meters, Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker.
Saturday 21 September sees the brilliant Jacqui Dankworth at Theatre Royal Winchester. In this very special and intimate concert, audiences will be treated to a sparkling collection of songs drawn from her highly praised studio albums – including music from her much anticipated new studio album, Windmills.
On Sunday 22 September, double MOBO award winning musician and broadcaster, YolanDa Brown, will be performing at Theatre Royal Winchester twice!
Join YolanDa and her Bandjaminals in the afternoon for YolanDa’s Band Jam – the critically acclaimed CBeebies children’s TV show enjoyed by everyone, from children to parents and grandparents. Then in the evening, join YolanDa Brown and her amazing band for a wonderful evening of music that will have you dancing in your seat.
Tickets for each event are available at winchesterjazzfestival.com or via the venues, and you can keep up with all things Winchester Jazz Festival on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
For more information please contact WJF at info@winchesterjazzfestival.com.
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