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Lady Sings The Blues
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A stunning tribute to Billie Holiday, performed by some of Britain's finest jazz musicians. After 38 incredible years on the road, this may be the legendary show's final farewell. Don't miss it !
​King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
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Nearly 7,000 gigs, 27 countries, 40 years on the road , and still swinging harder than ever. One of the world's leading jump, jive and swing bands, celebrating four decades of pure, high-energy fun.
Tipitina
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Powerhouse singer Debbie Jones and virtuoso New Orleans pianist Justin Randall join forces to deliver the red hot, rocking music of Dr John, Professor Longhair and Fats Domino. A barnstorming live act and a firm festival favourite..
Stacy Mitchhart
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Nashville-based blues guitarist and vocalist with nearly three decades of fiery performances worldwide. Inspired by BB King and Buddy Guy, his unique blend of blues, funk and soul is not to be missed.
The Shufflepack
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Straight out of High Wycombe, The Shufflepack deliver the raw, rootsy blues of 1950s Chicago with grit, swagger and groove. Inspired by Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and the three Kings — cool blues, hot performances.
Andres Roots
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Estonian slide guitar wizard celebrating 30 years as a working musician in 2026. From Mississippi Delta blues to the German parliament, his fluid acoustic blues has earned fans on five continents — and we're thrilled to welcome him back to Birmingham.
Alan Barnes​
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One of Britain's most outstanding jazz soloists, Alan Barnes is a multiple British Jazz Awards winner as saxophonist, clarinettist, arranger and composer. Catch him at the festival both as part of the Lady Sings the Blues band and leading his own quartet.
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Hit Parade Heroes
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A joyful celebration of 1950s and 60s pop and rock 'n' roll, from Buddy Holly and Elvis to Johnny Cash and Lonnie Donegan. Expect a string of timeless hits and plenty of good-time energy.
B.D. Lenz
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A joyful celebration of 1950s and 60s pop and rock 'n' roll, from Buddy Holly and Elvis to Johnny Cash and Lonnie Donegan. Expect a string of timeless hits and plenty of good-time energy.
Jump, Jive and Wail
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20 years of raising roofs across the North of England. Boogie woogie, big band swing and early rock 'n' roll, guaranteed to make the joint swing !
Django Chutney
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A Brighton trio bringing frantic manouche swing, three-part harmony jazz and chaotic energy to the stage. Expect dazzling guitar work, slapped bass solos and more than a few surprises.
James Oliver
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One of the UK's busiest guitarists, playing over 300 gigs a year across the UK, Europe and the USA. A UK Blues Awards winner loaded with firepower and roots rock passion.
RIP Roaring Success​
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Western swing, rockabilly and bluegrass blended with charm and charisma. Slap bass, swing fiddle, rhythmic guitar and sweet harmonies bring an authentic Texas dance hall feel, with original songs and the occasional 90s dance anthem thrown in for good measure.
The Too Hot Trio
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Three musicians, two guitars and a double bass delivering western swing and rockabilly in the spirit of Bob Wills and Carl Perkins. Occasionally raucous, always entertaining, guaranteed to get the joint jumping.
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Edgar Macías
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Venezuelan pianist and bandleader Edgar Macías brings a vibrant blend of jazz, Latin jazz, salsa and Brazilian music to Birmingham. From Buena Vista Social Club-inspired Latin jazz to his high-energy salsa ensemble Salseros UK, expect world-class musicianship and irresistible rhythmic flair.
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Hot Club Of Halifax​
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Hot jazz, manouche swing and classic groove from one of England's most acclaimed jazz and swing bands. Perfect for dancers and listeners alike.
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Royal Blues​
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Hard-hitting rock 'n' roll with bluegrass grit, blues-soaked guitar and raw, unfiltered energy. Add immaculate three-part female harmonies and you've got a band that turns casual listeners into believers by the second chorus. Loud, loose and not to be missed.​
Back on the Road​
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A five-piece band delivering crowd-pleasing rock, pop and blues classics guaranteed to get people on their feet. The kind of set you'll still be singing on the way home.
Delta Aces​
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A Delta and Chicago blues duo with eight years of heartfelt vocals, expert guitar and soulful harmonica. Raw, authentic and the real deal.
Jake Leg Jug Band​
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Authentic jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel straight from 1920s America. Songs of murder, betrayal and redemption delivered with old-fashioned feel-good energy, 14 years on the road and nearly 800 gigs to prove it.
Sheila Waterfield ​
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A versatile UK vocalist, composer and bandleader drawing on jazz, blues, soul, folk and Latin influences. A firm festival favourite, Sheila has performed everywhere from Ronnie Scott's to the Jazz Cafe, and returns to Birmingham in 2026 with a brand new release on the way.
Just Doin' It​
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One of the most popular Status Quo tributes on the circuit, delivering all the classic hits from Quo's 60-year career with the feel and energy of a live Quo show.
Ben Toury​
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A true phenomenon of modern boogie-woogie, French pianist, harmonica player and singer Ben Toury has lit up stages worldwide with over 2,500 concerts to his name. Explosive, virtuosic and utterly magnetic, expect an unforgettable performance.
Art Themen​
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Over 60 years on, tenor saxist Art Themen remains one of Britain's most original jazz voices. Still playing with intensity and joy at 86, a true living legend.
Slide Boy Roy​
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One of the toughest boogie blues rock 'n' roll bands on the circuit, delivering Chicago, Delta, Texas and British-invasion blues with infectious energy and passion. Twenty years on the road and still guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet.
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Florence Joelle​
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Paris-born, London-based jazz singer and songwriter Florence Joelle blends classic jazz, French chanson, vintage blues and gypsy folk into a sound entirely her own. Featured in Mojo, The Independent and on BBC Radio, she is one of the most distinctive voices on the UK jazz scene.
Brad Henshaw​
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Birmingham-born singer-songwriter with a remarkable career spanning collaborations with Whitney Houston, Buddy Guy, Rod Stewart and Shirley Bassey. Rooted in Americana and Southern Rock, his soulful vocals and confident guitar work speak for themselves.
The Sax Pistols​
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New Orleans marching band grooves meet British ska in one of the most fun and interactive live acts around. From Stevie Wonder to Miles Davis via Madness — expect to sing along, shake your hips and leave with a smile.
You're Never Alone With A Uke​
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Never picked up a ukulele? No problem! Join Jules for a fun and friendly workshop taking you from your very first strum all the way to a full 12-bar blues sequence. Instruments supplied — all you need to bring is enthusiasm!
Roy Forbes​
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Elegant and passionate about jazz since Nat "King" Cole, Roy Forbes has shared the stage with Scott Hamilton, Benny Waters, Al Casey, Sweets Edison and other jazz greats. A regular at international festivals (Brecon, Greenwich, Milan, St. Lucia), he has a huge following in Birmingham.
Walter Smitty & The Unviables​
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An acoustic blend of Latin, jazz and bluesy pop, featuring the vocals of international singer Suzi Woods. Popular festival favourites and always a warm welcome back to Birmingham.
John Hemming & The Jazz Lobbyists​​
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Former MP turned accomplished jazz pianist, John Hemming assembles a fine band to play melodic jazz alongside singer Lorraine Olley. Great music, no political agenda.
Tom Lindsay​
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Pianist, singer, songwriter and bandleader, Tom Lindsay blends smooth vocals, lyrical wit and accomplished piano playing with an easy, infectious charm. From jazz festivals in Montreux and Bologna to private events for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert De Niro — always a joy to watch.
Dirt Road Band​
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Hard, punchy blues-rock from three seasoned professionals — Dr Feelgood's Steve Walwyn, Specials founder Horace Panter and drummer Ted Duggan. Debut album 'Righteous' out now. Seasoned professionals with the energy of teenagers.
Simon Spillet​
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30 years on the UK jazz scene and still one of Britain's most prominent jazz figures. Simon Spillett brings his powerful, straight-ahead style and deep love of classic Brit-bop to Birmingham, celebrating the legendary Tubby Hayes with aplomb.
Al Nicholls ​
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A swinging, warm-toned tenor saxophonist in the free-blowing tradition of the great Texas Tenors. Inspired by Illinois Jacquet and Buddy Tate, Al Nicholls brings the exuberant spirit of 1940s and 50s jazz to Birmingham.
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Stuart Maxwell's Blues Raiders​
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Hard-edged, rooted blues that swings, shuffles and gets feet tapping. Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Junior Wells sit alongside original songs in the classic style — delivered by four seasoned musicians with serious credentials.
Rich Dickinson's Driving Force​
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Nearly three decades of high-energy electric blues from guitarist Rich Dickinson. Well-crafted originals alongside faithful covers of Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore and Joe Bonamassa — a band that takes no prisoners.
Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band​​
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Top-class Chicago-style blues band with impeccable pedigrees. Honeyboy Hickling toured with Steve Marriott and recorded with Bo Diddley. Bob Wilson played with Idle Race and Ruby Turner. Tony Baylis served with Trevor Burton and Chicken Shack; Frank Walker played with Glenn Tipton.
Jake Henry​
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Jake Henry is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who will feature as pianist/vocalist at the Festival. He is heavily influenced by such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Bill Withers. He comes to the Festival from the Stand in the Light Festival.
Smokin' Ade Wakelin​
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Red-hot Texas and Chicago blues shuffles meet cool Hammond organ grooves, funk, soul and jazz, led by guitarist and singer Smokin' Ade Wakelin, with Joe Masterson's Hammond organ adding a distinctive voice to the band's sound.
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Playing Django​
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Birmingham-based, Playing Django are regulars at the Festival. Their music is based on that of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France and is inspired by the great Django Reinhardt.
Strictly Jitterbug ​
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A festival institution, Strictly Jitterbug combines Alistair Fitzgerald's expert teaching with festival-goers' enthusiasm for East Coast Swing, Jitterbug, Jive and Charleston. Alistair runs local classes and has a strong record using dance in rehabilitation.
SingItBig​
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Run by Debbie Jones (of Tipitina) and Karen Strickland, who believe everyone can sing and choral singing should be fun. A no-audition community choir from Chorley, Lancashire, performing a popular, jazzy repertoire at events from weddings to Christmas lights switch-ons.
Jukebox Rhythm Orchestra ​
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A 13-piece Coventry function band led by Mark Allison. Horns, rhythm and vocals swing through a musical journey from Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald to Caro Emerald and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, playing mainstream hits from the 1920s to today.
The Shakedown Brothers​
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​A blues-rock powerhouse from the Midlands, blending gritty originals with reimagined classics and lesser-known tunes by well-known artists. Soulful blues rock with live-wire energy, touring pubs and clubs across England to great acclaim.
Billy Thompson Gypsy Style ​
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Violin virtuoso Billy Thompson brings his popular Gypsy Jazz style to the festival, with high energy and panache. Twice Young Jazz Musician, he's played alongside Barbara Thompson and John Etheridge. The set mixes Hot Club classics, Hungarian tunes and originals, joined by Eryl Jones, Sam Thompson and Ken Marley.
Out Of The Blue Big Band​
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The Out of the Blue Big Band is an 18-piece big band from Birmingham is directed by Jo James, with vocals by Lee Hamblett. Their repertoire takes in the greats of the swing and big band past such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, plus the sounds of Latin, blues, pop and even rock ‘n’ roll.
Swing Café​
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Led by popular Midlands singer Billie Baker, Festival favourites Swing Café is a swing and jazz band devoted to playing the best loved song of the era from the 1920s to the 1950s in a sound that keeps you on the sunny side of life.
Get Loose​
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A high-energy Oxfordshire blues rock band with original music and dynamic live performance. Featuring Lee Castle's blistering guitar and Paul Ashby on harmonica, Get Loose blend classic rock with blues and fine melodies.