Orchestra Mambo International

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Orchestra Mambo International is the UK’s powerhouse 13-piece Latin ensemble, with a vibrant blend of classic salsa, mambo, cha cha cha, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Led by renowned salsa DJ Lubi Jovanovic and acclaimed trombonist/composer Jonny Enright (Grupo X), the group draw inspiration from Latin legends like Tito Puente, Machito, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, and Willie Colón.

Orchestra Mambo International’s dynamic and diverse lineup features musicians from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Congo/Argentina, and the UK, creating a truly international sound and spirit. 

Steely Jazz

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Chris Ingham and a stellar band reinvent Steely Dan classics in a quintet setting.

Steely Jazz re-examines the Dan canon, illuminating the singular melodies, rich harmonies and exploring the small jazz group possibilities of an incomparably opulent songbook.
 

Featuring well-known pieces (“Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, “Josie”, "Reelin' in the Years"), alongside deep cuts from the masterpiece albums Aja, Gaucho, Countdown To Ecstasy, Katy Lied et al, Steely Jazz is a fresh, exciting celebration of two giants of 20th Century popular music.

“One of the standout performances of our 3-days” Lincoln Jazz Festival

Alexia Gardner Trio

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After a breathtaking performance last year, Grammy-nominated Alexia is back with more of her effortless swing and style.

Alexia Gardner, an international Jazz Vocalist and Recorded Artiste, returned to the UK in the Summer of 2023 after years of performing and recording in South East Asia, Europe and United States. A Grammy Nominated Artiste in two categories of ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Vocal Jazz Album’ in 2011’s 53rd Grammy awards; as well as the Swiss Jazz Award Winner of that year. She returns to her homeland armed with 5 Jazz Vocal Albums and years of finely tuned stage craft and classy, live performances.

Will Barnes Quartet

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Will pays homage to jazz guitar greats such as Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny, while forging a distinct voice of his own.

The quartet is known for their tight interplay and dynamic live performances. With acclaim from MOJO and The Jazz Mann, they've delighted audiences at major UK venues and festivals, including Ronnie Scott's, Pizza Express Jazz Club (Soho), Hay Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends.

“Playfulness and invention throughout” Soweto Kinch, BBC Radio 3

Ben Shankland Trio

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Winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year and two time Scottish Jazz Award nominee, Ben is a fast-rising star of the UK jazz scene.

Ben's music is born of a clear reverence for the jazz tradition and lineage, but with unmistakable personality in every phrase. Always driven by melody, yet never afraid to explore complexity in rhythm and texture, Shankland sings freely with the piano as his voice.

‘While all three musicians impressed with their soloing, their ensemble playing was as strong or even stronger, a case of impressive parts making an even more impressive whole.’ - The Jazz Mann

Nicki Allen Quartet

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Nicki has made a name for herself as a wonderfully entertaining singer and painist, bring fresh energy and ideas to classics from the jazz songbook.

Nicki’s influences span pianists and vocalists alike, from the subtle and beautiful tones of Diana Krall, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Joni Mitchell to the vibrant, rhythmic and contemporary sounds influenced and inspired by Red Garland, Herbie Hancock and Monk.

All underpinned with her stylish bluesy phrasing and love of vocal improvisation, which has become her trademark along with her warm Yorkshire personality.

The Roaring Twenties

Toes are guaranteed to be tapping with this 6-piece band! Hugely popular up and down the UK, get ready to be transported back to the era of flappers, gangsters and hot jazz.

Tunes from the trumpet and cornets of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and Bix Beiderbecke are part of the bands repertoire.

Added to this are songs from the classic Jazz singers of the 1920’s; Mamie Smith, Ida Cox, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith in the blues and vaudeville styles.

Perhaps unusually these days, the five out of six band member live in the same town, Barnsley. This has made it easier to work on the arrangements which make this band stand out.

Simon O'Byrne

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Gypsy jazz with charisma, swing, drama, humour and virtuoso musicianship, it's great to have Simon with us again in 2026.

A performer and educator for over 25 years, Darlington-based Simon has played and performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom; bringing the spirit, verve and beauty of this wonderful music to many delighted audiences. 

Expect to hear songs and music from the Great American Songbook through to European Classics, along with some of Django's own original compositions, all performed with an individual distinctive charm and flare.