Picture it: A six-piece brass band made up of some of Bristol’s best musicians playing their way down North Street in a New Orleans-style pavement parade. All before stopping for a night of free music at the Tobacco Factory. If that’s how Bristol Jazz Festival intends to kick off, just imagine what the rest of this incredible weekend will be like.
Starting at North Street Green on Friday, March 22 at 5pm, the Brass Junkies mark the start of a Jazz-filled weekend. Now in its 11th year, it’s taking over its new South Bristol home, the Tobacco Factory Theatres, with performances, workshops, jam sessions and more. The festival will celebrate both grassroots talent and jazz legends in genres of jazz, swing, big brass, soul electronica and blues.
What is happening at Bristol Jazz Festival 2024?
Highlights of the 2024 lineup include Ife Ogunjobi – trumpeter of the 2023 Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective – and rising saxophonist superstar Emma Rawicz; renowned jazz icons Andy Sheppard, Clare Teal and John Etheridge; and performances from Bristol’s own Snazzback, Sheffield’s Renegade Brass Band, The Jazz Defenders, and the Jimi Hendrix-inspired Electric Lady Big Band.
Beyond the shows, you’ll find vocal jazz workshops with Victoria Klewin, guitar classes with John Etheridge, and an exclusive Q&A session with the legendary jazz saxophonist, Andy Sheppard. Meanwhile, each evening from 10pm, members of The Jazz Defenders will lead the legendary free jam sessions at the Tobacco Factory Café Bar’s free stage.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences old and new to Bristol Jazz Festival 2024 in our new home here in South Bristol,” said Katya Gorrie, Festival Director of Bristol Jazz Festival. “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.”
Since its inception in 2013, the charity-based festival has been committed to making jazz accessible and affordable for all. Ticketed events will be taking place at Tobacco Factory Theatre while the festival’s free stage and jam sessions will be held in the downstairs Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar. To see the full line-up and to buy your tickets for individual events head here.
Bristol Jazz Festival runs from March 22 to 24 at Tobacco Factory Theatres.