Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2023

Featuring

Gregory Porter

MIKA

Beverley Knight

Van Morrison

Laura Mvula

Will Young

Squeeze

Lizz Wright

Fergus McCreadie

Damian Lewis

Laura Jurd

Julian Lage

Andy Sheppard

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rufus Wainwright

Ezra Collective

Jake Bugg

Georgia Cécile

and many more...

THANK YOU to our Partners and Supporters, helping to create a world in which everyone can explore and create culture.

Principal Partners

Major Partners

Festival Partners

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY

In-Kind Partners

Media Partners

Individual Supporters Thank you to those supporters who have chosen to remain anonymous

Whether you’re completely new to jazz music or an aficionado, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy at the hottest May Bank Holiday weekend of the season. Wander on over to Montpellier Gardens for a family day out or party late into the night as the Festival bursts onto the streets, bars and clubs of Cheltenham.

Sample an electric mix of jazz legends and brand-new talent in our Jazz Arena, expand your mind with Jerwood Jazz Encounters, enjoy an intimate encounter at Parabola Arts Centre or complete your Festival experience with the Big Top buzz.

2023 also sees the return of our fantastic Free Stage, including the much-loved Jazz It Up from local Gloucestershire schools.

Gregory Porter returns for his last year as Artistic Curator, along with some special performances from Van Morrison, Laura Mvula and Tony Hadley with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra .

We look forward to seeing you there.

David Gaydon

Head of Programming, Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Need help deciding? We’ve picked some events not to miss at this year’s Festival. Go on to discover family events for all ages from page 9, explore the full programme from page 12 and plan your Festival with our guide on page 40.

Rising Stars

Georgia Cécile page 20

Mica Millar page 15

Binker Golding page 33

Xhosa Cole page 20

See It Here First

Waves II page 18

Laura Jurd page 28

Damian Lewis page 32

Espen Eriksen Trio with Andy Sheppard page 22

The Best For First-Timers

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with Tony Hadley page 19

BBC Concert Orchestra page 14

Van Morrison page 29

Kansas Smitty’s page 17

Jazz Greats

Gregory Porter page 33

Lizz Wright page 24

Stanley Clarke page 26

Julian Lage page 28

FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1UW

Other Venues

Cheltenham Town Hall (GL50 1QA) 0.1 miles

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

(GL50 3AA) 0.2 miles

Hotel du Vin (GL50 3AH) 0.3 miles

The Daffodil (GL50 2AE) 0.3 miles

St Andrew’s United Reformed Church

(GL50 1SP) 0.05 miles

Festival Bar

Relax and refuel between gigs at our Festival bar.

St Andrew's United Reformed Church

Food traders

There’s something for everyone to enjoy from our street food traders across the buzzing Festival Village.

Family Tent

Embark on a marvellous musical adventure in our Family Tent. Have a go at beatboxing, listen to funky beats and enjoy some fun for all the family.

Drinking Water

Stay hydrated and top up your reusable drinking bottles at our free water taps across site.

Record Store

Stoney Lane Records host the Festival Record Store. Drop by for vinyl, CDs and t-shirts, artist signing sessions and pop-up unplugged performances.

Montpellier Woods

Family

Skate Park

MONTPELLIER SPAROAD

Full site opens 26 April, 5.30pm Free entry

Free Stage

Grab a drink at our Festival Bar and listen to a selection of the best acts from Cheltenham and beyond on our Free Stage. Head to cheltenhamfestivals. com/freemusic for the full line-up.

Late Night Jam Sessions

The party carries on late into the night at Hotel du Vin’s jam sessions. Expect some surprise collaborations and a famous face or two, backed by a house band.

No

Festival Bar

Big Top

Jazz Arena

Entry

FREE GIGS ...around town

in association with Cheltenham BID

Enjoy unmissable gigs as jazz takes over the streets, pubs and clubs of Cheltenham

Dance your way into the Bank Holiday weekend as Cheltenham turns into one big jazz party. From pop-up performances and open-air stage sets to partying in Cheltenham’s pubs, bars and clubs late into the night, Cheltenham Jazz Festival …around town is back with more jazz, blues, soul, rock and everything in between – for free.

Bringing you up-and-coming national artists over the Festival, including the best local talent, expect an eclectic mix of free performances from morning til’ late in venues across the town centre.

In association with

Spotlight is Cheltenham Festivals’ year-round talent development programme. It offers a wide range of opportunities for all ages to engage with jazz and provides an invaluable platform for up-and-coming talent, helping to inspire and support performers throughout their career.

Emerging jazz artists receive invaluable career advice from industry professionals at the Festival.

Jazz Exchange

Our annual Jazz Exchange concert at Parabola Arts Centre welcomes students from the prestigious Siena Jazz-Accademia Nazionale Del Jazz in Italy, collaborating with players from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – two top institutions for studying jazz performance.

Encounters

Jerwood Jazz Encounters supports jazz musicians to develop and create new work in unusual spaces, encouraging them to expand their practice and take new risks. This year’s Festival includes the premiere of Waves II, a ten-metre-long sound sculpture, created by Andrew Woodhead. See page 18 for further details.

Showcase

Opening doors for emerging artists who have previously taken part in ...around town, we offer them a gig in our Jazz Arena as well as a six-month package of career support, including a mentoring session with key music industry figures.

…around town

Every year, we invite dozens of local and national artists to perform on stages across Cheltenham throughout the Festival, providing a platform to showcase their work.

JAZZ FOR SCHOOLS

Our year-round and Festival school programmes engage hundreds of young people from schools across Gloucestershire and beyond.

Friday

28 April, 12pm Concert For Schools

This year even more primary school children can discover the joy of jazz as we’re hosting our Concert for Schools in our largest Festival venue, the Big Top.

‘It was great – just the right length and a great mix of styles, facts and participation.’

Teacher, Holy Trinity Primary

Supported by

Musicate

The Festivals’ flagship music education programme brings together teachers and their pupils with early career musicians to develop creative approaches to music in the classroom, and inspire a lasting love of music.

Supported by

Jazz It Up

Come along and support our young musical talent as school and jazz bands from across the county perform at the heart of the Festival and entertain our Free Stage audience.

For more information and how to book please visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz-for-schools

‘Unforgettable experience, amazing! Can’t wait until next year.’

School band leader

Jazzlabs

Family Tent

£6 Ages 6+

Kickstart your jazz improv skills with Jazzlabs. Explore the amazing world of jazz music with exciting rhythms, sounds and styles, along with fun games to encourage little ones to unleash their musical potential in a creative workshop.

EmberLight: Folk Music From Around the World

Family Tent

£6 Ages 5+

Prepare for a fabulous musical journey around the world with musicians from Birmingham’s folk scene. Enjoy different folk tunes and musical cultures from across the globe, from the sounds of the Balkans to ceilidh dancing and klezmer, to reels and jigs. You’ll discover recorders great and small, including mysterious flutes from Eastern Europe and an accordion-playing-guitarist-bassist.

J40 Bostin Brass

2–3pm

Family Tent £6

Get dancing with lively and soulful marching band Bostin Brass. Enjoy an afternoon of family fun, singing and amazing brassy antics, with sounds inspired by music from the streets of New Orleans to secondline, jazz, funk and ska.

SUNDAY 30 APRIL

10.30–11.15am J41

Laura and Her Musical Explorers

Family Tent

£6 Ages 0-4

Could you be a musical explorer? Discover new and exciting musical worlds with multiinstrumentalist and early-years specialist Laura Carter in a fun, interactive adventure full of singing, dancing, musical games and feel-good songs for little ones.

12.15–1pm J42

Family Sing – with Black Voices

Family Tent

£6 All ages

Family Sing returns with two spectacular voices from supergroup Black Voices, Bev Robinson and CeCelia Wickham-Anderson. Wowing audiences around the world with their voices, Bev and CeCeclia will perform songs based on the Black oral tradition and ancient folklore of Africa and the diaspora. Bring your ears and voices for an hour of harmonies, spirituality, and gospel and African songs.

2–3pm J43

Arun Ghosh: Indo-Jazz Adventures

Family Tent

£6

Mix together indo-jazz music, rocking urban beats, a pinch of punk and a whole lot of attitude. What do you get? British-Asian clarinettist and composer Arun Ghosh brings together melodies and rhythms inspired by jazz and South Asian music. Journey through mountains, glide along rivers and uncover a world of sweetsounding stories with piano, percussion and Arun’s hypnotic clarinet.

MONDAY

1 MAY 12–1pm

Family Tent

£6

Family Tent

£6

11 FAMILY EVENTS cheltenhamfestivals.com

7–9.45pm J29

Rosie Frater-Taylor

The Daffodil

£75 Ticket includes a three-course set menu and champagne cocktail on arrival. Some tables may be shared. Bar open from 6pm with dinner served at 7pm. Performance 8.30–9.45pm.

Singer-songwriter Rosie Frater-Taylor is one to watch. With two albums and a European tour already in the bag, Rosie combines her subtle and melodic voice with playful guitar and jazz harmonies to create youthful, uplifting folklore. Think Joni Mitchell meets George Benson, influenced by growing up in the 2000s.

MIKA

Big Top

£32–£60

International pop sensation MIKA has built an unshakable career and catalogue crafting a world of gritty romance amidst the joy and playfulness of technicoloured alternative pop. He’s a renaissance artist whose name has rightfully found its way alongside legendary acts such as Elton John, Freddie Mercury and Prince, and is best known for his shimmering mega-hit Grace Kelly. MIKA has sold over 10 million records and is a certified Gold and Platinum artist in 32 countries worldwide.

“Leave your troubles outside. Here, life is beautiful, everyone is beautiful.”

7–8.15pm J13

Connor Selby

Jazz Arena

£25

Rising British star Connor Selby draws on influences ranging from Eric Clapton, Free, Van Morrison and B.B. King, but remains his own man. Connor released his self-titled album in September 2021, which immediately resonates with anyone who appreciates the soulful side of traditional blues rock. Connor’s fresh and deeply personal, introspective songwriting delivers a hard-hitting modern take on the best of the British blues boom of the 1960s.

Denny Ilett

The Daffodil

£75 Ticket includes a three-course set menu and champagne cocktail on arrival. Some tables may be shared. Bar open from 6pm with dinner served at 7pm. Performance 8.30–9.45pm.

With an authenticity seldom heard, vocalist and guitarist Denny Ilett and his trio perform an intimate and heartfelt selection of Great American Songbook classics made famous by Frank Sinatra and Nat ‘King’ Cole. Between them, Sinatra and Cole’s recorded output represents the pinnacle of jazz-infused pop music from the 1940’s through to the 60’s, including Fly Me To The Moon, Mona Lisa, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and Unforgettable at the forefront.

8.30–10.30pm

The Soul Jazz Summit with the BBC Concert Orchestra

Big Top £32–£60

Kickstarting a new tradition for the Festival, the Soul Jazz Summit brings together the very best of jazz, funk and soul, including special guests Gregory Porter, Madeline Bell, Mica Millar, Ashton Jones, Vanessa Haynes and Beverley Knight . Celebrating the explosion of jazz and soul from the late fifties, more than 80 musicians come together to draw inspiration from jazz giants Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Count Basie and more in an extraordinary night of music. Featuring BBC Concert Orchestra and Guy Barker’s Big Band

6.30–7.45pm J14

Mica Millar

Jazz Arena

£25

Releasing her debut album Heaven Knows to critically acclaimed reviews last year, Mica Millar has quickly become one of the UK’s brightest and highly anticipated new soul stars, picking up Jazz FM‘s prestigious ‘Soul Act of The Year 2022’ Award alongside a nomination for ‘Breakthrough Act of The Year’. Watch this space for a future Big Top headliner.

Bragg, Jazz FM Head of Music

7–8pm J46

Skylla

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£20

Ruth Goller has been at the heart of British progressive jazz, featuring in Acoustic Ladyland, Melt Yourself Down and Laura Jurd’s Big Friendly Band. In Skylla, vocalists Lauren Kinsella and Alice Grant join Ruth Goller’s vocals and bass guitar to create intimate and beautiful music.

“Outstanding. The future of British Soul Music is in very safe hands.”

Christian

8–9.30pm

Will Young

Big Top

£30–£42

Chart-topping, pop legend Will Young kicks off the bank holiday weekend on the Big Top stage. Spending the last two decades at the forefront of pop with four UK number one singles including Leave Right Now and Evergreen, 2022 marked 20 years since Will’s Pop Idol win. Having sold out his UK headline tour, Will has also had an impressive acting career including a standout performance in West End’s Cabaret

Amanda Whitting

The Daffodil

£75 Ticket includes a three-course set menu and champagne cocktail on arrival. Some tables may be shared. Bar open from 6pm with dinner served at 7pm. Performance 8.30–9.45pm.

Amanda Whitting has taken her classical roots and forged them with jazz harpists

Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane. Nominated for a Jazz FM 2021 Instrumentalist of the Year Award, Amanda’s sold-out 2021 debut album After Dark was met with great acclaim from DJs including Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2. Her 2022 album Lost in Abstraction quickly became record of the week on Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and PBS Australia.

9.30–10.30pm

J47

Stian Westerhus

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£20

Guitarist and vocalist Stian Westerhus showcases the very best of the Norwegian scene in a moody and mesmerising solo performance.

11pm–1am

J34

Kansas Smitty’s

The Daffodil

£16 Please note that this event is standing.

Kansas Smitty’s return for their infamous late-night takeover sessions. With two critically acclaimed albums and sold-out tours, this tight-knit group of young musicians are one of the best live acts around. This year Giacomo Smith brings his Hot Five, performing cuts of preswing repertoire from Louis Armstrong, WC Handy, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson.

Birmingham

Conservatoire

Sienna Exchange

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£12

Rising stars from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire join students from the prestigious Siena Jazz-Accademia Nazionale del Jazz in Italy to showcase a programme of wide and varied jazz. A must-see favourite for firsttimers and experienced Festival goers.

12.30–1.45pm

Showcase Double Bill: Tamzene and Immy

Jazz Arena

£15

Drawing on influences from Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys and Eva Cassidy, 19 year-old Scottish singer Tamzene presents her tender and soulful debut, Lullaby. Tamzene is joined by Immy, a Kent-based singer-songwriter with a pop-funk sound inspired by the books, people, films and poetry around her. Her influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mathis and Julie London.

Performances start at 1pm, 2.30pm and 5pm daily from Saturday 29 April–Monday 1 May

Waves II

Montpellier Woods

FREE

Bellringing is a complicated mixture of different sounds and patterns working together. But how does the centuries old tradition create such a magical sound? Created by Andrew Woodhead and based on his new album, Pendulums, Waves II combines music and physics as eight different pendulums create a beautifully chaotic and complex pattern. This new piece has been commissioned as part of the Jerwood Jazz Encounters programme.

1–3pm J37

Lucy-Anne Daniels

Hotel du Vin

£55 Ticket includes a three-course meal and drink on arrival.

Storyteller Lucy-Anne Daniels’ vivid imagination helps inspire her jazz and gospel-inspired sound. Weaving effortlessly between genres thanks to her rich, powerful vocals and improv skills, Lucy-Anne was recently chosen to front the National Youth Orchestra’s ‘Amy Winehouse: A Celebration of her Life and Music’ tour. Enjoy an intimate lunchtime concert featuring music from Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and Nina Simone, along with some new original songs.

2–3.15pm J04

Tony Hadley with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra

Big Top

£30–£42

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra are joined by one of the most renowned voices in British music, Tony Hadley. Celebrating four decades since releasing music with former band Spandau Ballet, Tony’s unmistakable voice still brims with the same passion. In a celebration of one of the biggest voices in pop, Tony and Ronnie Scott’s perform new arrangements of standout tracks across his career, alongside classic Big Band repertoire.

2–3pm

CollapseUncollapse with Stian Westerhus

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£20

Georgia Cécile

Jazz Arena £25

Scottish singer and songwriter Georgia Cécile is at the helm of the new wave of UK jazz crossover artists. Having opened four sell-out shows for Gregory Porter at Royal Albert Hall, she continues to make waves across the Atlantic and was recently crowned UK Jazz Act and Vocalist of The Year at the Jazz FM Awards. Inspired by Nancy Wilson, Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder, Georgia’s debut album Only The Lover Sings topped the UK Jazz and Blues charts. Taking to the Arena stage, Georgia’s stunning vocals reveal an emotional depth like no other.

Black Top with Xhosa Cole

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£20

Bringing a blend of lo-fi samples and experimental electronics are one of the world’s leading free improv groups, Black Top. Together Pat Thomas (piano) and Orphy Robinson (electronics and percussion) are joined by special guest, trailblazer, saxophonist and 2018’s BBC Young Musician of the Year, Xhosa Cole

Ian Davies

With Mark Sanders on drums and Chris Mapp on electric bass, CollapseUncollapse are joined by guitarist Stian Westerhus in an extra-special programme commissioned by Cheltenham Festivals and TDE Promotions.

5.30–6.45pm

Rufus Wainwright

Big Top £30–£42

Known for his genuine originality and one of the great vocalists, songwriters, and composers of his generation, Rufus Wainwright performs songs from his Grammy-nominated album Unfollow the Rules. Long lauded for his sophistication and wit, he is now working at the peak of his powers, with music guided by passion, honesty, and a newfound fearlessness. Be there for a career-spanning night with this highly celebrated musician.

7–9.45pm

Dana Masters

The Daffodil

£75 Ticket includes a three-course set menu and champagne cocktail on arrival. Some tables may be shared. Bar open from 6pm with dinner served at 7pm. Performance 8.30–9.45pm.

Born and raised in the deep south of the USA, Dana Masters left home at 17 to pursue a life in music, inspired by its power to tell human stories and break down barriers. Soon she found herself working with Prince’s guitarist and (accidentally) performing with Kanye West before making Ireland her home. With a new appetite and passion for the Irish jazz scene, Dana was soon asked to perform with Van Morrison and has been a long-term backing vocalist for the iconic musician. Now the singer, songwriter and producer is ready to tell her story in her own words.

Sarah Brown sings Mahalia Jackson

Jazz Arena

£25

You might not know Sarah Brown’s name, but you’ll recognise her voice. Having appeared on records with the likes of Pink Floyd and Stevie Wonder and toured with Roxy Music and Duran Duran, the English-born singer is one of the most prolific and in-demand vocalists in the world. Sarah celebrates the life of gospel blues legend Mahalia Jackson.

7.30pm–8.30pm

Espen Eriksen Trio with Andy Sheppard

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£25

Andy Sheppard returns to Cheltenham Jazz Festival with a Norwegian piano trio led by Espen Eriksen Together they create an upbeat symphony of intricate Nordic sounds driven by Andy on the saxophone.

9–10.30pm

Ezra Collective

Cheltenham Town Hall

£28 Standing £20 Seated, restricted view

J25

Formed in 2012 through the Tomorrow’s Warriors talent development programme, Ezra Collective have become architects of a new phase in London’s musical journey. Together they blend Black genres including jazz, grime, afrobeat and dovetail, and harmonise fluidly at new, forever rising levels. An astonishingly powerful live band –not to be missed.

9–10.30pm J06

Jake Bugg

Big Top £30–£42

28-years-old with five albums and numerous hit singles to his name, Jake Bugg’s laid-back gritty swagger and striking yet nonchalant image have seen him fuse his music and style, collaborating with the likes of Saint Laurent and Burberry. Following a sold-out UK tour, Jake and his band make their Cheltenham Jazz Festival debut following the success of his last album, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning

11pm–1am J35

Kansas Smitty’s

The Daffodil

£16 Please note that this event is standing.

See page 17 for details.

12.30–1.30pm J53

Paal Nilssen-Love’s Circus

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£25

Our Norwegian theme continues with a septet led by drummer Paal Nilssen-Love, drawing on Paal’s experiences in Ethiopia and Brazil and his fascination with Mali and Senegal music in an improvised performance.

12.30–1.45pm J18

Lizz Wright

Jazz Arena

£30

It’s no surprise Lizz Wright is one of Gregory Porter’s personal picks for the Festival. Bringing honey-toned vocals and soulful grooves, the Georgia-born singer adds a colourful vibrancy to original songs and jazz classics. Lizz uses the power of her ‘smooth, dark, alto, possessed of qualities you might associate with barrelaged bourbon or butter-soft leather’ ( New York Times) as a soaring reflection of her country’s cultural fabric.

Performances start at 1pm, 2.30pm and 5pm daily from Saturday 29 April–Monday 1 May

Waves II

Montpellier Woods FREE

See page 18 for details.

2–3.15pm J26

Eliades Ochoa – Star of Buena Vista Social Club

Cheltenham Town Hall

£20–£30

Celebrate Cuban rhythms and culture with Cuban Sonero Eliades Ochoa. On the iconic self-titled debut album, Ochoa sings the classic song Chan Chan. Long before he found fame with Buena Vista Social Club, Ochoa was beloved among lovers of Cuban music for his guajira, guaracha and bolero-inspired musical styles. With his trademark cowboy hat and black clothes, he has also been called the “Cuban Johnny Cash” and is one of the best guitarists of his generation.

2–3.30pm J07

Joe Stilgoe & The BBC Concert Orchestra

Big Top

£24–£32

Singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe presents his latest album Theatre with the BBC Concert Orchestra, celebrating the greatest music of theatre in a new and dynamic way. He whips up a carnival of theatrical experiences, where the stage and the orchestra meet without boundaries. Featuring songs from Cabaret to Cats, and with music by Sondheim, Frank Loesser and Joe Stilgoe himself. The orchestra is joined by great players from the British jazz scene, plus for one night only Joe brings together the legendary Clarke Peters, astonishing performer Marisha Wallace and the emerging talent of JazzFM Jazz Act Of The Year

Georgia Cécile

2.30–3.30pm

Deadeye: Kit Downes and Reinier Baas

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£20

Currently one of the most forward-looking ensembles in Europe, Berlin-based musicians

Kit Downes (piano, Hammond organ), Reinier Baas (guitar) and Jonas Burgwinkel (drums) combine to present Deadeye

4–5.15pm

Mozes Rosenberg & Giacomo Smith

Quartet

Jazz Arena

£25

Giacomo Smith and Mozes Rosenberg bridge culture, tradition and time to create unique concerts drawing on the history of Django Reinhard’s music. Mozes’ virtuoso guitar and Giacomo’s breathtaking range of expression brings a new energy to this timeless music. In this all-star line-up, Giacomo joins forces with Dutch Sinti guitarist Mozes Rosenberg to move Django’s winning instrumental formula into the modern era. Together they perform original compositions, swing era classics, and other songs from outside the typical gypsy swing and Manouche repertoire.

Stanley Clarke N’4EVER

Cheltenham Town Hall

£20–£30

Stanley Clarke performs material from his illustrious bass-playing career, updating carefully selected tracks from his album to create exciting, complex and sophisticated arrangements. His project, Stanley Clarke N•4EVER emphasises Clarke’s jazz fusion legacy and is centred on the seminal Return to Forever album, Romantic Warrior. Expect a powerful combination of jazz harmony and improvisation with rock, funk, R&B, hip-hop and electronic music influences.

J58

5.30–6.45pm

J27

J52

5.30–6.45pm

Rodrigo Y Gabriela Big

Since their 2006 breakout album, Rodrigo y Gabriela are long established masters of their instruments, whether it’s Rodrigo’s shimmering, hummingbird flourishes or Gabriela’s extraordinary engine-room rhythm. Dancing between world and rock and teeming with Hispanic passion, the fire in Rodrigo y Gabriela’s music stems from the duo’s life-long passion for jazz, flamenco and heavy metal. Cultivating a unique sound on acoustic guitars and moving from raging speed to sensual soul, brace yourself for a truly explosive performance.

Angrusori

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£18

An extraordinary project bringing together the Norwegian Stavanger Kitchen Orchestra and Roma musicians led by Iva Bittova to present unique arrangements of traditional Roma songs.

7–9.45pm J33

Michelle David

The Daffodil

£75 Ticket includes a three-course set menu and champagne cocktail on arrival. Some tables may be shared. Bar open from 6pm with dinner served at 7pm. Performance 8.30–9.45pm.

Michelle David & The True-tones are a band that makes every show a soul spectacle with their unique take on gospel combined with soul, blues, jazz and just a hint of afrobeat. Together they perform new tracks from their 2022 album Truth & Soul, pairing elements of dreamy indie soul with a heavy 70’s vibe, mixed with Brazilian flavours and African rhythms.

Julian Lage

Jazz Arena

£25

Celebrated as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation, Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history, combining impeccable technique, free association and infinite possibility. The California-born, New Yorkbased musician boasts a prolific repertoire in addition to collaborations with Gary Burton and John Zorn, and duo projects with Nels Cline, Chris Eldridge and Fred Hersch, among others. 8–9pm J55

Laura Jurd

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre

£25

Trumpeter and composer Laura Jurd presents a new work to mark Tony Dudley-Evans’ final Festival as Programme Adviser. The piece has been commissioned by Cheltenham Jazz Festival and is influenced by Tony’s love of different jazz styles.

11pm–1am J36

Kansas Smitty’s

The Daffodil

£16 Please note that this event is standing.

See page 17 for details.

9–10.15pm J19

Fergus McCreadie

Cheltenham Town Hall £25, £20

Pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie burst onto the national scene with his selfreleased debut album Turas in 2018 and is one of the most exciting young talents of the new UK jazz scene. Nominated for the 2022 Mercury Prize and winner of the Jazz FM Instrumentalist of the Year 2022, his music blends jazz and Scottish traditional music, designed to take you on a journey of homeland. Featuring his trio, David Bowden and Stephen Henderson, together they have the instrumental command, communication and originality to develop a huge global audience.

9–10.30pm J09

Van Morrison

Big Top £30–£66

His distinctive blend of R&B, soul and Celtic melodies have established Van Morrison as one of the most unique and celebrated musicians of a generation. With a career spanning seven decades, Van is joined by his live band to perform classics from his awardwinning back catalogue, including tracks from his new album, Moving on Skiffle

11am–12pm J21

SK Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids

Jazz Arena

£10 Suitable for all ages

Following his sell-out show at 2019’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival, sonic superhero and world champion beatboxer SK Shlomo returns with his genre-defying show, using just his mouth and a mic. Entering a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, he’ll make you one of his sidekicks and welcome a very special, surprise guest from the Festival on stage.

1–2pm J56

Kit Downes

St Andrew’s Church

£15

Composer Kit Downes has become a firm festival favourite. In his second gig at this year’s Festival, he brings together his love of jazz and church organ music in this highly-anticipated, solo organ performance.

Performances start at 1pm, 2.30pm and 5pm daily from Saturday 29 April–Monday 1 May

Waves II

Montpellier Woods FREE

See page 18 for details.

Laura Mvula

Big Top £28–£40

In an exclusive celebration of the 10th anniversary of her highly acclaimed debut album Sing To The Moon, songwriter, composer and recording artist Laura Mvula makes a triumphant return to the Festival. Her joyful take on brighthued retro-soul and jazz-infused pop gems spawned the massive breakthrough hit Green Garden and subsequent albums The Dreaming Room and Pink Noise. With a Mercury Prize nomination for each of her three albums, she has been continually praised for her originality while being compared to Nina Simone and David Axelrod and winning the praise of Prince and Elton John.

2.30–4pm

Damian Lewis

Jazz Arena

£30

Best known for his roles in Homeland and Band of Brothers, film and TV star Damian Lewis first picked up a guitar at 13. After busking in London throughout his early twenties, music became a beloved hobby while Damian’s acting career soared. During lockdown, Damian found himself in the recording studio with London-based musicians including Kansas Smitty’s Giacomo Smith. Hear tracks from Damian’s debut album set to be released this year.

4.30–5.45pm

Squeeze

Big Top

£30–£42

Once dubbed ‘The New Lennon and McCartney’, New Wave icons Squeeze are still reminding fans worldwide why they have left an indelible impression on the UK’s music scene. Fronted by songwriting duo Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook they play an energetic set full of hits from their 45-year career (Cools for Cats, Up The Junction, Tempted ), as well as some rarities from their back catalogue. Their seven piece line-up is one of the strongest ever – you’re in for a treat.

8.30–10pm

Gregory Porter & Friends

Big Top £40–£70

Top off your Cheltenham Jazz Festival experience and celebrate with the Festival’s Artistic Curator Gregory Porter in our Big Top. Gregory will be joined by special guests from across the Festival programme, including Lizz Wright and many more in a showstopping, toe-tapping extravaganza.

Binker Golding

Jazz Arena

£25

Known for his work with Binker & Moses, Elliot Galvin and Mr Jukes, Binker Golding makes his Cheltenham Jazz Festival debut hot off his second highly acclaimed album Dream like a Dogwood Wild Boy. His live shows are a captivating mix of Golding’s best and most mature writing yet, brought to life by slide-guitar, a driving rhythm section and his trademark, hard-hitting tenor sound. With songs that sound like the wide-open landscapes of mid-western America, Dogwood is an album that has the blues, Americana, heartland rock and whiskey running through its veins.

Get closer to Cheltenham Festivals and make a real difference with Patronage.

The support of our Patrons helps us bring the best of artistic programming and unique experiences to Cheltenham, and makes a vital contribution to our year-round outreach, learning and participation work and talent development programmes.

From £90 per month, your Patronage covers all four Festivals and helps us deliver programmes that bring joy, spark curiosity, connect communities and inspire change.

By becoming a Patron, you’ll also enjoy:

• Advance booking and early programme announcements

• Access to hospitality areas at our Festivals

• Invitations to special events and parties

To find out more please contact patrons@cheltenhamfestivals.com or visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/patrons

“I am made to feel an important part of the whole Festivals experience, including the huge amount of work that is done for the local community, and in particular, schools and young people. It’s the best investment I have ever made.”

Keith Norton, Life Patron

Make A Difference

Our Patrons and Members are the first to hear about our programmes and enjoy priority booking. By becoming a member you will be supporting our vision for a world in which everyone can explore and create culture.

Join online today and enjoy:

JOYFUL £15 per year

✓ Priority booking

Buy up to one full price ticket per event during priority booking

CURIOUS £35 per year

✓ Priority booking

Buy up to two full price tickets per event during priority booking

CONNECTED £70 per year

✓ Priority booking

Buy up to four tickets per event during priority booking

INSPIRED £105 per year

✓ Priority booking

Buy up to six tickets per event during priority booking

SPARK 18-30 Free

✓ Priority booking

✓ 50% discount on walk up tickets one hour before the event

cheltenhamfestivals.com/membership

Terms and conditions apply – see cheltenhamfestivals.com/ patrons-and-members-terms-and-conditions

One Membership supporting four extraordinary Festivals. Becoming a member is a great way to support Cheltenham Festivals.

PATRONS

Life Patrons

Dr Lynda Albertyn and Pat Gallasch

Mark and Sue Blanchfield

Peter and Anne Bond

Dominic and Jannene Collier

Michael and Felicia Crystal

Colin and Suzanne Doak

Miles and Monica Dunkley

The Eaton Family

Fingerhuth Leung Family

Charles Fisher

Sarah and Darren Gates

Lucy Freeman and Peter Hulett

David and John Hall

Margaret Headen

Diane and Mark Hill

Jeremy and Germaine Hitchins Family

Jonathan and Cassinha Hitchins Family

Stephen and Tania Hitchins Family

Jeff and Keren Iliffe

Elizabeth and Michael Jones and Family

Rick and Lisa Jones

Steven and Linda Jones

David Jones and Amanda Payne

Hugh and Sue Koch

Robert and Moira Leechman

Hazel and Jeremy Lewis

Eileen Lockwood

The McKelvie Family

Fiona McLeod

The McWilliam Family in loving memory of Ruth McWilliam

Keith Norton and Piers Norton

Mark and Elizabeth Philip-Sorensen

Shelley Bence and Felix Robson in memory of Jason Robson

John and Susan Singer

Simon Skinner and Jean Gouldsmith Skinner

Andrew Smith

Phil and Jennifer Stapleton

Liz and Neil Stewart

Sharon Studer and Graham Beckett

Chris and Bridgette Sunman

Fiona and David Symondson

Michelle Thorley

Luanne and Hodson Thornber

The Walker Family

Jaqueline Woof

Directors’ Circle

Heather Barrett

Jack Black

Torie Blythe-Richards

Sarah Cook and Gemma Irvine

Michael and Angela Cronk

Richard Claridge

Arlene Davies

Sally Dimmer

Carol and Adrian Farnell

Ricardo Fearon

Marc and Melanie Gillespie

Jeremy and Alison Halliday

Mark and Moira Hamlin

Jennifer Hayward and Richard Waite

Stephen Hodge

Andrew and Caroline Hope

Graham and Jenny Hopkins

Simon and Emma Keswick

Clive Lewis OBE DL

Emma Logan & KB Beaton

Helen and Iain Lovatt

Andrew and Susanne Malim

Hayden and Tracy McKinnes

Spencer McPherson and Emily Poole

The Miskin Family

Chris Morgan

P. J. Moore

Dr Joanna Morrison

Oldham Foundation

In Memory Of Edward & Gladys Parker

David Penney

John Phillips

Andrew Pitt and Pamela Odih

Jan and Gill Rowe

Andy and Ali Stalsberg

Peter Stormonth Darling Charitable Trust

Amanda and Paul Toner

Michael and Rosie Warner

Stephen Wood

Gold Patrons

Nicholas and Alixandra Avery

Sigrid and Ben Atkinson

Geraldine and Jim Beaty

Christopher Bence

Sam Berwick

Stephen Bond

Charlie Chan

Ian Culverhouse

Wallace and Morag Dobbin

Peter and Sue Elliott

Colin and Susan Enticknap

Louise Hewett DL

Mike and Judie Hill

Lord and Lady Hoffmann

Elizabeth Jacobs

Sir Michael and Lady McWilliam

Paul and Kathy Mottershead

Kim Moore

Stuart Palmer

Dr Julia Pearson and Dr Keith England

Adrian and Cassandra Phillips

Martin and Susan Pickard

Zoe and Khal Rudin

Brenda Salters and Harold Longmate

Esther and Peter Smedvig

We would also like to thank all our Silver Patrons who are listed on the website: cheltenhamfestivals.com/ support-us/patrons/ patron-acknowledgements

We would like to thank all our Patrons for their generous support including those who have chosen to remain anonymous.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cheltenham Jazz Festival is presented by Cheltenham Festivals Ltd, a Charity and company limited by guarantee, and is a member of the British Arts & Science Festival Association (artsfestivals.co.uk), Jazz Promotion Network (jazzpromotionnetwork. org.uk), the Europe Jazz Network (europejazz.net) and Keychange.

Co-CEOs

Ian George

Ali Mawle

Head of Programming

David Gaydon

Programme Adviser

Tony Dudley-Evans

Family Programme

Sam Slater

...around town programme

David Gaydon, Louise Carles

Jerwood Jazz Encounters Producer

Emily Jones

Learning and Participation

Philippa Claridge, Sarah Cooksley, Khazana McLaughlin, Rebecca Smith, Kelly Turner, Rose Wood

Operations and Production

Oliver Bradstock, Louise Carles, Emily Davis, Holly Haynes, Adrian Hensley, Melissa King, James Kitto, Andrew Lansley, Rhianna Smith, Mo Soper, Tarren Productions

Finance

Ben Bates, Russ Poole

Cheltenham Festivals

Board of Trustees

Mark Phillip-Sorensen (Chair)

Lucy Carlton-Walker

Deborah Cogan Thacker

Adrian Farnell

Beverley Grimster

Peter Howarth

Caroline Hutton

Shamil Makhecha

Jonathan White

Andy Williams

Company Secretary

Matthew Clayton

Senior Management Team

Helena Bibby

Suzanne Ross

Marketing and Box Office

Jade Beard, Phil Brook, Hannah Franklin, Laura Netting, Martin Perks, Madelaine Richards, Louise Sinclair, Liz Wheatley

Development

Claire Crawford, Alice Gilder, Becky Harte, Holly Haynes, Helen Knowles, Jenna Marks, Rosie Massey, Tara Patterson, Samantha Sandford, Connor Teague, Eleri Thomas

With many thanks to the staff and volunteers who provide invaluable support and help make the Festival a success.

Contact

If you have any specific comments about the Festival, please email boxoffice@cheltenhamfestivals.com

Company No. 456573

Charity No. 251765

VAT Registration No. 100114013

Artwork Credits

Programme artwork

@ 2023 Ruth Brown, 10:AM

PLAN YOUR PERFECT FESTIVAL

WAVES II – PERFORMANCES START AT 1PM, 2.30PM AND 5PM

WAVES II – PERFORMANCES START AT 1PM, 2.30PM AND 5PM

WAVES II – PERFORMANCES START AT 1PM, 2.30PM AND 5PM

J41 LAURA AND HER MUSICAL EXPLORERS J44 CAMILO MEJURA: LANDSCAPES OF LATIN AMERICA

J42 FAMILY SING –WITH BLACK VOICES J43 ARUN GHOSH: INDO-JAZZ ADVENTURES

RANDOLPH MATTHEWS

ELIADES OCHOA – STAR OF BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB

SMITH QUARTET

J40 BOSTIN BRASS

J49 COLLAPSEUNCOLLAPSE WITH STIAN WESTERHUS

J50 BLACK TOP WITH XHOSA COLE

J48 BIRMINGHAM CONSERVERTOIRE SIENNA EXCHANGE

J04 TONY HADLEY WITH RONNIE SCOTT’S JAZZ ORCHESTRA

J15 SHOWCASE DOUBLE BILL: TAMZENE AND IMMY

J16 GEORGIA CÉCILE

J37 LUCY-ANNE DANIELS

VISIT & BOOKING INFORMATION

cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

01242 850270

For queries email boxoffice@cheltenhamfestivals.com

For full details about Box Office opening hours, booking fees, terms & conditions and Membership, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/booking

2023 Booking Dates

Life Patrons

Directors Circle Patrons

Gold Patrons

Silver Patrons

Members’ Priority booking ............................

Spark 18-30 Members ........................................

Public booking

Getting to the Festival

Sunday 12 February

Wednesday 15 February

Saturday 18 February

Monday 20 February

Wednesday 22 February

Thursday 23 February

Wednesday 1 March

Cheltenham is easily accessible from all over the UK, by road and rail. Most events take place on the main Festival site, located in central Cheltenham on Montpellier Gardens (GL50 1UW) Other venues are within walking distance.

For more information on public transport and car parks go to cheltenhamfestivals.com/your-visit.

Access Requirements

Please book using our online form at cheltenhamfestivals.com/access-requirements or call the Box Office phone line from 17 February.

Venue information

Please be aware the Big Top has some restricted view seating. Seats in Price Band D have a restricted view of the stage due to the placement of the tent’s scaffolding pillars and supports. Some seats in Price Band C may still have a partially restricted view due to the venue’s seating layout, scaffolding pillars, and handrails. This can vary between seats in this price band; this shouldn’t affect your enjoyment of the performance but please bear this in mind when selecting your tickets.

Find out more at cheltenhamfestivals.com/bigtop

Family Events

For safety, children 11 years and under must be accompanied by a ticket holder aged 16 or over. Everyone over the age of 12 months is allocated a seat and requires a ticket, while babies in arms (12 months and under) do not require a ticket unless otherwise stated. For more information, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/your-visit

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates may be purchased at our Box Office or online at cheltenhamfestivals.com/gift-certificates and may be redeemed against ticket or Membership purchases.

Refunds

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, except in the case of a cancelled event. See cheltenhamfestivals.com/booking for details.

Charity No. 251765

Programme artwork © 2023 Ruth Brown, 10:AM