FEATURE
The Birmingham International Jazz Festival, Colmore Business District: 19th – 23rd July.
T
he Birmingham International Jazz Festival, now in its 26th year, will take over the city this July and once again Colmore Business District is delighted to welcome some of the world’s finest jazz musicians. We’ve worked with festival organisers to arrange a packed programme to keep everyone entertained. 1. Becky Brine MUSIC STYLE: Jazz & Blues Singer A little lady with a big voice, a groovy sense of humour and lots of energy. Birmingham patrons will remember her solo street entertainment throughout the last two festivals with affection WHERE: Monday 19th July: 8-10am , St Philips Square. Wednesday 21st July: 8-10am, St Philips Square. Wednesday 21st July: 5-7pm, The Old Contemptibles
2. Chick ‘Stoop Down Man’ Willis Music Style: Blues The great bluesman, Chick Willis, is a superb guitarist and singer who also plays drums, keyboards, harmonica and bass, has garnered awards and honours from every possible source. WHERE: Monday 19th July: 12-2pm, Victoria Square 3. Digby Fairweather MUSIC STYLE: Jazz Cornettist Digby’s achievements in jazz are far too numerous to itemise. A professional jazz musician since January 1977, he can now add the position of Festival Patron to his many roles in Birmingham. WHERE: Monday 19th July: 5-7pm, Victoria Square
rine Becky B
The Dixie Ticklers
Chick ‘Stoop Do wn Man’ Willis
4. Emanuele Fizzotti MUSIC STYLE: Blues/Rock Emanuele is one of Italy’s foremost blues/ rock guitarists and also one of the most versatile. In 2005 he formed Psychedelic Sunrise to re-create the music of Jimi Hendrix and Soulful Numbers, a folk/rock/soul band, playing music by the likes of Bob Dylan, the Beatles and Aretha Franklin. WHERE: Thursday 22nd July: 12-2pm, Victoria Square 5. Teens Jazzband Velke Losiny MUSIC STYLE: Dixieland Velke Losiny is the town in the Czech Republic where it all began for the Teens Jazzband in 2002. Now, still full of youthful exuberance, the band has the experience of eight years of brilliant success. WHERE: Tuesday 20th July: 12 – 2pm, Victoria Square. Tuesday 20th July: 5-7pm, The Old Contemptibles
Digby Fairweather zband Velke Teens Jaz Losiny ke Vel