Following a run-away success last year, the Jazz series is back at Buxton International Festival 2023! Last year saw our first distinct jazz programme in the long history of the Festival with fantastic audience feedback. Repeating all the successes – big bands, late night concerts, the dance evening and some gospel, this year we’re adding even more into the mix with our brand new Late Night Jazz Cafe at the Pavilion Gardens.
For three nights with three incredible jazz artists, gigs start at 10pm until midnight. With food and drink available, there’s also the option to have VIP access upstairs on the mezzanine with table service for your group; book now at pavilion.gardens@parkwood-leisure.co.uk
Located just a few minutes walk from our other festival venues – the Opera House, The Palace Hotel, St John’s Church and The Octagon, this will make a great addition to the overall programme.
Late Night Jazz Cafe – Three nights with three incredible jazz artists
To kick things off at the Late Night Jazz Cafe on Thursday 13 July, are talented jazz artists Julie Edwards and Kevin Dearden Quintet – fast becoming one of the top attractions on the jazz circuit. Julie, a skilled vocalist, possesses a mesmerizing voice that effortlessly traverses a wide range of tones and emotions. Kevin is a virtuosic jazz guitarist whose nimble fingers produce intricate and soulful melodies.
Next up is Steve Williams and the Most Wanted Band on Saturday 15 July. An electrifying musical ensemble that never fails to ignite the stage with their explosive performances. These guys are one of the most accomplished collectives of musicians you are likely to see. Led by the charismatic Steve Williams, a powerhouse vocalist with a voice that commands attention, the band takes audiences on a wild musical journey. With tight grooves, searing guitar solos, and a rhythm section that hits with precision, the Most Wanted Band delivers a high-energy show that leaves no one in the crowd unaffected!
The final late night gig on Friday 21 July brings us local jazz hero the Graham Clark Quartet. With a strongly personal approach to playing violin, he has played in many jazz, rock and experimental contexts, including a long partnership with Daevid Allen of ‘Gong’, several improvising groups, and numerous recordings. Their performances are marked by intricate improvisations, harmonically rich compositions, and impeccable rhythm.
Opening weekend!
There are so many great musicians visiting Buxton this year. The first weekend sees New Orleans maestro Dale Storr open things up at Jazz at The Palace Hotel on Thursday 6 July. Once again we mix solo gigs, Jamie Safir on the Friday night (7 July), duet gigs, Trish Clowes and Ross Stanley on Saturday night (8 July) and and an 18-piece big band with the Northern Jazz Orchestra on Sunday lunchtime (9 July).
We roll through 12 events across the opening weekend and the most famous trumpeter of them all, Wynton Marsalis graces us with a late-night show on the Monday evening (10 July).
Of course, we have some bona fide superstars for you. John Helliwell, Supertramp’s well known saxophonist, brings his Super Big Tramp Band project to Buxton, an 18-piece re-arrangement of all those hits. We have Madeline Bell, Dusty Springfield’s backing singer, and a star in her own right with Blue Mink, singing the music of Bacharach and Dusty.
I look forward to welcoming you to Buxton very soon for the best in jazz. It’s going to be a fine festival, with a wide-ranging programme to keep you entertained!
Neil Hughes
Jazz Director
Click here to view the full Jazz programme at Buxton International Festival 2023.