Lichfield Blues & Jazz Festival returns to Lichfield City Centre for 2018 with an explosive line up of new talent and seasoned performers from near and far.
Now in its fourth year since moving back to the City Centre, Lichfield Arts is delighted to be offering blues and jazz fans a varied programme of top-class national musicians and excellent regional bands all in our delightful Cathedral city.
Blues fans can enjoy Stan Webb’s hard hitting blues, the young talent of Robert Jackson, the swampy blues and voice of Zoe Green and the skilful boogie-woogie of Emma Jonson. Sunday will see the return of local favourites Steve Ajao’s Blues Giants and The Shooters before we all relax to King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys celebrating 30 years on the road.
Jazz fans can enjoy the wonderful saxophone/ flautist Theo Travis, powerful trombone of Annie Whitehead and the poetic lyrical voice of Sara Gillespie all supported by some of the UK’s top musicians.
Locally, following the launch of a successful jazz season, we bring you some of the outstanding musicians who have graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire. So, come along for the whole weekend, a day or just a single concert. Simply relax and enjoy.
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Friday 1st June 2018
Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack
Stan Webb was at the heart of the British Blues Boom as he led his band Chicken Shack around the club circuit in the late 60s. Signing for the new Blue Horizon label in 1967 they released their first album ’40 Blue Fingers’ and opened a big tour for Fleetwood Mac.
Northbound
Date: Friday 1st June 2018Concert starts at 7.30pmVenue: Lichfield Sports Club Buy Tickets Northbound Support for this exciting evening of the blues are the acoustic strains of Northbound, who made a great impression at [...]
Imperial Strut
Formed by drummer Dave Tandy, who regularly plays with the BBC Big Band and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra.
Saturday 2nd June 2018
Emma Johnson Boogie Woogie Quartet
Since appearing in Lichfield entertaining the crowds at the Christmas lights switch-on, Emma has gone from strength to strength creating waves across the UK blues scene.
Three Step Manoeuvre
Outstanding emerging star keyboard wizzard Dave Ferris leads this fine very funky trio supported by Ben Lee on guitar and Oscar Reynoldson on drums.
Tom Lindsay Trio
This fine pianist and unique vocalist brings along his trio to perform swinging and funky versions of jazz standards, original compositions plus songs from the pop genre.
Zoe Green Band
Led by talented singer/ guitarist/songwriter Zoe Green, this excellent band comprises Ali Clinton (guitar), Dave Clarke (bass), Toby Wilson (drums) and Ben Marshall (keyboards).
Robert Jackson
Today's blues programme starts with this talented local songwriter/guitarist. Influenced by the likes of Eric Clapton and Peter Green this soulful singer combines fine thumb–picking guitar with wailing blues harp, which has enthralled audiences from Amsterdam to New York.
Annie Whitehead Quartet
No stranger to her many Lichfield fans, Annie brings along her current band of Jenifer Maidman (guitar), Dudley Philips (bass), Roy Dodds (drums) and of course Annie on trombone.
The Theo Travis Double Talk
We are delighted that this fine saxophone/flautist is bringing his impressive quartet to play at the festival.
Blast Off
Lichfield biggest community band celebrates its 4th anniversary with up tempo rhythms and funky sounds.
Sunday 3rd June 2017
King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys
Rough , tough and always rocking, Mr King Pleasure celebrate 30 years of entertaining at venues, festivals around Europe and beyond with their non–stop jump, jive, swinging bluesy, jazzy unmistakable music.
Walsall Jazz Orchestra
This dynamic 20 piece band play frightening compositions by the likes of Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Mike Gibbs plus the talents of band members Tim Amann and Nick Dewhurst.
The Shooters
The Shooters One of the most popular and established home grown blues bands led by drummer/vocalist Kevin Morrissey, with local legend Johnny 'no notes' on bass and young guitar supremo Joe Noble.
Sara Gillespie Quartet
No stranger to Lichfield and many other festivals, Anglo-American songstress Sara Gillespie is supported by her talented rhythm section of Mercury prize nominated composer Kit Downes keyboards, James Maddren drums and Ruth Goller double bass.
Steve Ajao Blues Giants
They have regularly played at many festivals including Lichfield and never fail to put a smile on the faces of their many fans.
Tom Morgan Trio
This eclectic trio are Tom Morgan (guitar), Bradleigh White (drums) and John Evans (keyboards). They play their own special interpretations, versions of popular and traditional tunes by the likes of George Duke, Chick Corea and Stevie Wonder.
Blues & Jazz Festival Service
Now very much part of the festival. Join the congregation and musicians to explore the spiritual roots of blues and jazz.