What better way to start off the festival than celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder with the mesmeric vocalist, Noel McCalla and award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash.

Join us at the Kings Head on Bird Street, Lichfield for a great jam session for free. An informal session in Lichfield’s oldest coaching inn.

After celebrating 50 years of playing their unique combination of blues with a jazzy tinge and playing all the major blues festivals around the UK and Europe we simply had to invite them back!

With his stirring voice, wailing harmonica, and fingerpicking guitar, Robert ‘Magpie’ Jackson is a dynamic singer-songwriter from Lichfield. Appearing together with Mike Seal on upright bass and Alfi Romeo on lead guitar.

This is an eclectic, brassy band whose influences include jazz, blues, reggae, soul and much more. This powerhouse of brass reflects a mixture of youth, talent and experience.

These two very funky musicians first met in 2005 when the Netherstowe School Big Band had a two day workshop with the master trombonist. Both have reunited with a brilliant concert for our 30th anniversary of the blues & Jazz Festival.

Sunday starts with the Blues & Jazz church service – join the musicians and congregation of Wade Street Church at 11.00am as they explore the spiritual roots of the blues, gospel and jazz. Music to listen to and to sing along with. All welcome. Admission free.

As a Finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, and the winner of the “Rising Star” category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards, Alex is one of the most exciting young jazz musicians emerging on the UK jazz scene.

This fine experienced six-piece band play the music of Duke Ellington and Count Basie as well as some traditional jazz standards. Music to listen to, even dance to!

The Walsall Jazz Orchestra is a 19 piece big band which, unlike the vast majority of big bands, plays contemporary, rather than traditional big band music.

Enjoy the Saturday Guildhall sessions of the Robert Jackson trio at 3.00pm, Brass Monkeys at 5.00pm, followed by Dennis Rollins with the Nick Dewhurst Band at 8.00pm for just £25.00 for three concerts!

Our Sunday day ticket gives you access to the Alex Clarke Quartet at 1.00pm, Apex Jazz & Swing Band at 3.30pm and Walsall Jazz Orchestra at 6.30pm for just £25. All at the Garrick Suite of the George Hotel.