We hold monthly gigs in the spacious Willow suite at Venue 16, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich.
Ipswich Jazz & Blues (IJ&B) is a not-for-profit organisation run by jazz and blues enthusiasts whose sole aim is to bring the very best acts to Suffolk’s county town.
Born from a library music album of co-compositions by leader Derek Nash and British jazz award winning guitarist Dominic Ashworth, Picante is a Latin band that takes flavours from Buena Vista Social Club, Sergio Mendes, Stan Getz and Astrid Gilberto, Spyrogyra and the Gypsy Kings.
With their unique take on mambo, salsa, samba and bossa nova styles, their music is loved the world over. The band showcases Latin maestro Neil Angilley on piano, Andy Staples on bass, Marc Cecil on drums, and Satin Singh on percussion.
Check out our exciting lineup of jazz and blues performances
The Gray Project is a 10 piece jazz funk and soul band from East Anglia who take their name from founder and drummer Bill Gray. Their sole objective is to fill the floor with hip urban grooves, appealing to head, heart & feet.
The return of one of this region’s finest bands will be relished by Ipswich Jazz And Blues regulars and newcomers alike.
Leading jazz bassist Ben Crosland is a big admirer of the legendary pop and rock band The Kinks. Ray Davies’ songs are rooted in the blues, music hall, popular song, variety and musical theatre, making them perfect vehicles for jazz interpretation.
Chris Corcoran is considered to be one of the finest blues guitarists in the UK. He performs regularly across London, Britain and Europe.
A journey into the musical life of David ‘Fathead’ Newman. The project will explore Newman’s work with Ray Charles, his straight ahead albums with saxophonists Stanley Turrentine and James Clay, his collaborations with Hammond organists Jimmy McGriff and Lonnie Smith and his soul jazz/funk releases on Atlantic and Prestige.
Lead singer for Manfred Mann, leader of The Blues Band, star of stage and screen and presenter of the BBC Radio 2 Blues programme for thirty two years, Paul Jones has been a household name since the 1960s. He is the voice of worldwide hits Do Wah Diddy Diddy, 5-4-3-2-1 and Pretty Flamingo and maintains a busy touring schedule as part of The Manfreds.
Moments from our latest jazz and blues afternoons
We're delighted to unveil our spectacular lineup for the first half of 2026, featuring seven unmissable events that showcase the very best in jazz, blues and soul!
January 18th - Derek Nash's Picante
The season kicks off in style with their unique Latin flavours inspired by Buena Vista Social Club and Stan Getz, creating an irresistible blend of mambo, salsa, samba and bossa nova.
February 8th - The Gray Project
A 10-piece jazz funk and soul powerhouse taking their cues from Average White Band, Tower of Power and Quincy Jones - guaranteed to fill the floor with hip urban grooves!
March 8th - Steemy Dan
One of the region's finest returns! This critically acclaimed tribute to Steely Dan is so authentic you'll think you're listening to Walter Becker and Donald Fagen themselves.
April 12th - Ben Crosland's All Star Band
Jazz interpretations of The Kinks' songbook, featuring an incredible lineup including guitarist John Etheridge, Buster Birch on drums, Steve Lodder on keyboards and Theo Travis on saxophones.
May 10th - Chris Corcoran
The much-anticipated Ipswich debut of this blues guitar virtuoso, considered one of the UK's finest, backed by an exceptional band including Lee Badau and Mike Austen on saxophones.
June 14th - Brandon Allen presents 'Some Kinda Mean'
A journey through the musical life of David 'Fathead' Newman, exploring his legendary work with Ray Charles and beyond.
July 19th - Paul Jones with the Derek Nash Band
The season culminates with this legend - star of Manfred Mann, The Blues Band, and BBC Radio 2's Blues programme for 32 years. Expect worldwide hits like 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy' and 'Pretty Flamingo' alongside rhythm and blues classics.
Tickets are on sale now at just £15 (except Paul Jones at £22). Don't miss out on what promises to be an extraordinary season at Ipswich's home of great live music!
