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A Stunning Second Half to 2026 — Paul Jones Headlines, Jive Aces for Christmas!

With the first half of the season behind us, we're delighted to reveal what's in store from July through to December — and it's our most exciting second half yet!

July 19th - Paul Jones and Friends
The highlight of the summer is without doubt the legendary Paul Jones. Lead singer of Manfred Mann, frontman of The Blues Band and the voice behind worldwide hits 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy', '5-4-3-2-1' and 'Pretty Flamingo', Paul has been a household name since the 1960s. For this very special Ipswich appearance he's joined by an all-star band — guitarist Denny Ilett (a regular at Ronnie Scott's), saxophonist Harry Greene, organist Jim Watson and drummer George Double — for an afternoon of rhythm and blues classics alongside gems from the Manfred Mann and Blues Band back catalogues. Unmissable. Tickets are £22.

August 9th - QCBA Play Blue Note
An explosive celebration of the legendary Blue Note Records label from trumpeter Quentin Collins and saxophonist Brandon Allen. Expect high-energy jazz from Art Blakey, Jimmy Smith, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock and more.

September 13th - Horn Factory
East Anglia's finest 18-piece big band return with a thunderous programme of contemporary jazz from composers including Buddy Rich, Bob Mintzer and Quincy Jones. There's nothing quite like a big band close up.

October 11th - Michael Messer & Chaz Jankel
Two guitar greats team up for an afternoon of breathtaking playing. Michael Messer is widely regarded as one of the finest slide guitarists in the world; Chaz Jankel is best known as Ian Dury's songwriting partner and co-writer of the worldwide hit 'Ai No Corrida'. A jaw-dropping combination.

November 8th - Mark Crooks Organ Quartet
Tenor sax star Mark Crooks — who has performed with everyone from Tony Bennett to Lady Gaga at venues from Ronnie Scott's to the Lincoln Center — brings his organ quartet for an afternoon of jazz, latin and soul rinsed in the blues.

December 13th - The Jive Aces' Christmas Show
We've saved the best for last! We are absolutely thrilled to bring the UK's number one jive and swing band The Jive Aces to town for our Christmas extravaganza. They've played for the Queen, packed out the Royal Albert Hall and made history as the first band to reach the Britain's Got Talent finals. Expect smooth ballads, rip-roaring rhythm and blues, festive favourites, and our legendary bumper Christmas raffle with a hamper as first prize. Doors open 2pm, music starts 3pm. Tickets are £22.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now. Don't miss a single one!

Spectacular 2026 Season Announced - January Through July!

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 and Friends
The season culminates with this legend - star of Manfred Mann, The Blues Band, and BBC Radio 2's Blues programme for 32 years. Joined by an all-star band featuring guitarist Denny Ilett, saxophonist Harry Greene, organist Jim Watson and drummer George Double, Paul presents an afternoon of rhythm and blues classics as well as some gems from the Manfred Mann and Blues Band back catalogues. 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!

Shakatak Return for Christmas Special!

We're absolutely thrilled to announce that the legendary Shakatak will be returning to Ipswich Jazz & Blues on Sunday December 7th for our Christmas special! With their original line-up still intact after 45 years, featuring guitarist Keith Winter, singer Jill Saward, keyboardist Bill Sharpe, drummer Roger Odell, bassist George Anderson, and saxophonist Jacqui Hicks, this promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of jazz, soul and funk. Expect all the hits, festive favourites, and a bumper Christmas raffle with a food and drink hamper to be won. Doors open at 2pm, music starts at 3pm. Tickets are £22. Don't miss this special festive celebration!

Welcome to Our New Website!

We're thrilled to unveil our brand new website! Explore upcoming gigs, check out our photo gallery, and stay connected with all the latest news from Ipswich Jazz & Blues. Thanks for your continued support!