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Jazz & Blues Festival announce 2020 lineup
Every March the city has been spoiled with the annual Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival, hundreds of people flood to Colston Hall to witness jazz heavyweights work their craft.
Now in its eighth year, the festival presents an immense lineup of acts for 2020’s festivities. The event will be centred around Park Street, hosting intimate concerts at St George’s, a variety of blues and traditional jazz at The Folk House, and a Bond bonanza at the O2 Academy.
Hosting the likes of Clare Teale, Denny Ilett and festival veteran Pee Wee Ellis to name a few. Opening the festival on Thursday, 26 March will be Manfred Mann band leader Paul Jones, delivering his personal favourite blues and swing numbers with a big band.
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It’s not all big bands however, there’s something to take everyone’s fancy. In 2020, the festival commission will be highlighting and celebrating female songwriters and composers. Fronted by Rebecca Nash, What She Said sees Sara Colman, Ruth Hammond and Katya Gorrie rework the music of some of the greatest female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone and Kate Bush.
There’s plenty more acts to choose from including performances from Andy Hague, China Moses and Chris Corcoran. For something a little more closer to home, Portishead guitarist Adrian Utley will be closing a show at the Folk House with his new project which will be a tribute to guitarist Grant Green.
Over the next few months expect more announcements from the festival, including a programme of films, talks and workshops.
The Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival runs from March 26-29 2020. For more information, go to www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com
Read more: Review: Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival 2019
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