Jazz festival dates in the Black Country
THE Birmingham, Sandwell and Westside Jazz Festival returns this year and once again venues in the Black Country will be hosting several sensational sessions for jazz fans of all ages.
Now in its 38th year, the festival runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 July. With 19 different performances from artists, both local and from as far afield as the USA, at venues spread across Sandwell, there should be something for any jazz lover.
Most performances are free to attend and many will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “This summer is so exciting with both the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the jazz festival just around the corner. These international events will showcase on the world stage what a proud, friendly and diverse place Sandwell is.
“It’s a great time to shine a light on our rich diversity, culture and heritage and celebrate Sandwell as a bostin’ place that is home to bostin’ people.”
Cabinet member for leisure and tourism, Councillor Laura Rollins added: “We look forward to welcoming some incredible musicians to venues across Sandwell’s six towns, including our libraries, museums and parks. The festival will be a real showcase of talent, bringing high-quality entertainment to our communities for everyone to enjoy.”
Events are free unless otherwise stated.
Friday 15 July, 12pm, Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery: Simon Spillett Quartet.
Friday 15 July, 7pm, Lightwoods Park Bandstand, Bearwood: The Shufflepack.
Friday 15 July, 7.30pm, Central Library West Bromwich: Alan Barnes and Dave Newton (live stream event).
Saturday 16 July, 2pm, Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery: Florence Joelle.
Saturday 16 July, 6pm, Blackheath Library: New Street Authors.
Saturday 16 July, 7pm, Blackheath Library: B.D. Lenz (US artist, live stream event).
Sunday 17 July, 2pm, Bromwich Hall (Manor House), Stone Cross: Shakedown Brothers.
Sunday 17 July, 7.30pm, Thimblemill Library, Smethwick: The Shufflepack (live stream event).
Monday 18 July, 7.30pm, Great Bridge Library: Chris Bowden Quartet (live stream event).
Wednesday 20 July, 7.30pm, Cradley Heath Library: Grandma’s Biscuit Tin.
Thursday 21 July, 7.30pm, Great Barr Library: Playing Django (live stream event).
Friday 22 July, 7.30pm, Bleakhouse Library, Oldbury: Apex Jazz and Swing Band (live stream event).
Saturday 23 July, 7pm, Wednesbury Library: Val Wiseman (live stream event).
Sunday 24 July, 2pm, Haden Hill House, Cradley Heath: The Nitecrawlers.
Sunday 24 July, 2.30pm, Oak House Museum, West Bromwich: John Hemming and the Jazz Lobbyists.
Sunday 24 July, 7.30pm, Central Library West Bromwich: Neil Coley Big Band (Tickets £10 from Ticketsource).
These listings are correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change. Visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/jazzfestival for the latest details and information on live streamed events.