Glasgow Jazz Festival gets underway for 2024

Glasgow Jazz Festival launches today with performances from some of the biggest names in jazz set to be hosted in the city across the iconic five day event.

Article Source: Glasgow Jazz Festival
Last Updated: 19 June 2024 10:30

Taking place between Wednesday 19th - Sunday 23rd June 2024, there are over 20 captivating concerts confirmed across Glasgow at well-loved venues, including Saint Luke’s, Mackintosh Church, Òran Mór, Nice n Sleazy, The Griffin and The Glad Café.

Made possible with funding from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, and showcasing everything from the legendary to the up-and-coming, the 38th edition of the festival promises an electrifying line-up that audiences have come to expect of the world-renowned event. Scottish talent will stand shoulder to shoulder with jazz names from across the globe including Vietnam, Japan, USA, France & Canada.

Launching the festivities at the Mackintosh Church is Vietnamese ensemble Đàn Đó who perform alongside Scottish musicians for the unique sold out concert tonight, inspired by saxophonist Quyền Thiện Đắc’s traditional musical background and his research and study abroad.

Elsewhere on opening night, Scottish jazz duo Norman Willmore & Corrie Dick will be challenging traditional notions of folk music at Nice n Sleazy with support from Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer, while the Michelle Willis Trio gets the jazz celebrations underway at The Glad Cafe in the Southside.

Thursday 20th June sees a number of tributes to legendary musicians. Scottish jazz and soul ensemble Mama Terra recreates songs from the classic album ‘Head Hunters’ by Herbie Hancock, in their own sound at Saint Luke’s, while the collaboration project BLACKSABBATHMODE seamlessly blends BIGHEADMODE's ethereal jazz rhythms and Plumm's soulful melodies, journeying into new musical realms while embodying Black Sabbath's iconic rock style. While kitti's Caledonian Songbook pays homage to songs in the Scots tradition from Robert Burns right up to Paolo Nutini on Friday 21st June at Saint Luke's.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Kyoto Jazz Massive led by two hugely influential DJs and artists among the Japanese music scene in Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Sextet & owner of The Room in Shibuya) and Yoshihiro Okino (owner of Especial Records). The ensemble will be supported by DJ Rebecca Vasmant. Scottish protest musician Kapil Seshasayee blends R&B, Indian classical and jazz fusion with contemporary electronic genres with support from rapper / singer Raj Mahal.

The Glasgow Jazz Festival is bursting with award winners this year. Over the weekend, Scottish pianist, composer and Mercury Prize nominee and Scottish Album of the Year winner Fergus McCreadie presents music from his latest venture ‘Stream’ at the Mackintosh Church, blending together contemporary jazz with Scottish folklore, while Ben Shankland, winner of the 2023 BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year award, performs with his trio at Saint Luke’s. Current Scottish Jazz Awards Best Vocalist winner Marianne McGregor joins forces with Brian Kellock for a special concert of their favourite jazz repertoire featuring exciting improvised solos in an intimate setting at The Griffin.

Making a triumphant return to Glasgow after a hiatus of over a decade, US saxophonist Bobby Watson’s long-awaited comeback is sure to be a highlight of the festival, echoing his 1994 stint as Artist in Residence exactly 30 years ago. A one-time musical director of the hugely influential Jazz Messengers, he has also worked alongside the legendary Max Roach, George Coleman and Branford and Wynton Marsalis. He will be supported by skilful guitarist Nathan Somevi.

Hamish Stuart, an original member of the famed Scottish funk and R&B act Average White Band, brings his unique talents to Òran Mór. Known for dynamic beats and funky rhythms that captivate audiences, he takes to the stage with his band on Saturday night when they will perform two sets for this energetic homecoming show.

The final day sees two afternoon shows with prominent Glasgow songstress Pippa Blundell at The Glad Café and Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra reuniting with Orphy Robinson, one of the most engaging and influential voices in British jazz. Following last year’s sell-out concert, this year’s matinee at Saint Luke's celebrates the work of Barbadian trumpeter Harry Beckett.

Closing the beloved week of jazz on Sunday 23rd June at Nice n Sleazy are Nimbus Sextet, one of the most innovative groups in the new wave of UK jazz. Ahead of the release of their hotly anticipated third album, they’ll perform with special guest vocalists Russell Stewart & lissappear, who appear on their recent version of Roy Ayers' Searching, and trombonist / vocalist Christopher Small.

The free Late Night Jam Sessions also return each evening of the festival. The hosts include pianist Fergus McCreadie, vocalist Marianne McGregor and saxophonist Helena Kay, with the sessions providing a crucial platform for musicians to come together to improvise and create unique musical moments into the wee hours of the morning.

Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: “For the next five days, we’re thrilled to present the very best of Scottish jazz and host notable international legends in Glasgow. The city is famous for being a music hub so it’s incredible to see that the passion for live jazz music is still strong, 38 years on from the first Jazz Festival in Glasgow. This year is set to be an unmissable one - there truly is something for everyone.”

Glasgow Jazz Festival runs until Sunday 23 June 2024. For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www.jazzfest.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square

The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.

KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.

Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme

Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Double win for Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant in Glasgow at the Asian Restaurant Awards

Two of Glasgow's most loved dining spots, Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant, have achieved a remarkable double victory at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2025.

Omniplex Cinema Group acquires iconic Renfrew Street cinema

Omniplex Cinemas has announced the acquisition of Glasgow's iconic Renfrew Street cinema, the tallest cinema in the world, marking an exciting new chapter for the venue.

Design your own FORTY t shirt at two stores in Glasgow tomorrow

Glasgow's homegrown streetwear brand, FORTY Clothing, is marking a major milestone in style with a series of creative design events for its customers across its stores tomorrow.

Casting announced for The Enormous Crocodile at the Kings Theatre Glasgow

The Roald Dahl Story Company today announces the full cast for the wickedly funny family musical based on Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile!

One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!

FIRST LOOK: GlasGLOW returns Miles Better with its biggest show yet

80,000+ visitors expected, with opening weekend sold out, as itison unveils epic new images!

Five March brings Samhain celebrations to Glasgow with a long table five course feast

Iconic Glasgow west end restaurant, Five March, is teaming up with Edinburgh Gin to mark the end of the harvest season with a Samhain celebration feast.

Cast announced for Citz festive retelling of Beauty and The Beast

A celebration of being bold and gloriously yourself, this year’s Citizens Theatre production of Beauty and The Beast is a family-friendly and funny new take on the classic fairytale.

Expanded River Island opens at Glasgow Fort, making it the largest branch in Scotland

As part of a major 'glow up' for the brand at Glasgow Fort, River Island has relocated its existing store within the centre to a larger, more modern unit, located between Superdry and BPerfect.