Attracting over 90,000 visitors last year, the thirty first International Jazz and Blues festival kicked off last night with an opening party featuring Saxitude at the Blue Piano in Edgbaston.
If you didn't get the chance to catch it, fear not as there are still plenty of opportunities to hear some of the world's best jazz and blues artist from across the musical spectrum.
Featuring 295 musicians from 61 bands, the packed schedule runs from today until Sunday July 12 at a wide range of venues across the city, including the Mailbox, Marmalade, the Lord Clifden, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, St. Pauls Square, Electric Cinema, the Brasshouse, Golden Square and many more.
From the huge list of performers, there will be the opportunity to listen to the likes of The Whiskey Brothers, Ben Holder, Brian Dee, Derek Nash and Ella Squirrell. Plus, there are performances from a range of international talent, including Florence Joelle from France, Jerry Senfluk from the Czech Republic, Pepper and the Jellies from Italy and Sweden's Stockholm Stompers. Best of all, you'll be able to catch most of these for free.
One special highlight from the programme (and a festival tradition) is the Sunday evening jazz concerts in the Botanical Gardens. Starting from 7pm, there will be a performance from the MYJO (Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra) on Sunday July 5 and the Walsall Jazz Orchestra on Sunday July 12. Tickets for these are available from the Botanical Gardens.
While physical programmes for the festival will be available from the Library of Birmingham, at all of the 40 venues and any Caffe Nero, you can see the digital version here.
Jake Leg Jug BandInternational Jazz and Blues Festival
Find more music and night club listings here.