The Soho Jazz Festival 2024 is officially underway, bringing fresh energy to Soho’s legendary cultural and musical history.
Now in its 8th year, the festival runs from 11th to 14th September 2024, offering an incredible 4-day event. With 15 stages, over 30 shows, and more than 100 artists, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable celebration of jazz in the heart of London’s most iconic entertainment district.
Reviving Soho’s Jazz Legacy
Soho has long been a hub for the global jazz scene, celebrated for its lively ambiance, live performances, and creative innovation. The festival captures this essence, providing a platform for new and established talents to thrive.
Festival producer and renowned music promoter George Hudson has been instrumental in revitalising the Soho Jazz Festival since opening the Piano Bar Soho in 2015. His collaboration with Musical Director Nathan Britton led to the creation of the Soho Live Music Club, which has nurtured a generation of emerging jazz stars who have gained recognition across the global scene.
A Platform for Talent and Community
George and Nathan’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent remains strong with the recent opening of their new venue, Alfie’s, located on Greek Street. Their Soho Live Music Club has grown into a community of dedicated jazz fans, offering 1,000 performances each year across two venues for an annual fee of just £35.
“The combination of the old and the new, the established and the emerging, perfectly captures Soho’s spirit as a jazz ecosystem and nurturing ground for talent,” says George Hudson.
Festival Highlights and Events
On Saturday, the festival will feature the highly anticipated Great Jazz Brunch at James Court, where guests will enjoy gourmet dishes from four of Soho’s newest restaurants, complemented by live jazz performances on an outdoor stage. This laid-back brunch atmosphere sets the tone for the afternoon, culminating in the grand Soho Jazz Jam at Alfie’s, where more than 100 festival artists will perform in a five-hour jazz extravaganza.
The 2024 festival will also showcase a wave of young jazz innovators. Electro-jazz group Cosmic Fusion, JSPHYNX, and Jackson Mathod will bring fresh sounds to the stage, while Tru Thought’s Bryony Jarmon-Pinto unveils her new album, Below North. Rising star Donovan Haffner and Tomorrow’s Warriors will impress, while Incognito lead singer Natalie Duncan will charm the audience with her soulful piano-driven performances.
A Nod to Tradition and Diversity
This year’s festival doesn’t just highlight contemporary jazz. Traditional sounds and the spirit of jazz jamming will also take centre stage. Audiences can look forward to Marvin Muoneké’s soulful interpretations of the American songbook, dubbed “the young man with the old soul,” alongside captivating performances by emerging talents Riketté Genesis, Fraser Smith, and Ineza Kerschkamp. Jazz icons Andy Davies, the “King of Bebop,” and Ray Gelato, the “Godfather of Swing,” will return to deliver crowd-pleasing performances.
Cultural diversity has always been central to Soho’s music scene, and this year’s festival honours that legacy. The London Django Collective will pay tribute to jazz legend Django Reinhardt, while the Sambroso All Stars bring the vibrant sounds of salsa to the stage. Catalan pianist Tomàs Fosch and New Orleans trumpeter Jon Bauer will also be among the diverse acts gracing the festival.
Iconic Venues and Festival Passes
This year’s performances will take place at renowned Soho venues, including Piano Bar Soho, Alfie’s Soho, Pizza Express Soho, Karma Sanctum Hotel, Jack Solomons Club, Café Boheme, and more, giving attendees a true taste of Soho’s eclectic jazz scene.
Rupert Power, Chairman of the Soho Business Alliance, states, “The Soho Jazz Festival shines a light on artists who embody Soho’s spirit, helping to reinvigorate it as Europe’s leading entertainment hub.” All proceeds from the festival will go towards the Soho Live Artist Development Fund, which supports emerging musicians in promoting, recording, and advancing their careers.
All-access passes start at £35, offering attendees access to multiple performances, jam sessions, and the exclusive Jazz Jam Bus experience. Individual tickets are available from £15. Don’t miss out and grab your tickets now for this vibrant celebration of jazz.
