Southport Jazz festival 2027 - Weekender Pass

Southport Jazz Festival 2027

Here we are again! Welcome to the 5th festival of the modern era.

Come and join us for 10 amazing shows over 3 days in our beautiful venue.

We have been working so hard to try to match the brilliant 2026 festival. Your overwhelming support has spurred us on to do it all again.

We are again excited to present to you 10 shows of the finest in their field - we have had fun watching and listening to many acts and have finally come up with the musical jigsaw that is a festival of this kind.

We are offering our popular weekender pass again as it allows you to enjoy all 10 shows for an incredible £16.50 per show! When you look at ticket prices these days we're sure you'll agree that this represents superb value for money! 

So here's the weekend line up in full for you to enjoy:

Thursday 28th January:

7.00pm - 10.00pm - Dinner & Jazz, The Festival Launch Evening - The Nicola Farnon Trio - at Auberge Brasserie

Friday 29th January:

12.50pm - 1.10pm - Shevington Scat Cats

1.30pm - 2.45pm - Five-Way Split presents Modus Operandi

4.00pm - 5.15pm - Tara Minton Quintet

8.30pm - 11pm - Swingtime Big Band with Matt Ford and Emma Holcroft

Saturday 30th January:

11.45am - 1.00pm - The Alex Clarke Quartet

2.00pm - 3.15pm - Dennis Rollins & Tony Kofi - the music of Bob Brookmeyer and Gerry Mulligan

4.15pm - 5.30pm - Nigel Price Quintet - Jazz Samba

8.30pm - 11.00pm - Acantha Lang 

Sunday 31st January:

11.45pm - 1.00pm - Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra in Concert

3.00pm - 5.00pm - Jamie Safir Trio ft. Liane Carroll

8.00pm - 10pm - Curtis Stigers

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Friday 29th January

1.30pm - 2.45pm - 5 Way Split presents Modus Operandi

Modus Operandi is the incendiary new album from London based five-piece instrumental jazz
band Five-Way Split. This sensational ensemble’s vision is to carry the torch for classic hardbob
groups of the 1950’s and 60’s like Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and also the US
contemporary-bop scene, through their vibrant original compositions and distinctive
interpretations of hip / swinging material.

Five-Way Split are a renowned collective of very established players and Ronnie Scott’s
regulars, consisting of trumpeter Quentin Collins, saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos, pianist Rob
Barron, bass player Matyas Hofecker and drummer Matt Home. All very established players
in their own right who have lent their skills to a plethora of successful projects across the
international jazz scene..

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4.00pm - 5.15pm - Tara Minton Quintet

Tara Minton is an Australian born harpist, vocalist and composer. She is proudly endorsed by Les Harpes Camac and holds a master's degree in Jazz Performance from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Sought after as both a harpist and vocalist, Tara has worked with Björk, Tom Walker, Stan Sulzmann, Geoff Gascoyne, Emma Rawicz, Miranda Mulholland, Alice Zawadski, Ester Wiesnerova, Vivvienne Aerts, Faris Ishaq, The Ronnie Scott's All Stars, The Rotary Connection, Opera North, The Royal Ballet and the Australian World Orchestra.

In 2018 Tara was invited to accompany Björk for her first television appearance in over a decade on "Later... with Jools Holland." She then performed with her at Primavera Sound Festival before beginning her Masters in Jazz Performance at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Whilst studying, Tara played live with Tom Walker on "BBC Live Lounge" and recorded a Valentine's Day special live performance of his hit single, 'Just You and I.' In 2019 after completing her studies, Tara was invited as a headlining artist for Festival Internacional de l'Arpa Sentmenat. She also recorded 'By Appointment or Chance' with Canadian folk legend, Miranda Mulholland, which was later nominated for a JUNO Award.

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8.30pm - 11.00pm - Swingtime Big Band Featuring Matt Ford and Emma Holcroft

We round Friday off in blockbuster style with the powerhouse that is the Swingtime Big Band with special guests Matt Ford and Emma Holcroft

The UK's most experienced big band and swing vocalist, Matt Ford has built an acclaimed career at the forefront of Swing Era and orchestral music. Renowned for his warm tone, effortless phrasing, and timeless interpretations of the Great American Songbook, Matt has performed with many of the World's leading orchestras, conductors and big bands.

After 5 years with the multi award-winning Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Matt was voted Best UK Male Big Band Vocalist, and nominated alongside Jamie Cullum in the inaugural Ronnie Scott's Jazz Awards.

As the featured vocalist with Swingtime Big Band, Emma has performed in a variety of shows, singing alongside the finest of jazz vocalists including Joe Stilgoe, Liane Carroll, Clare Teal, Ian Shaw, Matt Ford, Andy Prior and of course Liane Carroll. Emma’s smoky tones lend a natural elegance to crowd favourites like That Old Black Magic and The Look of Love.

Emma has a very successful solo and small band career as one of the UK’s leading vocalists, who sings a wide repertoire of classic jazz standards and has received superb reviews from past festivals.

Swingtime Big Band became synonymous with Friday evening sold out shows to a packed audience at Southport Jazz Festival. And who are we to change such a popular and successful formula? Led by Musical Director Jez Murphy the band is made up of 17 North West based freelance musicians who are the finest exponents of Big Band swing around. Based around a superb rhythm section the band shows off tight ensemble playing and excellent soloists throughout each section.

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Saturday 30th January

11.45am - 1.15pm - Alex Clarke Quartet

As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in
the 2019 British Jazz Awards and three-time nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Alex is
known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British
jazz scene.

Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a broad
spectrum of styles, Alex's sound is steeped in the tradition of bebop. Her total respect for the
heritage of the music can be heard in a fiery, melodic approach inspired by the likes of Phil
Woods, Sonny Stitt and Cannonball Adderley.

As a bandleader, Alex's quartet features some of the UK’s finest musicians: David Newton, Dave
Green and Steve Brown. In Autumn 2025, she released her latest album Out of the Woods which
celebrates the legacy of saxophonist Phil Woods. Her quartet has toured extensively around the
country, appearing at jazz clubs, theatres and festivals including Swanage Jazz Festival, Pizza
Express Soho and Scarborough Jazz Festival.

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2.00pm - 3.15pm - Dennis Rollins & Tony Kofi - The Music of Bob Brookmeyer and Gerry Mulligan

Dennis and Tony Kofi play the music of Bob Brookmeyer and Gerry Mulligan. Taking influence from these jazz masters in their varying ensembles. Jazz that's sometimes cool... at times melancholy... but ALWAYS swinging!

A passionate performer and educator, British trombone player Dennis Rollins MBE has established a reputation as an artist of excellence, and has lent his unique and stylish talents to some of this country's, and indeed the world's top jazz and pop personalities such as Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, Jamiroquai, US3, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Monty Alexander, Pee Wee Ellis and Jean Toussaint, amongst others.
In his hometown of Doncaster UK, Dennis was given Honorary Freedom of the Borough in recognition of his successful musical career and for his constant inspiration to the regions musical youth.As part of Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday Honours 2018, Dennis was honoured with an MBE for Services to music.

Tony Kofi is a British Jazz multi-instrumentalist born of Ghanaian parents, a player of the Alto, Baritone, Soprano, Tenor saxophones and flute. Having 'cut his teeth' in the "Jazz Warriors" of the early 90's, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi has gone on to establish himself as a musician, teacher and composer of some authority. As well as performing and recording with Gary Crosby's "NuTroop" and "Jazz Jamaica", Tony's playing has also been a feature of many bands and artists he has worked/recorded with include "US-3" The World Saxophone Quartet, Courtney Pine, Donald Byrd, Eddie Henderson, The David Murray Big Band, Sam Rivers Rivbe Big band, Andrew Hill Big Band, Abdullah Ibrahim, Macy Gray, Julian Joseph Big band, Harry Connick JR, Byron Wallen's Indigo, Jamaaladeen Tacuma's Coltrane Configurations and Ornette Coleman.

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4.15pm - 5.30pm - Nigel Price Quintet - Jazz Samba

Following Jazz Samba’s recent appearance at Ronnie Scott’s, the club, in their review of the gig stated: “their love of jazz and samba oozed from every note played, and the final encore & applause reflected the joy given out by them to a very grateful audience”

Well folks, that pretty much sums up what you can expect from this forthcoming gig at The Spin! What’s not to like, if they are drawing their repertoire from Carlos Antonio Jobim, Joao Donato and Sergio Mendes – whilst reviving the beauty of Stan Getz’s whole latin thing?!

This 5-piece band is fronted by the multi award winning guitarist, Nigel Price and ace saxophonist Mark Crooks. Nigel has performed at Ronnie Scott’s more than 500 times (as well as touring relentlessly around the UK) and has been winner at the British Jazz Awards and the Parliamentary jazz Awards, among others. Mark has performed all over the UK, Europe and America (including performances at the renowned Lincoln Centre) and has regularly been featured at the BBC Proms.

The band also features the outstanding Spanish drummer/percussionist, Demi Garcia Sabat! Demi has performed at The Spin with the incredible Nicolas Meier World Group, wooing and wowing the audiences with his masterly blend of flamenco, latin, arabic and jazz sensibilities.

Completing the quintet are the pianist John Cervantes (his name will be known to any attendees of the major jazz festivals!) and the ever-popular double bassist, Marianne Wyndham.

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8.30pm - 11.00pm - Acantha Lang

Acantha Lang is a New Orleans-born, London-based soul & jazz artist whose talent, resilience, and dedication have propelled her from a hidden gem to a rising star in the global music scene. Known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, Lang has been compared to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Gladys Knight. Her acclaimed debut album, Beautiful Dreams (2023), charted at #3 on the Official UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart and earned critical praise, receiving 5-star ratings in Echoes Magazine and Soul Bag Magazine (France). She has graced the covers of Blues & Soul and Echoes magazines and was celebrated as Album of the Month by tastemakers such as Soul Tracks, Relix, American Songwriter, and KCRW’s Top Tune. BBC 6Music’s Craig Charles has hailed her as “brilliant… destined for world domination.”

Lang’s journey was anything but conventional. Unlike many Southern soul singers, she didn’t find her voice in church but through her time in New York, where she connected with top R&B musicians at the iconic Harlem Grill. This vibrant hub, frequented by legends like Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, became the foundation for Lang’s artistry, leading to her popular “Monday Night Blues” residency. After honing her craft there for nearly three years, she was recruited as the first female MC at Manhattan’s renowned cabaret, The Box, which ultimately led her to London to open the club’s UK counterpart. In London, Lang formed her own band, refined her unique voice, and launched her songwriting journey, crafting songs that blend Stax-inspired funk with the soulful grit of New Orleans.

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Sunday 31st January

12.00 - 1.15pm Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra

We are delighted to present the ever popular and hugely entertaining Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra. WYJO is celebrating their 50th Anniversity this year and they continue to go from strength to strength as the North West's premier youth big band. The British jazz scene has a lot to thank this band for as WYJO continue to produce highly skilled musicians many of whom go on to have incredibly successful music careers at the very top level. Under the direction of David Little expect a high energy performance, tight ensemble playing and superb soloists from this 18 piece outfit. Dave is assisted by dedicated members of the Wigan Music Service team, who continue to inspire and guide these young musicians. The show starts at 11.45am.

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3.00pm - 4.15pm - Jamie Safir Trio ft. Liane Carroll

Originally from Manchester, Jamie has been based in London since 2010 when he embarked on a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Music at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama where he is a now a member of the faculty. Since graduating in 2014 he has performed in some of the worlds finest venues, concert halls and jazz clubs including The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Barbican Hyde Park Radio 2 Festival, Ronnie Scotts with the RS All Stars, Minton's in Harlem, Glastonbury Festival ​

He has toured across the UK as a member of Will Young's Band from 2015 until present and around Europe with Judi Jackson in 2018. Performance highlights include headlining a private show with Kylie Minogue in 2022, Headlining Womad with the Brand New Heavies and a Veevo Live Session in Berlin with Olly Murs.

In 2020, Jamie recorded the album 'What's New' with award-winning stars of the European jazz scene; Ian Shaw & Iain Ballamy which released on Silent Wish Records and is available for purchase here.

He is a long-term collaborator with 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Nominee, Emma Smith and co-arranged and performed on her recent album 'Meshugga Baby'.

Liane Carroll is one of the UK’s most powerful and emotionally compelling jazz vocalists and pianists. Renowned for her soulful delivery, virtuosic piano playing and deeply personal interpretations, she brings a rare combination of technical brilliance and heartfelt honesty to every performance.

Born in London and raised in Hastings, Carroll grew up immersed in music and began performing professionally in her teens. Over the years, she has built an international reputation for her distinctive blend of jazz, blues, gospel and soul, drawing comparisons to artists such as Nina Simone while remaining unmistakably herself.

On stage, Liane Carroll is both commanding and disarmingly warm. Whether delivering a whisper-soft ballad or a full-throated blues, she connects deeply with audiences through humour, storytelling and raw musical authenticity. Her performances move effortlessly between tenderness and exuberance, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to the craft of song.

With a career spanning decades and an ever-growing discography, Liane Carroll remains one of Britain’s true jazz treasures and a performer who continues to inspire, surprise and move audiences wherever she plays.

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8.00pm - 10.00pm - Curtis Stigers

“An artist of genuine class and lconic charm” (The Guardian), multi-platinum selling singer, saxophonist, producer and songwriter Curtis Stigers makes his Southport Jazz Festival debut, performing tracks from across his nine critically-acclaimed, award-winning jazz albums.

Curtis Stigers has had top ten hits as a long-haired, blue-eyed soul singer and has written and sung an Emmy-nominated TV theme song; he’s recorded a track for one of the biggest-selling pop albums of all time, and he’s released nine critically-acclaimed, award-winning jazz albums. He’s played for presidents and princes, and appeared in two Seth MacFarlane movies about a foul-mouthed cuddly bear called Ted. He has recorded thirteen studio albums and a live album singing Sinatra songs with a big band from Denmark. He has toured with symphony orchestras, written songs with Carole King and duetted with Al Green, Shawn Colvin and Tom Jones.

Since 2001, Curtis Stigers has been seriously pursuing a career as a first-class jazz singer. With multiple awards under his belt - his album You Inspire Me was The Times ‘Jazz Album of the Year’, he was named ‘Jazz Artist of the Year’ by BBC Radio 2, and he won the German Jazz Echo for ‘Best International Male Jazz Singer’. He has performed at most major jazz festivals and iconic jazz clubs around the world and is a regular at concert halls on both sides of the Atlantic.

"I cannot think of another vocalist who creates such an exuberant combination of bebop artistry and raw emotion."
— Sunday Times