The Jazz Bar

Scotland's longest standing independent jazz venue! Established in 2005, The Jazz Bar showcases world-class multi-genre live music in a cool and atmospheric setting. Harnessing Edinburgh’s kaleidoscopic creative talents into a massive offering of year-round live gigs, there is something for everyone in this multiple award-winning basement venue. Our bar offerings are as varied as our music, so whether you’re in for a Saturday afternoon coffee, a fresh cocktail or a cold pint, everyone is welcome, and our audiences are highly diverse and well-mixed across all ages. With SEVEN major awards sitting on our trophies shelf, you can trust that you’ll be hearing the best music Edinburgh has to offer, in a correspondingly first-class environment. Please note that as we have ever-changing bands on, with constantly shifting audiences, we can’t reserve seating or tables for any events.

What's On @ The Jazz Bar

Music

Jazz

Blues

Ali Affleck's Queens of Swing

2 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Ali and Her Swing Kings Rediscover the golden age of swing jazz: Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Anita O'Day, Maxine Sullivan, Peggy Lee. Award-winning Ali pays fiery homage to these trailblazing and musically vital women with her acclaimed band. Scotland’s ‘...Queen of Vintage Jazz’ (OC Weekly). 'The real deal' (Clive Anderson). ‘Stunningly expressive... Astounding vocals’ \*\*\*\*\* (San Diego Union-Tribune). ‘Musical storyteller’ (Scotsman). 'No other singer can deliver this material with such authenticity and so swingingly' (BBC Radio Scotland). ‘Vivacious stage presence’ (Herald). 'Outstanding' \*\*\*\*\* (Edinburgh 49). Early booking advised! None

Music

Blues

World

Bonnie Bayou

1 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Jennifer Ewan Band Fresh from supporting the legendary Bill Bailey on tour, the Jennifer Ewan Band bring us their stirring and richly-layered mix of compelling original songs, Louisiana blues and old-time Cajun dance music with a Celtic tint. Jennifer’s distinctive Scots voice soars over the Bayou grooves supported by an intricate interplay of accordion, flute, acoustic guitar, bass and percussion. 'Jennifer is a Scottish rising star' (Janice Forsyth Show, BBC). ‘A sassy cocktail of Cajun and modern sounds’ (Metro). 'Reminds me of one of the best songwriters I’ve ever known' (James Allan, Glasvegas). None

Music

Blues

Acoustic Blues and Roots in the Afternoon

3 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Malt and Rye Returning to the Jazz Bar for the seventh year, Scottish acoustic guitar and double-bass duo, Malt and Rye will be playing classic blues and roots songs from the last 100 years. Songs like Hoochie Coochie Man and San Francisco Bay Blues will be played with the duo’s distinctive passion and humour. The hour-long set not only includes songs by the greats like Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Lowell Fulson, Jimmy Rogers and Memphis Slim, but also comes up to date by including songs by modern-day blues masters, like Eric Clapton and Martin Harley. None

Music

Rock & Pop

The Katet vs. 1995

17 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Katet Debuting at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe is another ambitious show from master arranger, Mike Kearney and his 7-piece ‘funk colossus’ and Fringe stalwarts – The Katet. Sing along to world-class arrangements of the top of the pops, reinvented for a modern audience with a jazz-funk twist, in this charismatic and high-octane performance by award-winning Edinburgh session musicians with over a decade of Fringe experience. Get transported back to the glory days of the 90s with non-stop mashups of Oasis, Blur, Radiohead, Take That, Seal, Green Day and many more... What were you listening to in 1995? None

Theatre

Cabaret

Music

1954: Ella, Etta, Eartha

20 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Melissa Western Official Fringe sell-out 2024. It's the year 1954. Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Eartha Kitt are all at the dizzy heights of their careers. With swinging jazz, powerful soul and cheeky kitsch, these women broke new ground for all who followed. Award-winning singer/actor Melissa Western and her musicians pay tribute to this magnificent era in music and inspiring trio of pioneering singers. 50s style abounds. 'Western is a force of nature... Great storyteller, feisty, highly enjoyable' \*\*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Absolutely brilliant… Her aptitude for music is vast and versatile' \*\*\*\*\* (ThreeWeeks). 'Oozes with charisma' \*\*\*\*\* (Edinburgh-Reviews.co.uk). None Age category: 16+

Music

Jazz

32 Years: Valery Ponomarev – The Jazz Messenger

20 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Valery Ponomarev An unmissable, exclusive performance from legendary Russian-American trumpeter and Jazz Messengers alumnus, Valery Ponomarev, who dramatically escaped 70s USSR and toured the world with Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers for four years, recording 11 albums! Joined by an all-star international band, this elite quintet celebrates one of jazz’s most influential institutions, recreating their timeless music once more for the 32nd year! This is the jazz event of the Fringe! None

Ali Affleck Presents: Billie Holiday – Sophisticated Lady

Music

Jazz

Blues

Ali Affleck Presents: Billie Holiday – Sophisticated Lady

6 Aug 2025 - 9 Aug 2025

Ali Affleck and Bedlam Swing Two nights only! Award-winning Ali, Scotland’s ‘Queen of vintage jazz’ (OC Weekly), presents a special programme – a carefully crafted selection of Lady Day's best-loved songs (including some of Billie's own favourites). 'Affleck is not a household name yet – but I think she soon will be' (BBC Radio Scotland). Best Jazz Vocalist 2014 and nominee 2017-20 (Scottish Jazz Awards). ‘A musical storyteller’ (Scotsman). 'Astounding vocals' \*\*\*\*\* (San Diego Union-Tribune). 'Outstanding' \*\*\*\*\* (Edinburgh49.org). ‘Vivacious stage presence’ (Herald). Sell-out show in 2018 and 2019, so early booking is advised. None

Music

Blues

Jazz

Ali Affleck and the Traveling Janes – Bringing Bold, Brassy Bedlam to Swing, Blues and Trad Folk/Roots Jazz

7 Aug 2025 - 19 Aug 2025

Ali Affleck and the Traveling Janes Forget 'party like Gatsby'... this is the real deal! A fresh new show featuring an international band of women who play authentic old-time music and know the history. Low-slung blues, scorching swing jazz and crossover folk hits from 1851-1933. Come discover what 'Tents, Trains and Traveling Janes' meant during this pivotal time. Wild music was created and the pioneering bandleaders were wilder still! 'Outstanding' \*\*\*\*\* (Edinburgh49.org). ‘Vivacious stage presence’ (Herald). 'Not a household name yet – but soon will be' (BBC Sounds). None

Music

Jazz

The Katet vs. Stevie Wonder

8 Aug 2025 - 19 Aug 2025

The Katet Returning to this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the hugely popular show from 'Northern Ireland's answer to Stevie Wonder' – Maestro Mike Kearney and his 7-piece ‘funk colossus’ and Fringe stalwarts – the Katet. Sing along to world-class arrangements of classic hits, reworked and re-energized for a modern audience with non-stop mashups and surprises, in a charismatic and high-octane performance by award-winning Edinburgh session musicians with over a decade of Fringe experience. Expect all your favourites, from Superstition, Sir Duke and Signed, Sealed, Delivered to I Wish and Isn’t She Lovely. Everybody loves Stevie! None

Music

Blues

Jazz

Ali Affleck Presents: A Hot Time in the Old Town – Celebrating the Wild Trailblazers of Blues and Jazz

3 Aug 2025 - 8 Aug 2025

Ali Affleck and The Gin Mill Genies Ali is celebrating 30 years of pioneering jazz, blues and hokum. Award-winning vocalist, jazz historian, and an all-star band playing with authenticity. The music was bold – the musicians even more so! Come hear the bawdy music that inspired such scandalous parties. 'Masterclass in grassroots jazz/blues' \*\*\*\*\* (Edinburgh49.org). 'Not a household name yet – she soon will be' (BBC Radio Scotland). ‘Musical storyteller’ (Scotsman). 'Astounding vocals' \*\*\*\*\* (San Diego Union-Tribune). ‘Vivacious’ (Herald). Six-time nominee for Best Vocalist (Scottish Jazz Awards). None

Music

Jazz

Blues

I Will Tell Your Story

21 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Lorna Reid Band Acclaimed Edinburgh singer-songwriter Lorna Reid, and band of Scotland's finest jazz and blues musicians perform classic jazz and songs from Lorna's new self-penned album I Will Tell Your Story. Perfect pre-dinner show. A firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with full houses last year at The Jazz Bar, the city's only dedicated jazz venue. Influences include: Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall and Melody Gardot, and smoothly crosses genres jazz, blues, soul and latin. 'Fabulous repertoire from easy listening to hot vintage swing' (BBC Radio Scotland). None

Music

Blues

13th Year! John Hunt Four O'Clock Afternoon Blues and Swing

2 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

21st Century Blues Legends 'Fantastic!' (Jools Holland). 'Boogie-woogie slide-guitar master' \*\*\*\* (Scotsman). 'The Fringe's most unique, inventive and soulful blues performer, a fantastic gig' \*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). Hunt's 13th Fringe following 12 years of full-house performances. 'Blues legend built his own cannibalised, recycled guitars from a B&Q shelf and papier-mache' \*\*\*\* (Herald). 'Instantly evocative of the deep south blues. Unique R'n'B take on Sinatra alongside a James Bond mash-up. Whatever Hunt plays, it feels refreshingly authentic' \*\*\*\* (List). 'Ingenious 21st-century blues' \*\*\*\* (ThreeWeeks). 'Like Seasick Steve in a science lab, a storming set' (Ian Rankin). None Age category: 12+

Music

Blues

Acoustic Blues with Derek Smith

7 Aug 2025 - 22 Aug 2025

Main Street Music Following successful solo shows in 2023 and 2024, Scottish blues singer/songwriter Derek Smith (from Main Street Blues and Whisky Road) returns to the Jazz Bar to perform an hour of quality, up-tempo, foot stomping acoustic blues and roots classics from many of the old blues masters, including tracks from Robert Johnson, Albert King, Jimmy Rogers, Memphis Minnie, Sonny Boy Williamson, BB King and Ray Charles, plus selected and re-arranged blues originals from his band's album back catalogue. You can expect a fun and engaging lunchtime session with the occasional surprise guest joining him on stage. None

Music

Jazz

Folk

Django Reinhardt's Hot Club Jazz Meets Scottish Folk

1 Aug 2025 - 3 Aug 2025

Celtic Django Project Vibrant hot club jazz laced with Celtic spirit from the treasure trove of Scotland’s musical heritage. Exciting new project experimenting with gypsy jazz and Scottish/Irish folk influences. Paul Paterson is one of UK’s leading gypsy jazz guitarists, playing recently at the Django Reinhardt Festival in France. Jim Mackay is a noted guitarist in both gypsy jazz and Celtic styles, as is John Carnie, who is the author of The Scottish Guitar Book. Charlotte Paterson is an in demand gypsy jazz double bassist, recently back from the Django Reinhardt Festival in France. None Age category: 16+

Adrift: A Folk, Reggae and Jazz Fusion Album

Music

World

Jazz

Adrift: A Folk, Reggae and Jazz Fusion Album

18 Aug 2025 - 20 Aug 2025

Duane Forrest Band Jamaican-Canadian songwriter Duane Forrest presents the UK premiere of his soulful new album. It sounds like Jack Johnson, João Gilberto, and Norah Jones making music together in the Azores Islands. Blending folk, reggae and jazz, Adrift takes listeners on a journey through love, loss and self-discovery. Duane’s warm vocals, intricate guitar work and global influences create an intimate and immersive experience. Accompanied by Stephen Jack on bass and Joliyan Young on drums/percussion, this is a rare chance to hear Adrift live in an unforgettable setting. Nothing’s lost, it’s all just changing. None

Music

Folk

Earth Day Blue

5 Aug 2025 - 9 Aug 2025

Nick Harper 'Harper has so much musicianship in him that it just leaks out all over the place' (Times). Acclaimed guitarist, singer/songwriter and double Herald Angel Award winner returns to Edinburgh's Jazz Bar and plays from his latest acoustic album recorded at Abbey Road Studios on Earth Day 2024. The album went on to feature in both the official Scottish and Record Store charts. 'One of the finest guitarists, soaring vocal range, epic songs' (Mojo). 'Acoustic Hendrix!' (Guitar Magazine). 'Be there or be denied a life-affirming experience' (Rob Adams, Glasgow Herald). None

Music

Rock & Pop

Aja! A Steely Dan Tribute

2 Aug 2025 - 3 Aug 2025

Steely Dan redefined popular music, blending rock, jazz, Latin, R&B and blues with unmatched musicianship. Known as the perfect musical antiheroes of the seventies, they created a unique sound with jazz-influenced complexity, sophisticated lyrics and meticulous production. Aja! A Steely Dan Tribute brings their sound to life through a genre-spanning supergroup of some of Scotland’s finest musicians, with global touring experience and deep roots in the country’s vibrant music scene. Experience classics and deep cuts performed with unrivalled precision and boundless energy in this ultimate tribute to one of music’s most influential duos. None

Music

Jazz

Rock & Pop

Cat Stevens Reconstructed

18 Aug 2025 - 19 Aug 2025

Jess Abrams Trio Wild World, Father and Son, How Can I Tell You, The Wind and more... The works of Cat Stevens reinterpreted by New York vocalist Jess Abrams, who 'finds her own meaning in each lyric and makes it her own' (UKJazzNews.com) and 'invites you in and makes you feel so good you won't want to leave... A stone delight' (Jazzwise). Jess, accompanied by piano and bass, will surprise and enchant you with unique interpretations of the songs and stories of one of the most beloved songwriters of the 1970s. Join us, it's a wild world... None

Music

Jazz

The Music of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass

3 Aug 2025 - 11 Aug 2025

Elaine Crighton and Iain Carleton Experience the enchanting sounds of jazz as The Music of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass takes the stage at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. The music of Fitzgerald and Pass is both beautifully simple and yet complex to convey. Carleton and Crighton have dedicated countless hours to transcribing highlights from their extensive catalogue, including emotive melodies and virtuosic guitar mastery on iconic songs like My Ship, Moonlight in Vermont and On Green Dolphin Street. Enjoy a brief musical history lesson of this iconic duo. None

Matt Holborn Plays Stephane Grappelli and Stuff Smith

15 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

Matt Holborn Join Matt Holborn and his quartet for a concert dedicated to jazz violin legends Stephane Grappelli and Stuff Smith. Major figures in jazz from the 1930s onwards, Grappelli played with Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt and Stuff was a leading jazz violinist in the US from the 1930s onwards. The set features selections from Stuff and Steph's repertoire alongside original music from Matt’s upcoming album, For Stuff, inspired by Smith's style and legacy. Swinging jazz violin with top London band. Fraser Urquhart – piano, Simon Read – bass and Joe Dessauer – drums. None

Music

World

Jazz

Feli y Los Malos

5 Aug 2025 - 13 Aug 2025

Led by Colombian-American Felipe Schrieberg, Feli y Los Malos is a latin-pop quartet blending together funk, boogaloo, blues and Cuban son into something altogether unique playing original Spanish-language songs. The result is a heady cocktail of latin influences held together by slick songwriting. They will be playing five late-night latin dance parties at Edinburgh's best live music venue, The Jazz Bar. 'Excellent! That was so great I bashed myself against the microphone' (Clive Anderson, BBC Loose Ends). None

Music

Lights Out By Nine – Live!

1 Aug 2025 - 2 Aug 2025

Lights Out By Nine Lights Out By Nine bring their live show back to the Jazz Bar for the seventh time, playing a variety of original soul, blues and funk tracks along with their interpretations of classic songs. Expect to hear album tracks from their extensive back catalogue plus the songs of friends and collaborators who they have worked with over the years. The last six years of presenting this show at their beloved Jazz Bar has resulted in a high number of sell-out shows. Do not miss out, this will be better than ever before! None Age category: 12+

Music

Blues

Rock & Pop

The Blueswater

4 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Award-winning Edinburgh band The Blueswater perform five raucous gigs in Edinburgh's best live music venue, the Jazz Bar. Influenced by gritty, old-school rhythm and blues, they blend the Chicago sound of Chess records with the earthy, droning grooves of Mississippi to create a style that is truly unique. Thick guitar riffs and frenzied harmonica solos are built around driving rhythms to create raucous, high-energy performances. Expect a wild party. \*\*\*\*\* (ThreeWeeks). 'Wonderful' (Clare Cavanaugh, BBC). 'Definitely a band to watch' (Blues in Britain). None

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