Belt Of Celt Productions 1815, a time of war with France, a time of opportunity in the Grassmarket, Leith docks and Portobello shore. Inspired by some of R L Stevenson’s characters, it’s a twisted romance of possession and retribution, of passion and betrayal. Directed by BAFTA, Olivier and Tony Award nominee, Bob Tomson's 2024 productions in Edinburgh included: Blood Brothers – ‘Outstanding... an unforgettable experience’ \*\*\*\*\* (Scottish Field), ‘Live Theatre just doesn’t get any better than this!’ \*\*\*\*\* (Daily Record); Ghost the Musical – ‘Best musical I’ve seen in years, if I could give 6 stars I would!' (MusicalTheatreReview.com). Scenes of violence Age category: 12+

Award-winning keyboardist PETER JOHNSTONE leads an international group of jazz virtuosi, creating music that is rhythmically dynamic and packed full of colour and expression. He is joined by renowned American jazz vibraphonist JOE LOCKe, Scottish saxophonist TOMMY SMITH, and the dream team is completed by drummer ALYN COSKER.

EJBF COMMUNITY BAND is our open-access community band. It provides a relaxed space for people to come together and enjoy collective music-making in a supportive environment. This is their chance to show off all they’ve learned under the direction of band leader ROSS LOTHIAN.

AKRAM ABDULFATTAH is a young Palestinian- American violin master whose sizzling music blends jazz elements of traditional Palestinian and Arab classical music with sonic influences from rock and funk. His quintet's thrilling fusion of ancient and modern styles, reveals a plethora of emotions and contrasting colours, at times haunting and contemplative, at times brimming with hope and positivity.

Experience the glory of listening to a big band in full flight with Edinburgh's own top youth jazz band. Directed by KELAN ROONEY, the band is packed with some exceptional talent – expect big band classics and a few surprises!

Vocalist and songwriter, UNOMA OKUDO takes the emotional depth of soul, the improvisational spirit of jazz, and the uplifting harmonies of gospel, creating a captivating and timeless sound with rich vocal echoes of the church. AZAMIAH is a Glasgow-based jazz and world music collective featuring vocalist India Blue. Their sophisticated and poetic sound combines jazz, neo-soul, Latin American rhythms, and choral music. Inspired by the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote and SAULT, they create meditative soundscapes with spiritual influences.

Saxophonist MARTIN KERSHAW presents his musical reflections of the work of artist Sir John Lavery. A central figure of the Scottish jazz scene, Kershaw is known for his interpretations of creative works, and there is no one better to tackle this musical portrait. Playing music that sways from beautiful and delicate to a twisted foxtrot, Kershaw will be joined by pianist PAUL HARRISON, guitarist GRAEME STEPHEN, and double bassist DOUGLAS WHATES.

Two of Scotland’s finest blues guitarists, SANDY TWEEDDALE and NEIL WARDEN are joined by Rezillo’s bass player CHRIS AGNEW for a night of classic acoustic blues. This new band play music from the likes of Lighting Hopkins, Big Bill Broonzy, Jimmy Reed and many more, this is guaranteed to be an evening of quality blues from three stalwarts of the Scottish scene.

Two exciting Scottish drummers showcase their bands full of inventiveness and flair. Drummer STEPHEN HENDERSON leads an allstar line-up of KONRAD WISZNIEWSKI (saxes), FERGUS MCCREADIE (piano), DAVID BOWDEN (bass) and GRAEME STEPHEN (guitar). Together, they create a lively, energetic sound, inspired by Scottish and Scandinavian folk music. Drummer RICHARD GLASSBY leads a stellar quartet of EWAN HASTIE (bass), MATTHEW KILNER (tenor saxophone) and PETER JOHNSTONE (piano). They deliver mature sounding compositions, full of lively interplay, playful melodies and rhythmic drive.

Saxophonist LAURA MACDONALD is joined by rising star singer LAURA OGHAGBON as she reprises her popular celebration of the music of Burt Bacharach. Combining jazz, rock, pop and rock with Brazilian music, his songs are known across the world. The two Lauras are joined by Paul Harrison on piano, MARIO CARIBE on bass and ALYN COSKER on drums to pay tribute to a legend of the music world featuring much-loved tunes like Catch a Falling Star, A House is Not a Home and Alfie.

Pianist, DAVE MILLIGAN’S crossover interest between traditional music and jazz creates music of extraordinary beauty. His new project, CHROMA features some of the most exciting musicians in Scottish jazz, including PAUL TOWNDROW and MICHAEL BUTCHER. Together they create original music that celebrates fearless improvisation and irresistible folk-flavoured melodies.

Led by saxophonist SUE MCKENZIE, the EDINBURGH NAPIER JAZZ SUMMER SCHOOL takes place from 14 to 18 July. This final performance offers an opportunity to see and hear the jazz stars of the future as the students show off their newly acquired skills.

One of jazz’s artistic milestones and fascinating stories was when legendary pianist KEITH JARRETT played at the Opera House in Köln in 1975. The recording of The Koln Concert is the best-selling solo album in jazz history, shaping the trajectory of ECM Records. Now, fifty years on, pianist PAUL HARRISONpays tribute and reinterprets this masterpiece. The addition of two of the brightest talents of the new generation in Scottish Jazz - EWAN HASTIE(bass) and STEPHEN HENDERSON (drums) promises to bring fresh perspectives and dynamic interplay to this iconic work of piano jazz.

Brilliant Krakow pianist, PAWEŁ KACZMARCZYK has stormed the Polish jazz scene, producing poignant, lyrical and thrilling music of great power and appeal. He has been described as combining the rhythmic intensity of Brad Mehldau and the thrilling melodic invention of Esbjorn Svensson and his trio are simply intoxicating live – book early. POLISH JAZZ FOCUS

TIMMY ALLAN is a Scottish jazz guitarist and composer known for his technical skill and expressive playing. He is fast becoming a key figure in Scotland’s jazz scene, winning the BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year last year. Playing his own compositions, fusing 20th Century European classical music into jazz, swing and groove-based rhythms, he will be joined by PAUL HARRISON on piano, MATHEW KILNER on saxophone, ALI WATSON on bass, and ROAN ANDERSON on drums. 

HENRY THREADGILL has been hailed as one of the most forward-thinking composers and multi-instrumentalists, with The New York Times calling him “perhaps the most important jazz composer of his generation.” TOM BANCROFT leads the PLAYTIME team with special guests to pay a spirited homage to Threadgill's Sextett compositions of the 1980’s, known for their bluessoaked cinematic masterpieces of complex beauty and lyricism. LINEUP: ROBERT HENDERSON (trumpet), ANOUSHKA NANGUY (trombone), MARTIN KERSHAW (saxophone), GRAEME STEPHEN (guitar), MARIO CARIBE (bass), CHUN-WEI KANG (drums), TOM BANCROFT (drums).

Polish pianist JOANNA DUDA is an unbelievably talented, pioneering pianist and a daring explorer of electronic sounds. Her trio have firmly established themselves on the European music scene, and come to Edinburgh fresh from playing Ronne Scott’s. Long-time collaborators, they create experimental music, fusing elements of jazz and contemporary music, with a strong focus on improvisation and a playful sense of humour and strong empathy for the music. LINEUP: JOANNA DUDA (piano), JORT TERWIJN (double bass) and MICHAŁ BRYNDAL (drums). POLISH JAZZ FOCUS