The List

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

Tenement Jazz Band: Interactive Live Jazz for Kids
Kids
The Jazz Bar An interactive traditional jazz experience and regular sell-out at The Jazz Bar. Young audiences are welcomed right into the heart of the music as authentic songs burst to life from a live band, with real instruments, lively singing, rhythm and movement. Children don’t just watch, they clap, dance and feel the thrill of a live performance. No nursery rhymes here expect traditional jazz full of swing and soul, creating something that grown-ups get to enjoy too. From Scottish Jazz Award winners, a proper gig atmosphere, just earlier in the day. More information Adults without accompanying children will not be permitted. Strictly a family show.
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Lights Out By Nine – Live!
Music

Lights Out By Nine – Live!

8 Aug 2026 - 30 Aug 2026

Lights Out By Nine Lights Out By Nine's origins are firmly rooted in soul music, mixed with powerhouse Rhythm & Blues and a blend of New Orleans Funk. The seven-piece lineup features guitars, horns hammond and harmonies underpinned by a powerful and soulful lead vocal. LOBN have recorded a collection of their original songs over 12 albums since 1990 and have supported Hue and Cry, AWB, Hamish Stuart, Paul Carrack and Nazareth amongst others, along with appearances on STV and BBC TV and Radio. Their show delivers their original material mixed with eclectic soul and funk covers. None Age category: 12+
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Amy Winehouse Meets Jazz by Marianne McGregor
Music
Jazz
Marianne McGregor Trio A live jazz concert paying tribute to Amy Winehouse, performed by a sensational trio fronted by award-winning jazz singer Marianne McGregor in the coolest basement jazz venue in town, The Jazz Bar. Joined by a superb pianist and guitarist, Marianne sings with an undoubtable similarity in sound to her idol Amy, and the trio promise an exquisite show featuring improvised jazz solos and a special live interpretation of hit songs like Back To Black, Love Is A Losing Game, Valerie and Rehab, among other classics in an exciting and varied programme. None
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5 Nights of Valery Ponomarev: The Jazz Messenger
Music
Jazz
The Valery Ponomarev Quintet An unmissable, exclusive performance from legendary Russian-American trumpeter and Jazz Messengers alumnus, Valery Ponomarev, who dramatically escaped 1970s 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 33rd year. This is the jazz event of the Fringe! None Age category: 16+
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Aaaah it's Nicole Smit and Jed Potts!
Music
Blues
Jazz
Nicole Smit and Jed Potts The dynamic 'King and Queen' of Scottish blues are back again. With five special Fringe dates and a varying set for every date. Whether you like Nina Simone, George Jones, Patsy Cline or Carl Perkins, every show will bring you vocal performances that will soothe your soul, move your body or make you cry. Give it a try! None Age category: 16+
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Acoustic Blues and Roots in the Afternoon
Music
Blues
Malt & Rye Returning to the Jazz Bar for the eighth 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
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The Gil Scott-Heron Songbook
Music
Jazz

The Gil Scott-Heron Songbook

23 Aug 2026 - 27 Aug 2026

Funky Lion Productions Aki Remally and Fraser Urquhart make their return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, delving deep into the work of the revolutionary poet, musician and hip hop pioneer whose lyrics expressed views on politics, culture and social injustice. Also featuring rhythm section of Max Popp (drums) and Tom Wilkinson (bass). None
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The Blueswater
Music
Blues
Rock & Pop

The Blueswater

12 Aug 2026 - 23 Aug 2026

Award-winning 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, the band blends 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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Acoustic Blues with Smith and Tweeddale
Music
Blues
Derek Smith and Sandy Tweeddale Two of Edinburgh’s top blues guitarists / singers: Derek Smith (Main Street Blues) and Sandy Tweeddale (Blues & Trouble, Maggie Bell Band, Tim Elliott & The Troublemakers) have both collaborated together to perform their unique blend of acoustic blues, including a wide selection of acoustic blues classics and acoustic blues originals taken from their vast repertoire developed over the last 20 years. None Age category: 12+
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Sip Sparkle Skull
Theatre
Cabaret
Music

Sip Sparkle Skull

14 Aug 2026 - 22 Aug 2026

Melissa Western From coffee to cocktails, beer to bourbon, juice to gin there's a drink for every occasion. Join internationally acclaimed cabaret performer Melissa Western as she invites you in to her parlour for a cosy tipple. Covering the gamut of music from jazz, blues, cabaret, musicals, pop, rock and even jingles Melissa and her world-class band serve up songs about drinks: think Black Coffee, Peel Me a Grape, Tea for Two, You Go to My Head, Beer Bottle Mama, Red Red Wine, Tequila and many more. Full live band and cellar bar atmosphere. 'Oozes with charisma' \*\*\*\*\* (Edinburgh-Reviews.co.uk). None Age category: 12+
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Bonnie Bayou
Music
World
Blues

Bonnie Bayou

13 Aug 2026 - 25 Aug 2026

Jennifer Ewan Band Beloved of the legendary Bill Bailey on tour, and fresh from its sell-out Mois de la Francophonie extravaganza, Jennifer Ewan Band brings us a richly layered mix of tender, compelling original songs about Edinburgh, raucous swamp blues, and traditional Cajun dance music from the French Louisiana bayous. Jennifer’s distinctive Scots voice, often singing Cajun French lyrics, soars over old-time Cajun dance grooves, supported by an intricate interplay of accordion, flute, fiddle, bass, percussion and acoustic guitar. ‘A sassy cocktail of Cajun and modern sounds’ (Metro). ‘Reminds me of one of the best songwriters I’ve ever known’ (James Allen). None
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14th Year! John Hunt Four O'Clock Afternoon Blues and Swing
Music
Blues
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 14th Fringe following thirteen years of full-house performances. 'Blues legend built his own cannibalised recycled guitars from a B&Q shelf and papier-mâché' \*\*\*\* (Herald). 'Instantly evocative of the deep south blues. Unique R&B take on Sinatra alongside a James Bond mash-up. Whatever Hunt plays, it feels refreshingly authentic' \*\*\*\* (List). 'Ingenious 21st-century blues' \*\*\*\* (ThreeWeeks). 'A storming set. Like Seasick Steve in a science lab' (Ian Rankin). None
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Django Reinhardt's Hot Club Jazz Meets Scottish Folk
Music
Folk
Jazz
Celtic Django Project Vibrant hot club jazz laced with Celtic spirit from the treasure trove of Scotland’s musical heritage. 'Thrilling collision of styles... an irresistible sound that is both technically brilliant and infectiously joyous, guaranteed to get feet tapping' (Celtic Connections). All three shows at Fringe 2025 sold out. Celtic Connections and Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2026 sold out. Comprising some of Scotland's finest gypsy jazz and folk musicians. Hot club jazz meets folk, creating a unique musical experience. Paul Paterson, John Carnie, Jim Mackay guitars, Martin MacLeod fiddle and Charlotte Paterson double bass. None Age category: 14+
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Derek Smith Sings The Blues
Music
Blues

Derek Smith Sings The Blues

17 Aug 2026 - 29 Aug 2026

Derek Smith (Main Street Music) Following successful solo-shows in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Scottish blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, Derek Smith (Main Street Blues and Whisky Road), returns to the Jazz Bar to perform his latest solo, up-tempo, foot stomping, acoustic blues and roots show. Packed with a great mix of blues classics, ranging from Robert Johnson, Albert King, Jimmy Rogers, Freddy King, Sonny Boy Williamson, BB King and more, plus a great selection of rearranged blues originals taken from his Main Street Blues band's albums and new acoustic blues projects. Audience Reviews: 'Brilliant live show', 'Great voice', 'Highly entertaining'. None Age category: 16+
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Aja! A Steely Dan Tribute
Music
Rock & Pop

Aja! A Steely Dan Tribute

12 Aug 2026 - 30 Aug 2026

After a sell-out 2025 Fringe debut, Scotland’s premier Steely Dan tribute returns. This eight-piece powerhouse brings together some of the top professional musicians from across Scotland. Meticulously crafted arrangements of hits, deep cuts and fan favourites deliver the detail and musicality audiences expect, while leaving space for vibrant improvisation. The show faithfully recreates Fagen and Becker’s iconic catalogue with the energy and precision it deserves. Created to honour the legacy and exacting standards of the 1970s jazz-rock pioneers, the production pairs elite musicianship with high-energy live impact. Do not miss out! None Age category: 16+
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Blue Note Nights: JazzMain on the Fringe
Music
Jazz
JazzMain Vibrant celebration of the timeless spirit and unmistakable sound of the iconic Blue Note Records. This outstanding quartet honours the rich tradition of 1950s and 1960s jazz, a golden era shaped by lyrical improvisation, dynamic interplay and deep, driving swing. Expect expressive solos, propulsive rhythms and the energy, elegance and creative freedom that defined this remarkable catalogue. JazzMain brings authenticity and passion to every performance, capturing the atmosphere of a period that produced some of the most influential recordings in jazz history. Featuring Nick Gould, Steve Grossart, Iain Harkness and Kevin Dorrian. None
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Blues Guitar Duo – Hot Tin Roof
Music
Blues

Blues Guitar Duo – Hot Tin Roof

7 Aug 2026 - 25 Aug 2026

Hot Tin Roof Hot Tin Roof are a local blues guitar duo playing their 15th consecutive Fringe. No stranger to the Jazz Bar, this dynamic duo play a variety of blues covers from both he British blues scene (including songs by Peter Green, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and many more) and covers from the American blues scene by musicians such as Elmore James, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughn and lots more – as well as an impressive array of original material. A must see dynamic duo blending rhythmic acoustic and fluid electric lead / slide. None Age category: 14+
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Glamour and Grit: The Women Who Defined Soul
Music
Blues
Kat Brooks Following sell-out shows in 2025, 2024 and 2023, join Edinburgh’s gospel queen for a love-letter to the women who shaped soul music. In this intimate, world-famous venue, Kat is joined by her all-star band, including Pips from members of her Phoenix Choir. They’ll explore the songs and stories of her stage heroes: Aretha, Etta, Gladys, Chaka. Often known as ballad queens, this is an exploration of their rougher roots, from gospel through blues, rock and soul. From grit to glamour, expect 90 minutes of sass, soaring harmony and the truth. None
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Red Hot Roots of Jazz
Music
Jazz
Blues

Red Hot Roots of Jazz

9 Aug 2026 - 23 Aug 2026

Tenement Jazz Band Back for a seventh year with the hottest jazz you'll see this summer, Tenement Jazz Band continue their exploration of the red hot roots of jazz, ragtime and blues. Join them in the speakeasy atmosphere of this world-famous venue as they delve even deeper into the archive, presenting faithful renditions from the earliest pioneers of this great American folk music. Sell-out show 2018, from the winner of Best Band, Scottish Jazz Awards 2022. 'The future of traditional jazz is in good hands' (Bert Thompson, MusicWeb-International.com). None
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5 Dates with Italian Jazz Affair
Music
Jazz
Blues

5 Dates with Italian Jazz Affair

7 Aug 2026 - 13 Aug 2026

Anna Vanosi Iconic Italian and American classics burst to life with fiery rhythms, velvet melodies, and a story behind every song. Morricone’s magic, Mina’s fire, Sinatra’s swagger and much more – ignited with passion and drama. Born in Milan, based in Edinburgh – Anna Vanosi returns with her 2025 hit show, leading her trio with irresistible charm and bringing new stories and songs to life. 'Vanosi’s voice is nectar' (NorthWestEnd.com). 'Eccentric, adorable, enchanting: a real-life Italian diva' \*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). A heart-stealing audience favourite at Edinburgh’s top jazz venue. None Age category: 16+
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The Katet vs 1995
Music
Rock & Pop
Jazz

The Katet vs 1995

10 Aug 2026 - 27 Aug 2026

The Katet Returning to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe is another ambitious show from master arranger, Mike Kearney, and his seven-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
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