The 42nd Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival is officially launching by the UK second city’s top political business leaders.
The festival is taking place at the AC Hotel at The Mailbox on the 24 July.
Councillor Roger Harmer, leader of Birmingham City Council, will be joined by Councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for Culture and Heritage, in making opening speeches at the event.
Speaking at the 12.30pm launch will be Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, and Councillor Mona Khurana, a cabinet member for Sandwell Council.
The launch will feature live music from the Hit Parade Heroes, a 1950s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll and skiffle tribute show led by musician Warren James (pictured), playing timeless classics from legends like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Lonnie Donegan and Johnny Cash.
Dozens of VIP jazz and blues lovers are expected at the event, including Sad Café bassist Des Tong, ITV news presenter Suzanne Virdee, Aston University politics academic Patrycia Rozbicka and renowned TV sports commentator Gary Newbon.
The 10-day festival runs from this Friday to Sunday 2 August and will feature 177 live music gigs, with more than 160 of them free admission at 116 venues across Birmingham, Sandwell and surrounding towns. Full listings for the festival are available here.
Jim Simpson, whose Big Bear Music company has organised the annual festival for the last four decades, said: “Once again, an army of fine musicians from throughout the UK as well as those from from France, the USA, Estonia, Japan and Venezuela will be delighting our audiences.
“We consider this to be the city and region’s most important festival, providing enjoyable and life-affirming live music for jazz and blues lovers who never fail to turn up in impressive numbers.
“Particular thanks must go to our core sponsors, particularly the ever-supportive Sandwell Council, along with the Musicians’ Union and Los Angeles-based Rockefellas TV, plus scores of individuals who’ve made individual donations.”
Simpson said that despite all the support there is still currently “a massive shortfall” to cover the costs of the jazz festival, adding that any further contributions would still be welcomed via this crowdfunder.
