MANCHESTER JAZZ FESTIVAL AT BAND ON THE WALL

From fusion pioneers and soul-jazz stars, to high energy afro-jazz and even a jazz-inspired club night – Explore our full programme for Manchester Jazz Festival below.

Individual gig tickets are on sale now, plus free shows in The Copper Bar.

YELLOWJACKETS – Thu 21 May | TICKETS

Releasing their eponymous debut album in 1981 at the height of the fusion era, Yellowjackets draw upon a history-spanning mélange of jazz movements, steeped in funk grooves and chamber music sophistication, Yellowjackets have evolved to become a genre unto themselves.

Bel Cobain – Fri 22 May | TICKETS

Signed to Brownswood recordings, enigmatic East London songstress Bel Cobain merges jazz, r&b and rap with a peaceful and self-reflective slant, to create boundary-transcending music powered by radical ethos, poetic lyrics, and ethereal melodies. For fans of: Greentea Peng, ELIZA, Yaya Bey.

Somewhere Soul presents Cotonete  – Sat 23 May | TICKETS

Parisian disco-funk eight-piece Cotonete built their reputation through a series of rare singles and collaborations, notably with Dimitri from Paris. Along the way, a creative connection with Brazilian legend Di Melo produced Atemporal, an eight-track blend of funk and Brazilian soul later sampled by Drake on his 2023 album.

Somewhere Soul Club Night – Sat 23 May | TICKETS

Josh Mason-Quinn is a London-based DJ, label A&R, event programmer, and founder of new music discovery platform Somewhere Soul. Obsessed with the idea that his favourite music is still out there waiting to be discovered, he’s garnered an online following of over 1 million music fans who are locked into his music selections spanning jazz fusion, psychedelic soul, Afro-funk, global groove, and more.

Lau Noah – Sat 23 May (Matinee)| TICKETS

Spanish singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer Lau Noah is known for her musical approach combining singing and contrapuntal guitar playing. Praised by distinguished musicians, from Phoebe Bridgers to Jackson Browne, Lau has worked alongside artists like Chris Thile, Jacob Collier and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

Nout – Sat 23 May | TICKETS

“A riot of musicianship, foundation-shaking noise and fearless originality.” Flute, harp, drums: a rare combination turned upside down by this explosive, effervescent French trio – Nout pushes those instruments beyond their limits with the enthusiasm of a mad scientist in front of his vials.

China Moses – Sun 24 May | TICKETS

Singer, songwriter, and producer China Moses evolves her artistry with defiant authenticity, resisting easy labels. Her music captivates through deep groove, sensitivity, wit, and inspiration from the broad lineage of Black American music.

Tara Lily – Sun 24 May (Matinee) | TICKETS

Growing up in a British Bengali family has given Tara Lily a unique perspective on music and global culture, spending her life absorbing a multitude of sounds and genres from her surroundings, ranging from electronica to jazz and RnB to traditional Bengali folk music.

Calico – Thu 21 May | FREE

A 5-piece collective fusing pop hooks, catchy melodies, and blissful harmonies with elements of jazz, folk, blues, samba, and trip hop – Calico’s influences range from Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu, Zero 7, Robert Glasper, 4hero, John Martyn, and Portishead.

Finite Experience – Thu 21 May | FREE

Through this evolving soundscape, bandleader Terhiles blends the rhythmic richness of Afrobeat with the improvisational spirit of jazz, inviting listeners into a world where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony.

Thiara Collective – Fri 22 May | FREE

Infused with the innovative ethos of the UK’s underground scene, their sound is a dynamic fusion of rhythmically audacious grooves, and a melting pot of harmony with a heavy woodwind and brass lead sound.

Yoni Mayraz – Fri 22 May | FREE

Fast-rising musician Yoni Mayraz combines jazz with elements of 90’s hip hop, old-school breakbeats and Middle Eastern music to create shimmering new hybrid forms.

Manchild – Sat 23 May | FREE

Leeds-based jazz/electronica trio make their first appearance at Manchester Jazz Festival. Expect drum, synth and saxophone theatrics. For fans of Knower, Corto Alto.

Jon Onabowu – Sat 23 May | FREE

Jon Onabowu is making waves across the music scene with his innovative jazz/fusion sound, solidifying his reputation as one of the UK’s up and coming top drummers.

Flo/ra – Sun 24 May | FREE

A genre-blurring instrumental jazz quintet fronted by Flo Taylor who shares stories of late-diagnosis, identity and grief interspersed with their intricately arranged compositions.

Jazz Workshop Band – Sun 24 May | FREE

Taught and directed by renowned saxophonist Munch Manship, Band on the Wall’s long running Jazz Workshop will perform arrangements of some of the hottest and coolest numbers from the giants of Jazz at Manchester’s iconic music venue.