Jazz breaking news: Countdown To Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Dame Cleo Laine gets the festival under way on Wednesday night at the Town Hall while in a night of great singers, Liane Carroll entertains diners at the Daffodil restaurant across town.

Highlights on Thursday include Afro-Cuban group Sierra Maestra at the Town Hall while Sam Cooke-inspired singer James Hunter is in the Jazz Arena in the square near the Town Hall.

Friday sees Gwyneth Herbert at the Daffodil, Kyle Eastwood in the Jazz Arena and a special Friday Night Is Music Night hosted by Sir Michael Parkinson at the Town Hall.

A busy Saturday has Andy Sheppard’s Trio Libero for a lunchtime show at the Town Hall, Outhouse later at the Pillar Room, Sara Colman at the Hotel du Vin, the Trondheim Jazz Exchange at the Playhouse, Julian Arguelles and John Taylor at the Town Hall, Kit Downes at the Playhouse, Fromage en Feu at the Jazz Arena, Spin Marvel with guest Jean Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin at the Jazz Arena, Susanna again in the Arena, Pharoah Sanders at the Town Hall, Django Bates at the Pillar Room and Lamb at the Town Hall for a late night set.

Sunday features Kit Downes and his Sextet in the Pillar Room, Anthony Strong at the Hotel du Vin, Neil Cowley Trio in the Arena, Tord Gustavsen in the Town Hall, Django Bates in the Pillar Room, Andreya Triana in the Arena, Stian Westerhus in the Playhouse, Overtone Quartet in the Town Hall, Alan Wilkinson Trio in the Playhouse, Jamie Cullum in the Arena, Big Air in the Pillar Room and Roots Manuva in the Town Hall. also at the Arena,

Monday sees the Breakfast Show with Brass Jaw in the Town Hall, Denys Baptiste in the Pillar Room, Sam Crockatt also in the Pillar Room, Phronesis in the Arena, Lucinda Belle Orchestra in the Arena, Portico Quartet in the Arena and a closing finale concert in the Town Hall with Hugh Laurie.

– Stephen Graham

For the full programme go to www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

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