What's On

Funky Friday!
For 14 amazing years, Funky Friday has brought the infectious rhythms of Funk, Soul, Jazz, Blues, and Disco to St. John’s Primary School in Wallingford. Now, we’re shaking things up with a special edition at Wallingford's wonderful school of Wizardry and Witchcraft (!!) - the Wigod Way Family Centre!
Led by one of the organisers of Winter Blues and Jazz, Maff Potts, this is a chance for the whole family to:
Sing your hearts out

Dance like nobody’s watching

Discover the legends of Funk, Soul, and Jazz

while learning why life is better on the offbeat.

We have a limit of 25 adults and 50 children so please bear that in mind when you book! See you there and be very ready to join in this very interactive and deeply groovy session! The staff at Wigod Way will be present to assist you but please be aware they're the funkiest folk in the room!

But wait — the fun doesn’t stop there! At 5pm after our event you can attend the LAUNCH EVENT of the Winter Blues and Jazz weekend for a special price of just £5 St Mary's church in the middle of town with trumpet, saxophone, trombone and a full band playing Jazz classics led by local legendary teacher Mr Nick Hill who taught at Wallingford school for over 40 years.

Kick off your Winter Blues weekend in style with Eclectic Jazz. Enjoy a sparkling set of jazz favourites as this talented ensemble takes the stage featuring Stuart Henderson (trumpet), Joe Carey (sax), Pete Whitehouse (trombone), Nick Hill (piano), Howard King (double bass), and Mike Goff (drums).

Expect a vibrant mix of styles including Swing, Bossa, Rock, and Calypso featuring tunes by Henry Mancini, Thelonious Monk, Jobim, Joe Zawinul, Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, and more. It's the perfect taster of the music you'll be hearing throughout the Winter Blues Weekend.

Julian is a breathtaking clarinet player, renowned for his faultless technique, innate harmonic judgement, and richly mellifluous tone. Together with masterful guitarist Jez Cook and acclaimed double bassist Raph Mizraki, he leads a standout Hot Club jazz trio. Drawing inspiration from Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the golden age of swing, the group delivers vibrant, elegant jazz that captivates audiences.

One night - three incredible bands!

Matt Edwards Band
This Charming Lounge
Maff Potts late night FUNK PIT

Matt is a great songwriter/vocalist/guitarist who's soulful passionate band play original music influenced by the likes of funky masters The Meters and all the great bluesmen.

Late Capitalist lounge pop with Paul Whitty, Maff Potts, Drew Milloy and Colin Guilford. Listen as TCL hurl commodity pop favourites from Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Beck, Dua Lipa, The Smiths and Ariana Grande into their whirl-o-matic global-capitalist-death-spiral-launderette of pop. Late night fast-food fracas and Cumbrian folktales included as standard.

Maff Potts' Funk Pitt features some of the best musicians around for an evening of ranging funk!

Known across South West England and beyond for his bluesy guitar playing and soulful voice, Bob Bowles has been delighting audiences in clubs and festivals for over thirty years. His guitar evokes the greats - Rory Gallagher, Peter Green, Eric Clapton - while his voice recalls Van Morrison and Mose Allison.
The trio delivers a captivating mix of soul, blues, gospel, and funk, blending original songs with covers of legends such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix. Expect electrifying, heartfelt performances, masterful musicianship, and toe-tapping grooves.
For anyone seeking an afternoon of honest, expertly played blues, this is an experience not to be missed.

An exciting Organ quartet with some of the finet musicians in the land. Ollie Weston on saxophone, Pete Oxley on Guitar, Martin Pickett on Hammond Organ and drummer to be confirmed!. The plays the music of Michael Brecker, Steely Dan, Wes Montgomery and Eddie Harris.

99 Bucks play Chicago Blues from the 50's & 60's just like they did back then, but with our own feel, interpretation and great respect for the originals.

From Disney to Bond and beyond, Jazz had been a part of all our cinema going lives. Hear some of your favourite movie songs performed by one of Britain's finest jazz singers and guitarists, Denny Ilett and an all star band of his friends.

You’re in for a night of funky soul & blues with a sprinkle of Latin percussion, courtesy of May ("the multicultural salsa diva") with her smoky alto vocals, blending with Gaya ("the Groovemeister's") silky tones, Alex “the smiles” on pub piano, Vitali “is OK, I just watch your fingers” on bass and Dom “we like you cos you’re quiet” on drums and of course, the man with a vision, slick Rick.

A group of seasoned musicians united by their love of great music brings you a unique live experience you won’t forget!
Featuring Cadge Cain, Rob Crisp, Rory Evans, Dicky Keys, Ray Young, and Steve Winstone, this talented lineup delivers classic rock ’n’ roll with a touch of blues and soul, blending passion, skill, and fun on stage.
Come for the music, stay for the vibe - an evening of timeless tunes and unforgettable performances!

Acoustic blues and jazz singer-songwriter and guitarist Jon Walsh is joined by the exceptionally talented double bassist Brian Throup, creating a rich, full sound as an acoustic duo. Their music spans blues and ragtime from the pre-war era including Delta slide on Dobro and National steel guitars through to contemporary interpretations, delivering an authentic yet vibrant roots experience.

Prepare to dance the night away as Dom Fox brings the funk with a late-night disco set guaranteed to keep the floor moving!

Wallingford Carnival presents the Melody Market - an irresistible all-day crafts fair featuring live music throughout the afternoon.
12:00–2:00pm: Hugh Turner & Chris Cobbson Duo - a dynamic, fiery guitar-led jazz, blues and funk duo, showcasing two of the UK’s most in-demand players.
2:15–4:00pm: Robert Otwinowski / Steve Kershaw - talented guitarist Robert plays groovy jazz and blues with excellent bassist Steve Kershaw.

A drum circle style activity aimed at young people (4-10yrs) and parents. Participants sit on chairs in a circle, and everyone has a hand drum. There is a free style jam, then you'll learn simple rhythms that unite us as a group. The group sing some familiar songs whilst drumming, and learn some new ones too. There are some drumming rhythm games that require actions & dancing. It’s a lot of fun and inclusive; everyone gets a chance to shine.

All drums will be provided, but feel free to bring your own along too. Little drummers may have to share with their parents.

This workshop is lead by local professional drummer/ educator Paul Glover (https://www.godynamite.com/). Places are limited so please book for your free place. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. The workshop lasts approx 45 mins.

Big surdo drums, agogos, cowbells, shakers, tamborims and group participation combine in this high-energy and multilayered performance spectacle. Participants will be lead through a series of rhythmical exercises and challenges, teaching them the rhythms and sounds of Brazil. Subgroups take ownership of different Latin percussion instruments, combining as a whole to make up the full sound of a Brazilian Samba band. The session is closed with a final performance. It's loud, impressive and high energy. It's a carnival and everyone has an important role to play.

After the workshop we there will be a grand finale performance in the Town Centre at 12.30pm.

This workshop is led by local professional drummer Paul Glover (https://www.godynamite.com/). All drums will be provided, but feel free to bring your own along too.

Places are limited so please book for your free place. The workshop is suitable for those aged 10yrs and above. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. The workshop lasts approx 1 hour.

Bring your instruments for the hottest jazz jam in town! All welcome

Tim Richardson’s Timeless Quartet brings together some of the UK’s top musicians: Ollie Weston (sax), Martin Pickett (keyboards), Al Pirrie (bass) and the mighty Tim Richardson himself on drums.
The quartet will perform a fantastic range of swinging tunes, the perfect way to spend early Saturday afternoon at the Blues and Jazz Festival. Expect timeless jazz and blues delivered with energy, style, and sophistication.

Papa Nui Guitarist Dave Noble and his super talented sons on Sax and Bass will serenade you with funky and mellow jazz in Mollie’s cosy comfy surroundings.

Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley, along with his brother Nathaniel Adderley, were key figures in the soul jazz movement, a subgenre that blends hard bop with elements of soul and gospel music. Playing alto saxophone and cornet respectively, they had significant success with their own band, which featured Joe Zawinul on piano, and also with major jazz musicians such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. While living in Florida in the 1940s, they played with Ray Charles who also lived in the area at the time. Their sound, characterized by simple harmonies, bluesy feel, catchy riffs, and church-influenced rhythms, helped establish soul jazz as a distinct style in the 1960s.

Stuart Henderson From 1983 - 2005, Stuart Henderson was principal trumpet of The Scots Guards Band, in Her Majesty’s Household Division, and is now one of the country's finest jazzers. He’s played at many jazz festivals including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Brecon and is musical director of the Remix Jazz Orchestra. Recordings include dance labels “Nanny Tango”, “Soul Purpose” and “Greenfly”, collaborations with Tongues of Fire, Macnas and Mark Anderson “Dark Spark”. His commercial work includes the Rebecca Poole quartet, the String of Pearls and Joe Loss.

Michael Wilkins Trained at Birmingham Conservatoire and Leeds College Of Music. Michael is a regular soloist at The Rose And Crown in Oxford, Goring Community Jazz Club, Ma Bessie’s Pig Foot Band, as well as guest soloist at Windsor’s Jazz Vanguard. He plays with Big Colors and Blake’s Heaven big bands, and recently on the revivals of two Stan Tracey jazz suites, ‘A Child’s Christmas In Wales’ and ‘Under Milk Wood’.

Hear the spiciest jazz and blues vocals from the fabulous Lizzie Newbury, paired with the coolest West Coast–style swing from Ben Cummings, lighting up the afternoon on trumpet. Joined by guitar virtuoso Hugh Turner and the dynamic, in-demand bassist Raph Mizraki, this is jazz at its very best.
Toe-tapping, feel-good music that will leave you wanting more - one of the finest sounds around!

Four exceptional musicians unite to create Pete Boss and the Bluehearts, a modern blues powerhouse celebrated for their energy, skill, and unforgettable performances.
Fronted by Pete Boss, whose award-winning guitar work earned him Best British Blues Guitarist in 1989, this band shows are a compelling mix of original tracks and classic blues, delivered with spontaneity, power, and a distinctly modern twist. Audiences consistently rave about their electrifying stage presence and musical virtuosity.
Completing this stellar lineup are:
Steve Kershaw – bass
Pete Kershaw – vocals & guitar
Danny Gonzalez – drums
Prepare for an afternoon of raging blues that will leave you cheering for more. Don’t miss the chance to see this stunning band live!

This deeply funky quintet from Nottingham play gorgeous grooves to get your Saturday night going. The George is laying on Street Food treats for you to buy alongside the tunes!

Recognised as one of Australia’s finest singers, Lily Dior has shared the stage with outstanding musicians from around the world and performed at some of Australia’s most prestigious venues, including The Opera House Concert Hall, The State Theatre, Sydney Town Hall, and The Domain. A finalist at The National Jazz Awards, she is also an experienced radio personality and host of The Freedman Fellowship Jazz Awards.
Expect an evening of high-class jazz and soul, delivered with style, passion, and musical brilliance by Lily and her top-class band.

Soul horns Phil ‘Chops’ Chaundy and Nick ‘Beats’ Blake bring their stage camaraderie from Geno Washington and the Ram Jam band to unleashing ‘Chops’n’Beats’- their very own fire brand mix of groovella jazz funk and classic jazzy beats in the spirit of Maceo and the JB horns.

Ranglin’ is a quartet raising a musical salute to the great Jamaican jazz guitarist Ernest Ranglin. Without a doubt the most accomplished Jamaican musician most people have never heard of. Expect reggae-jazz calypso-funk grooves rooted down with iconic dub bass lines, topped o with classy jazz guitar & keyboard improvisations.
This new collaboration between Dave Noble (guitar) Martin Pickett (keys), Ryan Quarterman (double bass) and Joseph Noble (drums) aims at broadening the acclaim of a true giant in Jazz. Ranglin’ will keep you on your toes, with no two shows the same. The quartet heat up Ernest Ranglin’s classic album ‘Below the Bassline’, with
their own improvisational spark.

Chris Cobbson is from Ghanian heritage and his wonderful show has songs from Ethiopia, South African, Senegal and all across Africa. The quintet includes Chris on guitar and the wonderful 21 stringed Kora instrument which orginates in West Africa.

Conrad is a 19-year-old rapper and writer from Wallingford, blending genres to create engaging, crowd-pleasing music through a mix of originals and carefully chosen covers. A rising talent and one to watch on the British hip-hop scene, he was recently featured on Blackb@x’s Hardest U18s Cypher 2023, which has already racked up over 84,000 views.
With subtle shades of Loyle Carner, Conrad delivers a sound and message that are distinctly his own. A local artist with serious potential. Come down and support one of Wallingford’s brightest emerging voices.

The 20th Century Songbook offers fresh, beautifully crafted jazz arrangements of songs by Billy Joel, Randy Crawford, Elvis Presley, King Crimson and others, alongside beloved jazz standards by the likes of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Hoagy Carmichael.

Created by long-time musical collaborators Pete Billington (piano) and Fleur Stevenson (vocals), this special evening will unfold in magical, candlelit surroundings, joined by the exceptional Stuart Barker (bass) and local drumming legend Simon Price.

Expect a spellbinding night of artistry, atmosphere, and stunning re-imaginations of iconic songs.

50s-style Chicago Blues from the cool cats Ben White and Thomas Lucas.
These two young musicians are dedicated to playing Chicago Blues straight from the late 1940s and early 1950s. Alongside classics by legends such as Muddy Waters and Little Walter, their set also draws from more obscure greats including Jimmy Rogers, Leroy Foster, and Snooky Pryor. They perform original material too, faithfully inspired by the early post-war era of blues music.
This is one you won’t want to miss!

Get ready to dance with late-night disco beats from 8:30-10pm with Drew Milloy, followed by Steve East and Colin G from 10pm until midnight. Expect feel-good grooves, classic disco vibes, and nonstop dancefloor energy all night long.

Head to the Dolphin to witness The Pete Kershaw Four unleash an onslaught of unashamedly feel-good, Funk and Jazz-tinged Blues.

Heather-Jayne and the Red Shoes are a quartet from Goring, Pangbourne and Brightwell. They play swing, blues, soul and jazz on guitar, double bass, drums and sax/flute/clarinet. From Etta James to the Andrews Sisters, via Ray Charles and Nina Simone. Hugely popular with the Reading and Oxford swing dancing clubs, they'll have you dancing in the aisles and crying in your beer. Possibly simultaneously.

The Craig Milverton Trio featuring Ben Cummings brings together some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians. Craig Milverton is widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading jazz pianists, a reputation cemented in 2010 when he won Best Jazz Pianist at the British Jazz Awards.
He is joined by one of the most versatile and in-demand trumpeters on the British music scene, Ben Cummings, whose career spans the highest level across every genre, from New Orleans and vintage jazz to swing, modern jazz, funk, soul, pop and salsa.
Completing the lineup are outstanding players Curtis Ruiz on bass and Si Potts on drums.
Expect top-class jazz from some of the UK’s finest musicians.

Fiery festival dance band. Horn-driven pulsing ska-pop, funky reggae, Afrobeat and more. Genre-fluid grooves always burning up the dance floor!

Hugh Turner is a highly regarded UK-based jazz-funk guitarist, educator, and composer, known for his groove-driven style influenced by John Scofield and Grant Green. He presents a varied programme of funk and jazz, packed with power, bluesy feel, and stunning musicality.
Joining Hugh are funk legend bassist Jerry Soffe and the dynamic drummer Steve Wyndham, creating a trio that delivers heavyweight funk and electrifying groove-driven improvisation. A night not to be missed for fans of jazz, funk, and high-energy live music!

No jazz festival would be complete without a late-night jam session! Grab your instruments, grab a drink, and head over to Wally Scott’s for a mega jazz jam! Musicians of all levels are welcome. Come join the fun, improvise, and keep the festival swinging into the night!

Exceptional musician, arranger, and songstress Drew Milloy brings her brilliant quartet to the stage for a soulful Sunday brunch experience. Performing timeless hits made famous by Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and more, Drew delivers classic and modern soul, R&B, and funk that will have you tapping your feet, singing along, and falling in love with the music all over again.
She’s joined by a world-class lineup featuring local guitar legend Rory Evans, keyboard wizard Nick Lacey, and powerhouse drummer Si Potts.

"Brilliant Saxophone player Toliy Vyacheslavov’s new Latin group, featuring Toliy on Sax, Flute and percussion, ace guitarist Hugh turner on acoustic nylon and steel string guitar, acoustic bass sensation Paul Jeffries and polymath Raph mizraki playing congas, acoustic bass and melodica.
Think Getz, Jobim and more!"

Join the Steph Pirrie Jazz Chorus with pianist/composer Tim Lapthorn for a joyful, two-hour singing workshop at the George Courtyard room. Feel-good songs in harmony including “As” (Stevie Wonder). Everything is taught by ear, so there’s no need to read music and no prior experience required - just bring your voices. Expect uplifting vibes, friendly guidance, and that big-choir buzz of singing together. Places are limited, so please reserve your FREE spot in advance and add your voice! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

An afternoon of high-class entertainment from singer and clever lyricist Barry Mcnamara, performing in quartet with his band. Expect swinging standards, a selection of choice originals, plenty of good-natured banter, and lots to get your toes tapping.

FInalist in the "Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the year" in 2024, this gig was INCREDIBLY popular in the first year of Winter Blues. A joyous mix of gospel favourites and popular songs. Come early, every patch of floor was taken!

Prepare to be transported into a beautiful, timeless world of Chet Baker with Geoff Varrall (trumpet), Katrina Likhtman (vocals), Caroline Cooper (keys), Paul Michael (bass) playing some iconic vocal and instrumental numbers and Chet's enchanting original solos. Pure energy and emotion. The band played at EDF London Jazz Festival in 2021 and 2023, as well as at various locations in London and in France.

Art Themen is a true jazz national treasure. A fantastically exciting, playful, and inventive saxophonist, he has been one of the most distinctive and beloved voices in British Jazz for over 60 years. Famously combining an internationally acclaimed jazz career with his work as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Themen has enjoyed one of the most extraordinary and wide-ranging careers in British music. He spent two decades touring the world as frontman of the Stan Tracey Quartet, and has performed and recorded with a remarkable roll call of artists including Alexis Korner, Stan Tracey, Joe Cocker, Jack Bruce, and Bing Crosby, establishing himself as a singular figure whose playful imagination and unmistakable sound transcend genres.

A former winner of the British Jazz Awards tenor saxophone category, a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Worshipful Company of Musicians, Art Themen, is described by The Observer as “one of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians”, Art Themen remains as brilliant, inventive, and inimitable as ever.

Art Themen’s Band brings together friends and long-time collaborators, including the acclaimed jazz vocalist Fleur Stevenson, celebrated for her honeyed tone, charismatic stage presence and effortless phrasing, and one of the UK’s finest jazz organists, Pete Whittaker (formerly of the Nigel Price Organ Trio), with one of the most sought after drummers in Britain, Steve Brown (Stacey Kent, Dave Newton, Andy Panayi, Karen Sharp).

The band delivers groove-led, playful reimaginings of quirky gems from the jazz canon - the perfect vehicle for the twinkling mischief and masterful musicianship of a genuine grandee of British jazz.

The Weekend Warriors are a pop/rock/funk teenage powerhouse. Four talented musicians delivering covers and originals with energetic style, they’re already prize-winning, big stage regulars on the Oxford music scene… a band to watch out for!

The Mulberry Earls are a distinguished jazz ensemble known for delivering stylish, sophisticated performances at premium events and public shows across the UK.

For Wallingford Jazz and Winter Blues Festival, The Mulberry Earls present their intimate instrumental trio featuring excellent musicians Richard Meeham on piano, an upright bass, and Paul Glover on drums. This classic formation captures the essence of traditional jazz while bringing fresh interpretations and contemporary flair.

Their repertoire spans classic jazz standards through to creative jazz interpretations of modern pop and contemporary hits, all performed with impeccable finesse and musicianship. Members of The Mulberry Earls have performed at prestigious events and venues including Henley Festival, KOKO, The Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury, Reading+Leeds Festivals.

Collectively, they've collaborated with a range of iconic artists such as Scroobius Pip, Izo FitzRoy, Cat Stevens, and Suzi Quatro, with music playlisted on national radio, including Jazz FM.

An irresistible night of swinging jazz classics awaits, featuring big band legend and vocalist Ed Hall alongside standout jazz singer Fleur Stevenson. Backed by a stellar trio of the UK’s finest musicians - Tom Berge (piano), Paul Jefferies (double bass), and Ben Robins (drums) - this is jazz at its finest. Good friends Ed and Fleur bring you much-loved jazz classics, heart-warming ballads, and toe-tapping standards in an unforgettable evening not to be missed.

Building on her passion for the Empress of the Blues, Julia Titus performs as Ma Bessie, sharing the music of Bessie Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation of listeners. Julia’s rich, warm vocal sound brings classic blues and jazz tunes from the inter-war years to life, alongside original songs and hand-picked covers.

This intimate new show features fresh, unheard material while keeping all the favourites that audiences love. The Ma Bessie repertoire includes classics such as ‘Careless Love’, ‘Send me to the ‘lectric chair’, ‘I forgot to say I love you’ and ‘Someone is knocking my door’.

With sell-out performances across the UK and a growing reputation for authentic sound, “An Evening with Ma Bessie” promises to add style, class and excitement to your evening.

Could be the most star studded of all the bands at Winter Blues!

The Groove Collective is led by Keith Fairbairn, one of the UK jazz scene’s leading percussionists. The band features an exceptional lineup, including bass superstar Laurence Cottle; Brandon Allen, Professor of Saxophone at the Guildhall School of Music and one of the UK’s foremost jazz saxophonists; Tim Goodyer, one of the most in-demand drummers on the scene; and Liam Dunachie, one of the most brilliant young pianists of his generation. Audiences can expect infectious grooves and soaring melodies inspired by artists such as Poncho Sanchez, Herbie Hancock, Ray Barretto, George Duke, Weather Report, Airto Moreira, and Freddie Hubbard.

We’re closing the festival out with a bang! Enjoy a fantastic mix of jazz, blues, soul, and funk from many of the incredible musicians who have graced the festival all weekend. Come and celebrate the finale in style with us - an unmissable way to end the weekend!