12 July – 21 July 2019
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is a vibrant and diverse event which serves up the very best swing, soul, samba and much more.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary year in 2018, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is a 10-day event featuring over 150 gigs across a range of venues, including the Jazz Bar, Festival Theatre and the famous George Square Spiegeltent.
2018 Featured international and Scottish acts, and incorporating both well-known and up and coming performers, this year’s festival will include performances from Kurt Elling, Mud Morganfield, Jools Holland, Dave Holland, The Average White Band, Blind Boy Paxton, Curtis Stigers and Betty Lavette.
The focus of the 2018 festival was on New Orleans jazz, European Jazz and Scottish musicians and the festival is hosting a sparkling anniversary gala celebration. Don’t miss the Festival Club at Teviot Row, where a late night club runs until 3am.
The 2019 programme is coming soon, and is sure to be another incredible event packed with the very best music from at home and abroad.
History
The festival is the brainchild of Edinburgh guitarist and banjo player Mike Hart, who launched the first one in 1978. Originally, the festival featured traditional jazz performances played in Edinburgh’s pubs, and it slowly evolved to feature a more diverse range of styles, including the introduction of blues.
The free Mardi Gras and Carnival events have given the festival even wider appeal, and although the festival now attracts major international jazz names from all over the world, it remains true to its on-going commitment to supporting Scottish acts.
For videos visit Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival YouTube channel.