THE WATFORD JAZZ JUNCTION MUSIC FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE ACROSS WATFORD
18–21 MAY 2023.

Welcome to the 2023 Watford Jazz Junction music festival, this year celebrating the influence of the Caribbean on UK jazz.

We have a fabulous line-up of musicians performing in the town with legends and rising stars heading our way.

Our opening night features an infectious mix of soul, reggae and jazz with singers Zara McFarlane and Omar sharing a double bill at the Watford Palace Theatre.

We then move to the Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre for 2 days with shows from Xhosa Cole, Emma Rawicz and Cleveland Watkiss.

Our final day is a free-to-attend celebration of music with 15 bands playing across 5 pub venues as part of our festival within a festival, Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village.

The festival rounds off with another free performance from global steel-pan superstar Leon Foster Thomas who plays with his band on Watford Heath.

There’s also a jazz workshop for young ones, talks, and a special prosecco brunch to be announced at the end of February being hosted by Jazz FM’s Ruth Fisher.

Get your tickets below.

Image of Omar who sings on 18 May 2023 at the Watford Jazz Junction

Image of Zara McFarlane who sings on 18 May 2023 at the Watford Jazz Junction

UPCOMING EVENTS

Anthony Kerr & The Ilario Ferrari Trio live at Clarendon Muse
26 Feb, 14:15 – 16:30
Watford School of Music, The Clarendon Muse, 70 Rickmansworth Rd, Watford WD18 7JA, UK
We’re delighted to present two of Watford’s leading jazz figures together on one billing as part of a very special matinee show. Vibraphone player Anthony Kerr will be performing a solo set and Ilario Ferrari, alongside Charlie Pyne and Katie Patterson, will present a brand new set.
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Omar and Zara McFarlane: opening night gala show
18 May, 19:30
Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Rd, Watford WD17 1JZ, UK
The opening night of the Watford Jazz Junction 2023 features the legendary soul singer Omar and the UK's Black British foremost jazz vocalist Zara McFarlane.
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Xhosa Cole Quartet
19 May, 20:00
Watford Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
One of the UK's most exciting breakthrough saxophonists brings his quartet to Watford.
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Jazz for Young Ones Percussion Workshop
20 May, 09:30 – 12:00
Watford Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
An interactive percussion workshop for young people aged 4-12 years old, including a performance in the Pump House Theatre.
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Emma Rawicz Quintet
20 May, 14:15
Watford Pump House Colne River Studio, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
Rising sax superstar Emma Rawicz brings her quintet to play her first-ever show in Watford. Plus an opening set from the Oscar Lyons Quartet.
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Cleveland Watkiss presents The Great Jamaican Songbook
20 May, 20:00
Watford Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
A high-energy and hard-hitting evening of Caribbean reggae & jazz presented by the award-winning singer Cleveland Watkiss alongside a truly exceptional band.
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Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village: a free family-friendly event
21 May, 12:30 – 17:00
Across Oxhey Village, Watford WD19, UK - reached from Bushey Railway Station
A completely free to attend afternoon of live New Orleans, reggae, fusion, blues, jazz and more across Oxhey Village.
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Leon Foster Thomas: a free event
21 May, 17:00
Watford Heath, Watford WD19, UK
A free show on Watford Heath presenting the globally acclaimed talents of steelpan and jazz maestro, Leon Foster Thomas and his sextet.
Details