Eastside Jazz Festival returns! A fter our hugely enjoyable and successful launch last year, we once again bring together internationally renowned musicians with some of today’s most interesting and innovative talent. Birmingham’s thriving creative jazz scene will be showcased through exciting performances by local musicians, curated by regional grassroots promoters. Graduates and current students of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire are a cornerstone of the Eastside Jazz Festival, cementing the legacy of the Jazz Department. Featuring performances by: Jeff Ballard Renowned for collaborations with Chick Corea, Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau, Jeff Ballard is one of the world’s leading jazz drummers. His acclaimed debut album Time’s Tales earned NPR Top 25 recognition and Germany’s Echo Award for Best Instrumentalist. Ballard brings a distinctive voice, exceptional artistry and electrifying energy to every performance. “he has that gift that so many drummers crave but don’t achieve – he’s exceedingly shambolic on the surface yet always in the pocket below.” Jazz Times Kit Downes Kit Downes is a Mercury Prize-nominated, BBC Jazz Award and Deutscher Jazzpreis-winning pianist, organist, composer and ECM recording artist. Equally at home in jazz and classical music, he performs worldwide, collaborates with leading international artists, and creates acclaimed works for ensembles and festivals. “One of the finest of his generation” Jazzwise Orlando le Fleming British bassist, composer and educator Orlando le Fleming is at the forefront of contemporary jazz. He has performed with leading international artists including Branford Marsalis and Kurt Rosenwinkel, leads acclaimed projects including OWL Trio, tours worldwide, and mentors a global community of bass students. “Superb… a fresh mix of energy, intelligence and groove.” Jazz’n’More Soweto Kinch Birmingham-raised Soweto Kinch is an award-winning saxophonist, MC, composer and broadcaster, acclaimed for fusing contemporary jazz and hip-hop. A Mercury Prize nominee and two-time MOBO Award winner, he creates ambitious, socially engaged works, performs internationally, and presents BBC Radio 3’s Round Midnight, redefining jazz for the 21st century. “the premiere of his latest work was more-than-worthy of the standing ovation that it received.” London Jazz News Full schedule and set times to be announced.