May 1st – VASILIS XENOPOULOS; ‘MILES AND BIRD’ at ST ANDREWS CHURCH, HOVE, music from 6pm
Vasilis Xenopoulos has long been at the forefront of the British jazz scene with a tone and improvisational style that emulates the great Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker; the godfather of post-war be-bop. Parker’s legendary partnership with an 18-year old Miles Davis produced some of the most ground breaking tunes that were to set the foundations for the great lineage of modern jazz musicians that came afterwards. In this concert, Tony and Chris have a selection of those great recordings, played live with a top rhythm section of local Sussex jazz musicians.
Tickets £15 as cash/ card on the door or in advance; https://wegottickets.com/event/688738
May 6th – ALAN BARNES at THE SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB, THE WICK INN, HOVE, music from 8pm
One of Britain’s most celebrated jazz musicians, Alan Barnes has thrilled audiences for over five decades. Equally fluent on alto, baritone and clarinet, he brings a night of masterful swing and bebop from one of the true greats.
Join us at Hove’s home for Wednesday night jazz. Nestled above The Wick Inn on Holland Road, The Speakeasy offers that classic ‘New York Supper Club’ vibe — perfect for a relaxed evening of live music, drinks and dining. With individual seating, shared tables and intimate alcoves, enjoy an extensive range of drinks and authentic Thai food while soaking up hard-swinging jazz from trumpeter Chris Coull and his Quartet, joined each week by a special guest.
For seat reservations, WhatsApp 07948260789
Tickets from https://wegottickets.com/event/688777 or from https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/speakeasy-jazz-club/
May 8th – Gershwin’s ‘PORGY AND BESS’ at ST ANDREWS CHURCH, HOVE, music from 6pm
In 1959, Miles Davis and Gil Evans produced perhaps their most outstanding album in George Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’. St Andrew’s musical director, Chris Coull and his all-star quintet bring Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life in a thrilling jazz suite for the 21st century. Award-winning vocalist Imogen Ryall joins pianist John Turville, bassist Simon Thorpe and drummer Matt Fishwick for a dynamic performance of timeless favourites (Summertime, I Loves You Porgy) alongside rediscovered gems (Buzzard Song, Strawberry Woman). With rich narration, hard bop grooves, Latin rhythms and sumptuous ballads, this concert reimagines Miles-Gershwin masterpiece with both authenticity and invention — a spellbinding evening of world-class jazz.
Tickets £15 as cash/ card on the door or in advance; https://wegottickets.com/event/688739
May 13th – MARK NIGHTINGALE at THE SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB, THE WICK INN, music from 8pm
The UK’s leading jazz trombonist makes his Speakeasy debut, blending rich tone, dazzling technique and warm lyricism. Expect a golden-age Blue Note sound as Mark joins Chris and the Quartet for an evening of vibrant brass interplay.
Tickets £12 in advance; https://wegottickets.com/event/688778 WhatsApp 07948260789 for table reservations.
May 15th – KIND OF BLUE at ST ANDREWS CHURCH, HOVE, music from 6pm
The most widely sold and arguably most famous jazz album in history is Miles’s epoch. In this concert, pianist Terry Seabrook leads an all-star sextet featuring tenor saxophonist Josephine Davies, a John Coltrane aficionado; alto saxophonist Andy Panayi, influenced by Cannonball Adderley; trumpeter Chris Coull, a devoted follower of Miles Davis; bassist Paul Whitten, formerly of Chet Baker’s group; and up-and-coming drummer Angus Bishop. The ensemble returns following last year’s sell-out performance.
Tickets £15 as cash/ card on the door or in advance; https://wegottickets.com/event/688740
May 20th – DAVE O’HIGGINS at THE SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB, THE WICK INN, HOVE, music from 8pm
Renowned tenor saxophonist, composer and educator Dave O’Higgins delivers a sound steeped in the spirit of jazz legends — from Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon to Wayne Shorter. A soulful, swinging night from a multi-award-winning artist. With great food, drinks, and cosy alcoves, this New York–style supper club has long been a centrepiece of Hove’s vibrant jazz scene.
£12 wegottickets.com/event/688783/ or WhatsApp Chris on 07948260789
May 22nd – CLAIRE MARTIN at ST ANDREWS CHURCH, HOVE, music from 6pm
Claire Martin OBE, widely celebrated as the UK’s foremost jazz vocalist, brings her acclaimed quartet to St Andrews Church, Hove. With a career spanning over three decades and numerous awards, Martin is renowned for her expressive interpretations and deep connection with audiences. She is joined by pianist Rob Barron, whose inventive arrangements are central to her recent projects, alongside the masterful double bassist Jeremy Brown and dynamic drummer Mark Taylor. Together, they perform an evening of world-class jazz, blending elegance, swing and heartfelt storytelling in an intimate setting. A rare chance to hear Britain’s jazz star at her very best.
Tickets £20 as cash/ card on the door or in advance; https://wegottickets.com/event/694774
May 27th – TONY KOFI at THE SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB, THE WICK INN, HOVE, music from 8pm
A devoted disciple of Charlie Parker, Tony Kofi brings his fiery alto sound to Hove. A major name across the UK and Europe, Tony channels the spirit of Bird with classics from the American Songbook and Parker’s own bebop masterpieces.
Join us at Hove’s home for Wednesday night jazz. Nestled above The Wick Inn on Holland Road, The Speakeasy offers that classic ‘New York Supper Club’ vibe — perfect for a relaxed evening of live music, drinks and dining. With individual seating, shared tables and intimate alcoves, enjoy an extensive range of drinks and authentic Thai food while soaking up hard-swinging jazz from trumpeter Chris Coull and his Quartet, joined each week by a special guest.
Tickets £12 wegottickets.com/event/688784/ (or WhatsApp Chris 07948260789)
May 29th – ART THEMEN & DAVID NEWTON at ST ANDREWS CHURCH, HOVE, music from 6pm
An evening celebrating Miles Davis’ “First Great Quintet” of the 1950’s, which with a young John Coltrane and legendary rhythm section of Red Garland, Paul Chambers and “Philly” Joe Jones produced a host of stunning recordings. Art Themen, is a multi-award winning saxophonist, composer and arranger whose catalogue spans over thirty albums. David Newton is a Scottish jazz pianist, composer and educator, a six-time winner of the British Jazz Awards and Fellow of Leeds College of Music, whose long association with Barnes make this pairing a masterclass in interplay. They are joined by Chris Coull (trumpet), Joe Edwards (drums) and Paul Whitten (bass).
Tickets £15 as cash/ card on the door or in advance; https://wegottickets.com/event/688742
SUMMER 2026
