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With the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, based on BCU's City Centre campus, Birmingham is bursting with exciting new jazz talent. If you're looking for places to watch jazz in Birmingham we've lined up a full list, from regular jam sessions to clubs and festivals.
Best Jazz Jams
If you’re like us and you love the energy and spontaneity of a jam session, then these are our top picks for a night of great jazz music in Birmingham.
Digbeth Jazz at the Night Owl (formerly Jazz at the Spotted Dog)
Putting on a jazz gig and jam every week on a Tuesday, plus their infamous Christmas Big Band which sees the venue packed to the rafters. This is a mainstay of the Birmingham jazz scene and our top recommendation for a lively night of music. Check their Instagram for the lineup.
Pan-Pan, Digbeth
This atmospheric, hidden spot in Digbeth has immaculate 70s vibes and hosts a regular jazz jam session every Monday. It’s free to attend so settle down on a sofa and soak up the atmosphere while the musicians explore. Follow their Instagram or sign up to their cult (mailing list) for updates.
The Ruin, Digbeth
This classic pub hosts a free regular jazz night once a month. Keep an eye on their Instagram for the latest gigs.
Best Venues for Jazz
Eastside Jazz Club, City Centre
This one’s hard to miss as it’s right here on campus! Based in the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) building, Eastside Jazz Club hosts performances from Conservatoire students and visiting artists alike. Find out what's coming up on the RBC website.
B:Music Symphony Hall and Town Hall, City Centre
Hosting a range of jazz gigs from regular free jazz Fridays in the Jennifer Blackwell performance space, to touring bands in the Town Hall. The Symphony Hall and Town Hall are beautiful venues with excellent acoustics.
1000 Trades, Jewellery Quarter
This gorgeous pub in the Jewellery Quarter has a regular night of live music on Fridays from Birmingham Jazz. Featuring local and international artists, this is a great place to start your weekend with music.
MAC (Midland Arts Centre), Edgbaston
MAC, with its packed programme of cinema, theatre, music and creative workshops, is nestled in the heart of Cannon Hill Park. It plays host to regular gigs from TDE Promotions who present cutting edge, experimental jazz music throughout the year. Check their website for the full listings.
Silvershine Jazz Club, Bearwood
You’ll find Silvershine Jazz Club at Bearwood Corks Club every Thursday from 9pm. There’s a busy programme of local and regional artists, alongside regular fixtures like Doctor Steve’s Jazz Surgery and a jam night hosted by resident band The Blue Notes.
Festivals
Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival
Every year in the summer, Birmingham Jazz Festival takes over the city. During the festival's run you can stumble on free live performances all around the city, as well as many more gigs in some of Birmingham's best venues.
Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival
A firm fixture of Birmingham’s music scene, Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival is a short bus ride from the City Centre. Each July, thousands descend on Moseley Park for a weekend of jazz, funk and soul music. Over the years, they’ve welcomed big names like The Specials, Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Cliff and Cameo.