Three nights of outstanding jazz… and then more jazz!

Some of the most exciting names in British jazz are heading to The Kenton over the coming months, beginning with three nights of exceptional live music as part of the first Henley Jazz Festival this September.

From one of Britain’s most celebrated jazz vocalists and a chart topping singer pianist to a spectacular big band finale, the festival marks the start of a fantastic run of jazz at The Kenton stretching through Christmas and into the new year.

Three nights of outstanding jazz

The Henley Jazz Festival takes place across Henley from Fri 25 to Sun 27 Sep, with The Kenton hosting three headline concerts.

Clare Teal opens the weekend on Fri 25 Sep at 7.30pm.

One of the most celebrated voices in British jazz, Clare is a multiple British Jazz Singer of the Year and former BBC Jazz Vocalist of the Year. Known for her warmth, humour and extraordinary voice, she has built a career bringing big band, swing and the Great American Songbook to audiences across the country.

Her appearance at The Kenton promises an irresistible evening of jazz, swing and brilliant live entertainment.

And audiences are already responding, with availability for the performance now limited.

 

On Sat 26 Sep at 7pm, Joe Stilgoe takes to The Kenton stage.

Singer, pianist and songwriter Joe is one of the great modern entertainers of British jazz. He has released 10 solo albums, five of which have topped the UK Jazz chart, and has performed everywhere from The Barbican to the Royal Albert Hall.

Funny, quick witted and astonishing at the piano, Joe combines superb musicianship with the sort of easy connection with an audience that makes every performance feel completely spontaneous.

 

The festival comes to a spectacular close on Sun 27 Sep at 6pm with Sentimental Journey.

Henley’s own Rebecca Poole and Denny Ilett bring the sound of the big band to The Kenton in a celebration of the golden age of jazz and swing, featuring music associated with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and many more.

Rebecca has performed with Jools Holland, appeared at the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium, shared the stage with Jamie Cullum and can even be heard singing in Netflix drama The Crown.

Guitarist, vocalist, bandleader and arranger Denny Ilett has spent more than 40 years performing around the world. His Electric Lady Big Band recently played a sold out show at Ronnie Scott’s, while his career has included more than 20 years as musical director for celebrated New Orleans vocalist Lillian Boutté.

Together they promise a huge finish to an extraordinary weekend.

Tickets for each Kenton Jazz Festival performance are £30, or audiences can see all three Kenton headline concerts for £75.

And the jazz does not stop there

The festival may finish in September, but there is plenty more for jazz lovers to look forward to at The Kenton.

On Wed 16 Dec at 7.30pm, A Swinging Christmas! brings festive jazz to the theatre after 11 sell out years at Ronnie Scott’s.

Featuring the Chris Ingham Quintet and singer Joanna Eden, the show takes Christmas favourites associated with Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Dean Martin and Bing Crosby and gives them a sophisticated swinging makeover.

Joanna is an acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter in her own right and was also the long term vocal teacher and mentor of Grammy Award winner Sam Smith.

It is Christmas, but considerably cooler.

Then on Sun 31 Jan 2027 at 7.30pm, father and son musicians Ben and Tom Waters arrive at The Kenton with award winning percussionist James Larter.

Internationally recognised boogie woogie and rock and roll pianist Ben Waters has worked with some of the biggest names in music, while Royal Academy of Music graduate Tom Waters brings saxophone influences spanning jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, funk and rock and roll.

Between them, the musicians have played and shared stages with artists including The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Ray Davies, Rod Stewart and Johnny Depp.

The result is an explosive combination of piano, saxophone and percussion, improvisation, humour and the kind of musical chemistry that can only come from years spent performing together.

From intimate swing to spectacular big band sounds, world class musicianship and festive jazz, there has rarely been a better time to discover jazz at The Kenton.

Explore jazz at The Kenton and book your tickets today!