St. Ives September Festival
This is our exciting program for the festival 2026. Scroll down for all the performances and follow the links to buy your tickets. Announcements will go out to our mailing list so please subscribe to that if you haven't already done so. This can be found on our home page.
St. Ives September Festival
This is our exciting program for the festival 2026. Scroll down for all the performances and follow the links to buy your tickets. Announcements will go out to our mailing list so please subscribe to that if you haven't already done so. This can be found on our home page.
Simon Spillett - Celebrating Tubby Hayes
Tuesday 15th September - £20 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
Simon Spillett - Tenor Sax
Will Butterworth - Piano
Jim Rintoul - Bass
Ronnie Jones - Drums
"Straight-ahead, high energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb" The Guardian
Arguably the legendary figure of post-war British jazz, and an integral part of the story of Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, Hayes died tragically in 1973, but has left a rich legacy of recordings, compositions and arrangements which continue to inspire.
None has been more inspired by Hayes than Simon Spillett. Multi-award-winning tenor saxophonist and author of the definitive Tubby biography, The Long Shadow of The Little Giant, who together with his quartet, featuring fellow British jazz heavyweights has put together this celebration of the genius of Tubbs, featuring compositions and arrangements from Hayes albums The Jazz Couriers In Concert, Tubbs in New York and Mexican Green, together with standards and ballads associated with the great man.
2026 marks a milestone anniversary for tenor saxophonist and bandleader Simon Spillett; 30 years on the UK jazz scene. Since his debut in the 1990s he has risen to become one of Britain’s most prominent jazz figures. An instrumentalist with a powerful, straight-ahead style, drawing on the best of the jazz tradition and in particular the inspiration of an illustrious forebear, the late great Tubby Hayes, he is highly popular attraction playing sold out gigs at the best jazz clubs (Ronnie Scott’s) and at virtually every festival of consequence (including the EFG London Jazz Festival) with both his regular quartet and his star-studded big band.
As a recording artists he had released five well-regarded albums, with his big band debut CD ‘Dear Tubby H.’ (2023) garnering a much deserved five star award in ‘Jazzwise’ magazine.
He’s also picked up a clutch of awards; BBC Rising Star (2007), Album of the Year (‘Jazz Journal’ 2008), Top Tenor Saxophone (British Jazz Awards 2011) and ‘Services to British Jazz’ (2016).
A charismatic performer, gifted with a dry observational wit, he’s never lost sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as art and whether playing, writing or articulately holding forth on his favourite subject – UK jazz history – he’s an infectiously passionate communicator.
Indeed, between playing, he has found time to pen a widely-praised biography of Tubby Hayes (‘The Long Shadow of The Little Giant’), write sleeve notes to over 150 albums, contribute articles to magazines including ‘Jazzwise’ and ‘Record Collector’ and act as an anchor interviewee on documentaries for the BBC and Jazz FM.
Tuesday 15th September - £20 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
Simon Spillett - Tenor Sax
Will Butterworth - Piano
Jim Rintoul - Bass
Ronnie Jones - Drums
"Straight-ahead, high energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb" The Guardian
Arguably the legendary figure of post-war British jazz, and an integral part of the story of Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, Hayes died tragically in 1973, but has left a rich legacy of recordings, compositions and arrangements which continue to inspire.
None has been more inspired by Hayes than Simon Spillett. Multi-award-winning tenor saxophonist and author of the definitive Tubby biography, The Long Shadow of The Little Giant, who together with his quartet, featuring fellow British jazz heavyweights has put together this celebration of the genius of Tubbs, featuring compositions and arrangements from Hayes albums The Jazz Couriers In Concert, Tubbs in New York and Mexican Green, together with standards and ballads associated with the great man.
2026 marks a milestone anniversary for tenor saxophonist and bandleader Simon Spillett; 30 years on the UK jazz scene. Since his debut in the 1990s he has risen to become one of Britain’s most prominent jazz figures. An instrumentalist with a powerful, straight-ahead style, drawing on the best of the jazz tradition and in particular the inspiration of an illustrious forebear, the late great Tubby Hayes, he is highly popular attraction playing sold out gigs at the best jazz clubs (Ronnie Scott’s) and at virtually every festival of consequence (including the EFG London Jazz Festival) with both his regular quartet and his star-studded big band.
As a recording artists he had released five well-regarded albums, with his big band debut CD ‘Dear Tubby H.’ (2023) garnering a much deserved five star award in ‘Jazzwise’ magazine.
He’s also picked up a clutch of awards; BBC Rising Star (2007), Album of the Year (‘Jazz Journal’ 2008), Top Tenor Saxophone (British Jazz Awards 2011) and ‘Services to British Jazz’ (2016).
A charismatic performer, gifted with a dry observational wit, he’s never lost sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as art and whether playing, writing or articulately holding forth on his favourite subject – UK jazz history – he’s an infectiously passionate communicator.
Indeed, between playing, he has found time to pen a widely-praised biography of Tubby Hayes (‘The Long Shadow of The Little Giant’), write sleeve notes to over 150 albums, contribute articles to magazines including ‘Jazzwise’ and ‘Record Collector’ and act as an anchor interviewee on documentaries for the BBC and Jazz FM.
The Neil Maya Quartet - Celebrating Brubeck
Wednesday 16th September - £20 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
For many people, the sound of Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take 5’ is the sound of jazz. This popular American pianist and composer, who died just a few years ago, did more than perhaps anyone to bring jazz into the popular mainstream. Now Devon based musician Neil Maya has put together a group of some of the finest musicians in the South West to authentically reproduce the best known Dave Brubeck recordings such as ‘It’s a Raggy Waltz’, ‘Blue Rondo a la Turk’, ‘Unsquare Dance’ and of course ‘Take 5’.
The band has performed numerous performances of the Brubeck Project including Jazz Festivals, jazz clubs, arts centres and many rural touring schemes throughout the south west and beyond. The quartet released a wonderful live CD/DVD of the project back in 2017.
Expect a delightful evening of wonderful jazz from one of the world’s most popular jazz super groups performed by four excellent South West based musicians.
Wednesday 16th September - £20 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
For many people, the sound of Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take 5’ is the sound of jazz. This popular American pianist and composer, who died just a few years ago, did more than perhaps anyone to bring jazz into the popular mainstream. Now Devon based musician Neil Maya has put together a group of some of the finest musicians in the South West to authentically reproduce the best known Dave Brubeck recordings such as ‘It’s a Raggy Waltz’, ‘Blue Rondo a la Turk’, ‘Unsquare Dance’ and of course ‘Take 5’.
The band has performed numerous performances of the Brubeck Project including Jazz Festivals, jazz clubs, arts centres and many rural touring schemes throughout the south west and beyond. The quartet released a wonderful live CD/DVD of the project back in 2017.
Expect a delightful evening of wonderful jazz from one of the world’s most popular jazz super groups performed by four excellent South West based musicians.
Derek Nash & The Martin Dale Quintet
Tuesday 22nd September - £20 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
Derek Nash- Saxes
Martin Dale- Tenor Sax
Gavin Martin- Keys
Kevin Sanders- Bass
Dennis Harris- Drums
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of world-class jazz as the acclaimed The Derek Nash & Martin Dale Quintet take to the stage at The St Ives Jazz Club.
Featuring the exciting sound of two front-line saxophones, this exceptional band delivers a thrilling journey through the full spectrum of jazz – from hard-swinging classics and soulful blues to fiery bebop, infectious Latin grooves and elegant bossa novas. Expect virtuoso solos, outstanding musicianship, and the kind of energy that keeps audiences captivated from the first note to the last.
At the helm is Derek Nash, one of the UK's most celebrated and versatile jazz musicians. A multiple British Jazz Award winner, Derek is renowned for his electrifying saxophone playing, dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences wherever he performs.
As a long-standing member of the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion, Derek has performed alongside an astonishing list of music legends including Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Amy Winehouse, Michael Bublé and Paul McCartney.
Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic night of live music, this promises to be one of the highlights of the festival season. Powerful swing, soulful melodies, breathtaking improvisation and a band packed with some of the finest jazz talent in the country—this is jazz at its most exciting.
One of the UK's premier jazz saxophonists. One night only. Don't miss it.
Early booking is strongly recommended.
Tuesday 22nd September - £20 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
Derek Nash- Saxes
Martin Dale- Tenor Sax
Gavin Martin- Keys
Kevin Sanders- Bass
Dennis Harris- Drums
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of world-class jazz as the acclaimed The Derek Nash & Martin Dale Quintet take to the stage at The St Ives Jazz Club.
Featuring the exciting sound of two front-line saxophones, this exceptional band delivers a thrilling journey through the full spectrum of jazz – from hard-swinging classics and soulful blues to fiery bebop, infectious Latin grooves and elegant bossa novas. Expect virtuoso solos, outstanding musicianship, and the kind of energy that keeps audiences captivated from the first note to the last.
At the helm is Derek Nash, one of the UK's most celebrated and versatile jazz musicians. A multiple British Jazz Award winner, Derek is renowned for his electrifying saxophone playing, dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences wherever he performs.
As a long-standing member of the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion, Derek has performed alongside an astonishing list of music legends including Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Amy Winehouse, Michael Bublé and Paul McCartney.
Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic night of live music, this promises to be one of the highlights of the festival season. Powerful swing, soulful melodies, breathtaking improvisation and a band packed with some of the finest jazz talent in the country—this is jazz at its most exciting.
One of the UK's premier jazz saxophonists. One night only. Don't miss it.
Early booking is strongly recommended.
Elaine Delmar & Barry Green
Wednesday 23rd September - £22 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
Few artists can claim the status of a true jazz legend. Elaine Delmar is one of them.
Join us for a rare and intimate evening with one of Britain's most celebrated jazz singers as Elaine Delmar appears at St Ives Jazz Club alongside the exceptional pianist Barry Green.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Elaine has become renowned for her sophisticated interpretations of the Great American Songbook, her impeccable musicianship, and a voice that combines warmth, elegance and emotional depth. Whether performing a tender ballad or a swinging jazz classic, she brings a lifetime of experience and storytelling to every song.
Born into a remarkable musical family, Elaine was raised by legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson. After studying classical piano for eleven years, she forged her own path as a vocalist and went on to become one of the defining voices of British jazz.
Her distinguished career has taken her from London's West End to Broadway, from concert halls and international festivals to countless television and radio broadcasts. She has starred in acclaimed productions including Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Wiz and Jerome Kern Goes to Hollywood, while also appearing in film and theatre productions that have cemented her reputation as a performer of extraordinary versatility.
Elaine's contribution to British jazz has been recognised with some of the highest honours in the industry, including the All Parliamentary Jazz Awards Special Award for Services to Jazz and the Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award. Her unforgettable appearance at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms further confirmed her status as one of the great voices of her generation.
For this special concert, Elaine will be joined by Barry Green, one of the UK's finest jazz pianists. Together they create the perfect setting for an evening of timeless songs, effortless swing, humour, romance and musical artistry of the very highest order.
This is not simply a jazz concert—it is an opportunity to experience a living piece of British jazz history in an intimate club setting.
"FASHIONS MAT CHANGE BUT QUALITY IS TIMELESS” London Evening Standard
Wednesday 23rd September - £22 entry
Doors Open - 6.30pm
Music Starts - 7.30pm
Few artists can claim the status of a true jazz legend. Elaine Delmar is one of them.
Join us for a rare and intimate evening with one of Britain's most celebrated jazz singers as Elaine Delmar appears at St Ives Jazz Club alongside the exceptional pianist Barry Green.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Elaine has become renowned for her sophisticated interpretations of the Great American Songbook, her impeccable musicianship, and a voice that combines warmth, elegance and emotional depth. Whether performing a tender ballad or a swinging jazz classic, she brings a lifetime of experience and storytelling to every song.
Born into a remarkable musical family, Elaine was raised by legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson. After studying classical piano for eleven years, she forged her own path as a vocalist and went on to become one of the defining voices of British jazz.
Her distinguished career has taken her from London's West End to Broadway, from concert halls and international festivals to countless television and radio broadcasts. She has starred in acclaimed productions including Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Wiz and Jerome Kern Goes to Hollywood, while also appearing in film and theatre productions that have cemented her reputation as a performer of extraordinary versatility.
Elaine's contribution to British jazz has been recognised with some of the highest honours in the industry, including the All Parliamentary Jazz Awards Special Award for Services to Jazz and the Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award. Her unforgettable appearance at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms further confirmed her status as one of the great voices of her generation.
For this special concert, Elaine will be joined by Barry Green, one of the UK's finest jazz pianists. Together they create the perfect setting for an evening of timeless songs, effortless swing, humour, romance and musical artistry of the very highest order.
This is not simply a jazz concert—it is an opportunity to experience a living piece of British jazz history in an intimate club setting.
"FASHIONS MAT CHANGE BUT QUALITY IS TIMELESS” London Evening Standard
