Jazzhouse Xmas Special - showcasing 3 great jazz bands

 As it is Christmas we will have a cash bucket collection on the night  the proceeds of which will go to local charities supporting young people and communities in need across our city and county.

We have three great bands playing:

Jazzitalia - were formed in 2023 after a group of Jazz loving Leicester musicians met Rino, a like-minded Sicillian bass player, in a local coffee bar and the idea of Jazzitalia was born. With a repertoire consisting of a mix of jazz standards, funk and Latin, they continue to be well received in venues across Leicester.

Hot Club of Leicester is one of the UK’s standout Gypsy Jazz ensembles, bringing the spirit of 1930s Parisian swing to contemporary audiences with style and precision. Based in Leicester, the band features top-tier musicians from acclaimed groups including Café Manouche, Django Fever, and The Gadjos.

Led by guitarists Arthur Tyers and Matt Kerry, with Lewis Ward on rhythm guitar and Mike Sole on double bass, the group delivers a vibrant, high-energy sound rooted in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and his contemporaries. Their performances blend virtuosic solos, tight ensemble work, and infectious rhythm — all hallmarks of the jazz manouche style.

Having toured extensively across the UK for nearly 20 years, Hot Club of Leicester has built a reputation for thrilling live shows, capturing the hearts of jazz lovers and swing dancers alike. Whether on festival stages, intimate venues, or vintage-themed events, they bring an unmistakable flair that transports audiences straight to the golden age of swing.

Outside Up is a dynamic trio that’s come together in recent years, bringing together musicians from across the South Midlands. The lineup features Adrian Litvinoff on acoustic and electric bass (Leamington), Peter Houtman on piano/keyboard (Leicester), and Wal Warmington on drums (Birmingham).  They kept meeting at all sorts of gigs and jam sessions over the years, until the idea of working together took root and began to grow. 

Rather than sticking to the traditional piano trio format, Outside Up leans into a flexible “musical collective” ethos—embracing an cross-genre approach that encourages creative interplay and stylistic variety. The group borrows tunes from different styles, blending standards, more contemporary pieces, and original compositions into a fresh and engaging listening experience.