Jazz and Blues in Cornwall: Your Summer of Live Music at Calstock Arts

Enjoy jazz and blues in cornwall this summer at Calstock Arts!

Jazz and blues in Cornwall is having a moment, and this summer, Calstock Arts is right at the heart of it. With the days getting longer and the season’s programme taking shape, there is plenty of live music to look forward to over the coming months. Whether you are a devoted jazz fan, a blues lover or simply someone who enjoys a great night out in good company, here is what is coming up.

Lipson Big Band – 1st May

We kick off the month with our annual visit from the Lipson Big Band (formerly the COOP Big Band). This is a large ensemble of mostly under-18s playing alongside their music teachers and mentors, and every year it is one of those evenings that reminds you why live music matters. The arrangements are ambitious, the sound is genuinely impressive, and there is a fabulous young singer joining them for a few numbers. Entry is free, with donations welcome for the band and Calstock Arts. A great way to start the season.

lipson big band calstock arts- jazz and blues in cornwall

Adrien Brandeis – 8th May

Next up is French jazz pianist and composer Adrien Brandeis. Born in Annecy in 1992 and trained at the Paris Conservatory, Adrien has already performed at some of Europe’s biggest jazz festivals, including the Nice Jazz Festival and Umbria Jazz Festival, as well as venues across Asia and North America. Still only 33, he recently won the 21st Film Music Composition Competition: Music for Short Films. An evening of thoughtful, accomplished jazz.

jazz and blues in cornwall- Adrien Brandeis Calstock Arts

  • Performance: 20:00
  • £14 advance, £17 on the door
  • More Info

 

Robin Nolan: For the Love of George – 30th May 

Robin Nolan is, simply put, one of the finest guitarists working in gypsy jazz today. He has headlined every major Django Fest around the world, earned a devoted following and collected more than a few awards along the way. His 2025 release “For the Love of George” (Dark Horse/BMG) sees him reinterpret songs by George Harrison and The Beatles in his own distinctive way. Willie Nelson once said of Robin: “You play a mighty fine guitar.” That should tell you everything. A brilliant evening for jazz fans, Beatles fans and guitar lovers in general. Book early as tickets will go.

  • Performance: 20:00
  • £18 advance, £20 on the door
  • More Info

Connolly Hayes – 5th June  

If blues is your thing, do not miss this one. Connolly Hayes are nominees for both UK Band of the Year and Album of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2025, and the buzz around them is well deserved. The five-piece, featuring Jess Hayes, Frankie Connolly, Beau Barnard, Joe Mac and Andy Wilder, brings together two extraordinary vocalists, virtuoso guitar and keys, and a rhythm section that absolutely locks in. Their live performances have been turning heads, and this is the kind of night you will be talking about on the drive home.

connolly hayes calstock arts

  • Performance: 20:00
  • £15 advance, £18 on the door
  • More Info

Isla Croll Quartet – 12th June  

The Isla Croll Quartet makes their first visit to the Old Chapel this June. Isla was a BBC Young Jazz Musician Finalist in 2024 and has been building a quietly impressive reputation in the British jazz scene. Despite being still relatively young, her delivery of American Songbook classics has drawn comparisons to Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James, and not without reason. Expect storytelling, swing and something genuinely special.

  • Performance: 20:00
  • £15 advance, £17 on the door
  • More Info

BD Lenz Trio – 4th July  

American guitarist BD Lenz might not be a household name, but his music has almost certainly been the soundtrack to something you have watched. His compositions have appeared on hundreds of TV programmes worldwide, and his thirteen recordings blend funky jazz with sharp songwriting and real technical ability. He will be joined by bassist James Rosocha and drummer Joe Falcey for a set that moves between jazz standards, original material and the occasional pop classic. Expect the unexpected.

  • Performance: 20:00
  • £12 advance, £15 on the door
  • More Info

Blue: Joni Mitchell Sung by Mae Karthauser | 23rd July @ 2000 | Tickets from £14

We end the summer season of jazz and blue in Cornwall with something truly special. Songwriter Mae Karthauser will perform Joni Mitchell’s landmark 1971 album “Blue” in its entirety, plus nine further Joni favourites from the same era. Mae has performed at Glastonbury, on prime-time BBC One, and on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 6, and she has cited Mitchell as the first and most important songwriter she discovered as a teenager. Her voice is extraordinary, her piano playing deeply expressive, and the result is a performance that feels both faithful and completely alive. She is joined by Rowland O’Connor on guitar, bass and Appalachian dulcimer, Ric Byer on drums, and Tess Broach on backing vocals. What a way to close the season.

  • Performance: 20:00
  • £15 advance, £17 on the door
  • More Info

Tickets and Further Details

Tickets are priced from £12, with under-18s at half price for any appropriate performance. It is always worth buying in advance as it helps with planning and is usually cheaper. If you are looking to buy 10 or more tickets for a single performance or across several events, get in touch directly at mail@calstockarts.org as a group discount is available. Your summer of jazz and blues in Cornwall is ready, are you? We can’t wait to welcome friends old and new!