JAZZ aficionados are look forward to a year of top quality music and laid-back vibes after a theatre released its impressive gig line-up for 2025. 

Jazz@Davenham, the group of enthusiast volunteers behind Davenham Theatre’s brilliant jazz programme, launched its latest programme on Thursday, November 28.

The run begins on Thursday, January 30, with an evening of the celebrated Leeds-based Issey Chivers Quartet.

Its contemporary, vocals-led repertoire is inspired by the music of artists like Veronica Swift and Emma Smith, with arrangements of jazz standards and original pieces filled with playful melodies and clever improvisation. 

Gigs then follow on the last Thursday of every month with the exceptions of August, when there’s a break, and July 5, when the Thursday concert is replaced with a weekend jazz festival at Riverside Organic Farm in Whatcroft. 

A real mix of experienced artists and up-and-coming young talent'A real mix of experienced artists and up-and-coming young talent' (Image: Keith Anderson) Riverside’s main barn will be transformed into a live music venue where on top of the music, visitors can enjoy a well-stocked bar and sample the farm’s famous burgers.

Tickets for the Thursday theatre gigs are £13 in most cases, with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Jazz@Davenham’s Keith Anderson said: “It's such a great, laid-lack atmosphere, and we think this year's line-up will give the audience something to really get their teeth into. 

"We’ve gone for a real mix of experienced artists and up-and-coming young talent."

Jazz@Davenham’s 2025 programme in full

Thursday, January 30:  Issey Chivers Quartet

Thursday, February 27:  Jamil Sheriff Trio with Nadim Teimoori

Thursday, March 27: Jo Harrop Trio (£15)

Thursday, April 24: Meg Lee Quartet

Thursday, May 29: Emily Masser Quintet

Thursday, June 26: Gaz Hughes Trio

Saturday, July 5: Jazz on a Summer’s Day at Riverside Organic Farm

Thursday, September 25: The Breath

Thursday, October 30: Amy Roberts & John Hallam Quintet

Thursday, November 27: Groove Crusade

Thursday, December 18 Jeremy Sassoon & Friends

To book tickets for any of the gigs, email Keith at jazz@daveham.co, or call 07990703787.

Keith added: "We're run by local volunteer enthusiasts, and our gigs attract a large, regular audiences in our cosy setting.

"Visiting musicians love the hall’s acoustics and tell us that it is wonderful to play for such appreciative and knowledgeable folk."