Jazz Festival Announces Queen's Hall Series
The countdown is on to Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2026 and we are delighted to announce our programme of events at The Queen's Hall - one of Scotland's premier independent live music venues - with five concerts taking place from 17-25 July.
Tuba Skinny - Fri 17 Jul, 7.30pm
Making their Edinburgh debut, Tuba Skinny are a powerhouse ensemble channelling the spirit of early New Orleans jazz. Young, virtuosic and unmistakably the real deal, their sound is rooted in early jazz, blues and ragtime, bringing history to life with soulful vocals, rich horn harmonies, and driving rhythms. Their sound is joyful and infectious, and, while it's evident the band treasures the sense of history evoked by these vintage tunes, the players' natural exuberance makes the music feel irresistibly alive. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience a true New Orleans street band in full flow.
Davina & The Vagabonds - Sat 18 Jul, 7.30pm
Davina & The Vagabonds are one of those rare bands that audiences fall in love with. A long-standing festival favourite, each visit feels more electric than the last, so it’s no surprise their shows so often sell out. Davina has been compared to the likes of Etta James, Janis Joplin and Billie Holiday, but she’s truly one-of-a-kind. She commands the stage from the first note, drawing audiences in with her powerhouse voice, wicked humour and total emotional honesty. One moment she’s belting out roof-raising blues, the next she’s breaking hearts with a ballad. Backed by a tight band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing and rock ‘n roll with flair, precision and joy, Davina delivers an evening packed with fearless charisma, razor-sharp musicianship and a huge sense of fun.
Brian Kellock: A Life in Music - Thu 23 Jul, 7.30pm
A towering figure on the UK jazz scene and a cherished presence at the festival, Brian Kellock’s warmth, humour and musicianship left a mark on everyone who played with him, and everyone who heard him. This all-star, one of-a-kind concert features special guests travelling from across the world to pay homage. An incomparable front line of Liane Carroll (vocals), Scott Hamilton and Alan Barnes (saxophones), Warren Vaché (trumpet), meets a stellar rhythm section David Newton (piano and musical director), Dave Green (bass) and Max Popp (drums). Fergus McCreadie (piano) makes a special guest appearance. Expect an evening of world-class music, full of the tunes that Brian loved, packed with generosity, humour and wonderful storytelling, as we pay tribute to the musical genius and virtuosity of Brian Kellock.
Jerron Paxton - Fri 24 Jul, 7.30pm
A masterful multi-instrumentalist and a deeply engaging storyteller, Jerron Paxton carries the torch for traditional acoustic blues. He moves effortlessly between blues, folk, ragtime and early jazz, bringing each tradition vividly to life. His musicianship is authoritative yet completely unshowy, driven by an infectious sense of joy and an intuitive understanding of the music’s roots. Paxton’s solo performances are as entertaining as they are accomplished. His easy humour, rich singing voice and natural rapport with an audience create concerts that feel intimate and generous, even in large rooms. He doesn’t just play music, he invites listeners into it, sharing its history, humanity and enduring relevance. Soulful and irresistibly engaging, this American bluesman delivers concerts that stay with you long after the final note. A must-see performance from a true audience favourite.
Afrobeat Party - Sat 25 Jul, 8pm
London Afrobeat Collective mix classic West African rhythms with jazz, funk and soul, and they do it with a powerful, dance-driven intensity. This is Afrobeat as it was meant to be heard - bold horn lines, propulsive percussion, deep bass and fearless improvisation, all driven by a collective spirit that turns every performance into a celebration. Rooted in the revolutionary sound of Fela Kuti but firmly grounded in the energy of modern London, the band create music that is both politically charged and joyfully danceable in their legendary live shows. They have rocked major stages around the world from Glastonbury Festival to the Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria – don't miss them when they come to Edinburgh! Joining them on the bill Glasgow afro and latin rhythm specialists Samson Sounds. Characterised by their uplifting stage presence, they blend elements of African highlife with dubstep, electronic beats and Jamaican reggae. The line up is completed by renowned DJ Chris Knight from Samedia Shebeen.