<img src='' title='Event Category: Music' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Music

Frankie returns for another stint with the BJC after selling out her date in November. Francesca ‘Frankie’ Tavoni is a vocalist and teacher hailing from Nottingham who has sung in a variety of genres for the past 20 years and is currently making a name for herself as a jazz performer, particularly for her performances of Bossa Novas and other Latin music styles, but also her rich and soulful performances of Classic American songbook material.

With an Italian family background and a lifelong passion for languages and singing, Frankie Tavoni’s unique offering is to flavour her performances with songs in a range of languages including English and Italian, but also French, Spanish and Portuguese. Frankie weaves her own unique style into each story she tells and delivers a heartfelt performance that never fails to enchant her audiences.

The BJC (Bonington Jazz Company) is a dynamic East Midlands based jazz trio featuring Neil Hunter on piano, Paul Gray on double bass, and Ian Beestin at the drums. Known for their seamless blend of classic jazz standards and contemporary flair, this accomplished group captivates audiences with their rich, soulful sound and deep passion for the music. Drawing inspiration from jazz legends like Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans, the trio performances brimming with rhythm and energy. Individually and together, the members of the Bonington Jazz Company have performed at several of the UK’s leading jazz venues and festivals over many years.

The trio regularly perform with high profile guest artists on the UK jazz scene as well as some of the finest jazz artists performing locally. Recent guests have included trombonist Dennis ‘Badbone’ Rollins MBE, rising star of the jazz vocals world Emily Masser, top British jazz guitarist Nigel Price and US alto phenomenon Greg Abate amongst others

The Bee Jay Sea Organ Trio is a groove focused East Midlands outfit built around Hammond/Rhodes keys (Neil Hunter), electric bass (Paul Gray), and drums (Ian Beestin). Their sound draws on George Benson, Herbie Hancock, and The Meters, mixing tight rhythms with open ended improvisation.

Equally at home in jazz clubs, funk nights, and festivals, the trio’s members bring long experience across many of the UK’s leading jazz stages. They also appear regularly with guest artists, including a recent Jazz Steps mini-tour with trombonist Dennis Rollins that featured heavy riffs, deep grooves, and a packed-house feel.

Voted one of the ‘Hottest Bass Players in the World’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, virtuoso British-Asian bass player Shez Raja is renowned for his high energy live shows, unique Indo-jazz-funk sound and global star collaborations with Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Trilok Gurtu and Wayne Krantz.

Guthrie Govan is hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation (read this), possessing jaw-dropping technical prowess fused with heartfelt emotional expression.  Hear ‘Why This Guy [Guthrie] Is Rock’s Scariest Guitarist’ in a Rick Beato piece that’s had over 2.5 millions views on YouTube!

.Jazz Steps audiences need no introduction for local legend Tony Kofi… but let’s say it anyway! Tony a multi-award-winning, prolifically versatile, internationally-feted saxophonist who also happened to hail from Nottingham!

“Vivid and highly engaging” – BBC Music Magazine ★★★★★

“Shez Raja personifies the modernisation of jazz. He is fearless as a musician” – All About Jazz ★★★★

Book now for an electrifying jazz jump-start to the New Year!

Experience The Story of Swing with The Renaissance Big Band at The Bonington Theatre! From timeless classics to modern big band hits, this show takes you on a journey through the evolution of swing. With vibrant arrangements and high-energy performances, it’s a night of music, rhythm, and style you won’t want to miss!

Step into the world of swing with The Renaissance Big Band! Before their spectacular Story of Swing concert at The Bonington Theatre, children aged 3–7 are invited to a lively, hands-on music workshop. 

This fun-filled session introduces young audiences to the magic of jazz and big band music through movement, rhythm games, and live demonstrations from real musicians. Kids will explore instruments, take part in musical activities, and meet members of the band! 

The workshop runs from 2:00–3:00 pm on Saturday, 7th March and costs just £7.50 per child. Spaces are limited to 40 children, so pre-booking is essential. Give your child a joyful, interactive experience in a vibrant theatre setting!

QWEEN UK are fronted by the highly talented singer and musician Paul Carr. QWEEN UK’s extensive live repertoire encompasses all the “classic” Queen songs as well as their subtle and much-loved acoustic arrangements.

This show sold out extremely quickly last time, so make sure to book your tickets!

Join Rebel Rebel for a dynamic and exciting evening celebrating the music of David Bowie. We present a performance of music from the many decades and styles of his talented and diverse career from early hits like ‘Space Oddity’ through to Ziggy and Berlin to Scary Monsters and the sound of ‘Let’s Dance’ album and beyond into the 90s and 2000’s. A journey through the decades of Bowie’s iconic tracks.

Rebel Rebel are a long-established six-piece David Bowie tribute band playing songs carefully selected from the entirety of Bowie’s repertoire. Based in the Nottingham area, Rebel Rebel perform in venues and theatres across the midlands as well as larger shows, events and festivals up and down the country.

A lovingly-crafted, musically-authentic and passionately-performed celebration of one of the greatest bands in history, Fleetwood Mac!

Fleetwood Machine stay true to the spirit and sound of the original music, replicating the unique sounds of Lindsey Buckingham & Peter Green’s guitars, the intricate drum patterns of Mick Fleetwood and the haunting vocal harmonies that are Fleetwood Mac’s trademark…not forgetting the iconic ‘F1’ bass line, of course!

All of the beloved mega-hits plus some brilliant, less well- known songs from the Peter Green era to excite even the most discerning fans!

“We want to convey to our audiences the pure joy and excitement we feel when performing this music. Looking forward to sharing some ‘Big Love’ with you all!”

The show is performed by five experienced musicians who have found each other through their passion for one of the greatest bands in history.

As seen on BBC The One Show!

The Sounds of Simon is a tribute to the wonderful music of Simon and Garfunkel.

Lose yourself to nostalgia with such classics as Mrs Robinson, The Boxer, The Sounds of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water as well as all the others that have established Paul Simon as one of the most successful songwriters of all time.

Paul and Art are played to perfection, bringing in elements of their famously fractious relationship, as well as replicating the beautiful harmonies flawlessly. This is a wonderful show filled with excellent music, nostalgia, and a genuine love for some great musicians.

Performed by The Sounds of Simon

40 Years of Please – Live!

Pet Shop Boys, actually bring you a dazzling celebration of 40 years of Please, the legendary debut album that launched Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe onto the world stage. For the first time, the album will be performed live in its entirety — from West End Girls to hidden gems rarely heard in concert. And of course, no show would be complete without the Pet Shop Boys’ biggest hits. Expect style, humour, and irresistible synth-pop energy in a night guaranteed to get you dancing.