Nottingham Organ Society…Chris Stanbury (In the Bar!)

The Nottingham Organ Society return for their August concert featuring popular organist Chris Stanbury

Presented by the Nottingham Organ Society

This concert will take place in the Bonington Theatre Bar. Tickets will be limited!

Souvenir – A Tribute to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

SOUVENIR – A Tribute to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark deliver a faithful, high-energy celebration of one of the most influential synth-pop bands of all time.

This two-piece live show features live bass, live drums and live vocals, combined with a meticulously programmed production that captures the sound, style and spirit of OMD.

Created by devoted OMD fans, every detail has been considered to deliver an evening that captures the spirit of the source material while paying a loving homage to a band that changed the face of electronic music.

From the pioneering electronic anthems of the early ’80s to the more mainstream hits of later decades, expect all the classics, standout album tracks and fan favourites – performed with precision, passion and respect for the music.

With atmospheric lighting, vintage staging and a love for every detail, Souvenir is more than a tribute – it’s a statement of devotion to the songs that shaped a generation.

EXPECT TO HEAR

Enola Gay • Electricity • If You Leave • Souvenir • Joan of Arc • Maid of Orleans • Messages • Tesla Girls • Locomotion
…and many more.

Whether you’ve followed OMD from their Factory Records days or discovered their music more recently, this is a night for every fan of intelligent, atmospheric synth-pop.

Jazz Steps: Hannah Horton Quartet

A terrific quartet led by melodic maverick Hannah Horton whose music and performances have heart, soul and groove.

Baritone and tenor sax player Hannah Horton is an artist who goes her own way. Award-winning band leader, composer and passionate educator, her music has a powerful rhythmic sense, unmistakable tone and strong sense of narrative,

Her latest (and fourth) album ‘Stories on the Wind’ captures Hannah at her most expressive and imaginative yet. Each track tells its own story, carried on a breeze of baritone depth, tenor lyricism and fearless musical interplay.

Hannah has performed at many of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including Ronnie Scott’s, Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, the 606 Club and the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Beyond the stage, Hannah is a passionate educator and mentor. Through her acclaimed youth ensemble J Steps, she supports young female and non-binary musicians, championing creativity, confidence and equality in jazz.

Jazz Steps: Brandon Allen / Tom Ollendorff Quartet

Music inspired by Pat Metheny, John Scofield & Pat Martino – three of the most influential contemporary jazz guitarists

Tenor saxophonist Brandon Allen and guitarist Tom Ollendorff join forces in a new project celebrating the music of Scofield, Metheny and Martino.

Highlighting the natural dialogue between guitar and saxophone, the group brings a fresh, contemporary energy to iconic compositions while honouring their melodic and harmonic roots.

Drawing inspiration from the music of these three influential jazz guatarists, Brandon’s warm, full-bodied sound and Tom’s fluid, melodic approach create a dynamic, conversational, ensemble. A compelling tribute to three of jazz’s most influential voices.

Jazz Steps: Davide Giovannini – Minas Project

Vibrant Brazilian jazz from dynamic sextet led by superb percussionist drummer & vocalist Davide Giovannini

The Minas Project is a heartfelt tribute to Brazilian musical legends like Milton Nascimento.

Giovannini fell in love with the music of Minas Gerais while touring with Brazilian icon Marcos Valle. He later traveled to Brazil, met and recorded with Toninho Horta, and returned full of inspiration to write original material that channels the signature “Minas vibe”.

Davide Giovannini is a highly versatile Italian drummer, percussionist, vocalist and composer based in London. Renowned for his deep mastery of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms, he has recorded and toured with global stars including Sir Paul McCartney, Bjork, Steve Winwood, and Roy Ayers.

Expect a vibrant tapestry of music bursting with intricate polyrhythms and the infectious rhythms of Brazil.

Jazz Steps: Gilad Atzmon’s Organology Trio

A jazz organ trio like no other – featuring Gilad Atzmon saxes Ross Stanley organ and Joel Barford drums. Amazing players and ever-popular at Jazz Steps. Book early!

Three of the best instrumentalists in contemporary music join forces to present their unique and original perspective on the Jazz Organ Trio that pays great respect to the jazz tradition but is also fresh, innovative, revolutionary and young in spirit.

Gilad Atzmon has been considered one of the best woodwind players in the world. He is the founder of the Orient House Ensemble who have had rapturous reception at past Jazz Steps gigs. He is known for his work with Ian Drury & the Blockheads and was the last saxophonist to record with Pink Floyd. IT’s been a good while since Gilad last performed at Jazz Steps and we’re delighted he’s returning in this new trio format!

Ross Stanley is, without a doubt, one of the most in-demand jazz artists in Britain and a huge favourite at the Bonington.

Drummer Joel Barford is highly regarded and considered by many to be a key influence on the future of British Jazz.

The trio’s album Organology was released in November 2025 on the Aesthetiko Musicians Collective label.

Organology trio is a musical spectacle brought to life by three generations of Jazz masters of the highest level. Don’t miss – book early!

Jazz Steps: Claire Martin & Jim Mullen

Celebrated jazz vocalist Claire Martin OBE reunites with her longtime collaborator, legendary Scottish guitarist Jim Mullen in a true ‘all-star’ quartet. Recommend early booking!

Claire and Jim’s musical partnership dates back to the early 1990s, during which time they have recorded and performed around the world in both duo and quartet settings. This special reunion brings together four old friends united by their shared love of the Great American Songbook and deep groove.

Individually celebrated as masters of their craft, the quartet delivers outstanding musicianship, with Claire’s soulful vocals leading the way and Jim—fresh from celebrating his 80th birthday—adding his unmistakable sound, warmth, and vibe to the mix.

Many will recognise Ian Thomas from his work with Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and BB King and Laurence Cottle from his projects with Alan Parsons Project, Brian Eno, Eric Clapton, Seal and Van Morrison to name but a few.

Widely acclaimed as “one of the finest jazz singers of her generation”, Claire Martin brings warmth, emotional depth, and effortless swing to every performance. Claire became a professional singer at 19 and two years later realised her dream of singing at Ronnie Scott’s legendary jazz club in London Soho.

Signed to the prestigious Glasgow based Linn Records in 1990, Claire has since released 18 CDs with the label, collaborating with musical luminaries including Martin Taylor, John Martyn, Stephane Grappelli, Kenny Barron, Richard Rodney Bennett and Jim on many of these recordings.

She’s won the British Jazz Awards eight times during her career and in 2018 was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz. She’s also appeared as a featured soloist with the Halle Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, the BBC Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Claire also co-presented BBC Radio 3’s flagship jazz program ‘Jazz Line Up’ from 2000 to 2017.

Jim Mullen, described as “a master guitarist with a sound instantly his own”, remains one of the most distinctive and influential voices in British jazz. Glasgow-born and multi award-winning, Jim has had a career spanning more than 5 decades, touring and recorded with many leading UK and US artists including Brian Auger, Gene Harris, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, Herbie Mann, Johnny Griffin, Mose Alison, Average White Band, Terry Callier, Georgie Fame and Van Morrison. Jim also shared a 15 year partnership with great UK tenor saxophonist Dick Morrissey in the much loved British band Morrissey Mullen throughout the 1980’s. He’s also recorded many acclaimed albums under his own name.

Jim makes a very welcome return to perform at the Bonington for Jazz Steps. A super gig not to be missed!

Jazz Steps: Andrew Wood’s Hammerhead

Hammerhead are a sextet who celebrate cool jazz from a golden era of Blue Note Records – irresistibly groove-laden and melody-driven

Andrew Wood’s Hammerhead sextet explores memorable compositions by Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan and other figureheads of the 60s hard bop revolution, as well as contemporary compositions penned in this authentic style.

Line-up: Chris Bowden tenor saxophone Magnus Hawker-French trombone Jeff Brown trumpet Matt Ratcliffe piano Martyn Spencer double bass Andrew ‘Woody’ Wood drums

Expect an evening of fiery, soulful and intense music presented by this exciting new project! Book now!

*NB: line-up at Jazz Steps differs slightly from video

Jazz Steps: Hejira

This amazing gig sold out quickly 18 months ago, so book early to enjoy their interpretations of the Joni Mitchell catalogue of her ‘jazz period’, including lots of her music not played last time!

‘Hejira’ is a 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterful musical works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s – her ‘jazz period’. The group are fronted by the brilliant vocalist and guitarist Hattie Whitehead who, in her own way, captures the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals – as well as her stylistic mannerisms on guitar.

Join us to savour their moving live performance of Joni’s iconic songs that embody a potent interplay of poetic lyrics and jazz-inflected music.

The band’s tour gigs have been a sell-out – so book tickets early to avoid disappointment!

Bonington Jazz Company…Dan Johnson

Bonington Jazz Company welcomes grooving guitarist Dan Johnson

We’re delighted to welcome Derby’s own Dan Johnson to the Bonington Jazz Company bandstand! A familiar face on the local scene — with appearances at Derby Jazz, the Belper Jazz Company and Wrexham International Guitar Festival, and guest spots alongside the likes of Dave O’Higgins and Sheryl Bailey — Dan brings a beautiful blend of soulful groove and sophisticated melody. A great night of jazz guitar awaits.