The Bootleg Shadows

We are delighted to welcome ‘The Bootleg Shadows’ on their first visit to The Bonington Theatre.

‘The Bootleg Shadows’ perform a unique concert that encompasses the Shadows amazing career from 1960 up until the early 80s. Concert audiences are invited to relive fantastic hits such as Apache, Foot Tapper, Riders in The Sky , Atlantis, Wonderful Land, Kon Tiki, Cavatina, FBI plus some hit songs of “Cliff” and a few “wild cards” for good measure!

For anyone who loves the sounds of the 60’s – and enjoys a few laughs on the way – ‘The Bootleg Shadows’ perform a unique tribute that has audiences humming the tunes and doing the Shadows famous ‘walk’ long after they have left the Theatre.

Jazz Steps: Sultan Stevenson Trio

Voted Best Newcomer Of The Year 2023 in the parliamentary jazz awards, pianist and composer Sultan Stevenson is considered one of the brightest stars of his generation.  A product of both Tomorrow’s Warriors and the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, Sultan is a Londoner with roots in the Caribbean, with parents of Barbadian and Vincentian descent.

His debut album Faithful One was released in March 2023 on Whirlwind Recordings, with a second album titled El Roi out in 2025.

Sultan has a creative sideline in making bucket hats – mostly featuring West African patterns in colourful two-tone designs – which he sells at gigs.  Check out some designs- https://www.sultanstevenson.co.uk/hats/

“Sultan is the first to admit that he has absorbed the work of many of the greats of the jazz piano – there has clearly been time well spent living with the music of McCoy Tyner, Geri Allen, Herbie Hancock and Kenny Kirkland – but that is only a part of his story. His faith as a young Christian is ever-present, as is his deep appreciation of Black gospel music, bebop, swing, reggae, funk and hip-hop as well as the history of Africa and the African diaspora which are part of his identity.” – Sebastian Scotney

Line-up: Sultan Stevenson piano; Jacob Gryn bass and Joel Waters – drums

Jazz Steps: Tony Kofi & The Organisation

Local hero, Nottingham-born, internationally acclaimed, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Tony Kofi is a highly versatile in-demand jazz creative force.  No surprise he’s a firm favourite whenever he returns to play in Nottingham.  We’re more than delighted he’s performing with this special quartet The Organisation for Jazz Steps at the Bonington.

Line-up: Tony Kofi – baritone saxophone, Simon Fernsby guitar, Pete Whittaker Hammon organ and Pete Cater drums

Jazz Steps: Steely Jazz – Chris Ingham Quintet

The songs of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, aka Steely Dan, were standout quality in 1970s rock: cryptic, pungent lyrics and sophisticated detailed music deeply influenced by  “the best jazz players of the ‘50s and ‘60s”, said Becker and Fagen.

Steely Jazz re-examines the Steely Dan canon, illuminating their singular melodies and rich harmonies. They explore the small jazz-group possibilities of an incomparably opulent songbook, featuring well-known pieces such as Rikki Don’t Lose That Number and Josie, alongside classic tracks and deep cuts from the masterpiece albums Aja, Gaucho, Countdown To Ecstasy, Katy Lied and more.

Steely Jazz is a fresh, exciting celebration of sophisticated jazz-infused music from two giants of 20th Century popular music – a daring undertaking in the studio, not to mention live!  Checkout the band line-up for musicians doubling and trebling-up on instruments and vocals. The album, titled Walter, Donald, is released early 2025.

Line-up: Chris Ingham piano/voice/guitar, Harry Green sax/guitar, Paul Higgs trumpet/piano, Geoff Gascoine double bass and George Double drums/voice

Whether you are familiar with Steely Dan’s music or coming to it new, this is well worth hearing live.  Book now!

Jazz Steps: Nylon Man – Aaron Liddard Sextet

Aaron Liddard is a wizard saxophonist, composer and band leader with a terrific musical pedigree. He’s toured with a galaxy of stars including Prince, Amy Winehouse, Beverley Knight and the Boomtown Rats.

But his true love is jazz and blues, working in and with big bands such as The London Jazz Collective and his own band. Aaron’s eclectic take on music doesn’t lend itself to simple categorisation – and we say “Bravo!” for that. Held in esteem by his peers, he hosted the successful UK Club Night jam session at Jazz Ahead, the annual European Jazz Showcase on Germany this year.

Aaron’s Nylon Man sextet features the beautiful vocals of Giulia Marelli and two drummers. The band’s live performances are highly musical and engaging, with every chance that audiences spontaneously clap, sing and dance!

Aaron released his album Nylon Man to stellar reviews in 2022, leading to lots of radio airplay and major features in music journals such as Blues and Soul.

Line-up: Aaron Liddard tenor sax, Giulia Marelli voice, Michael Searl bass, Isaac Asumadu keys Eric Young drums and Jimmy Norden drums.

“All Aaron Liddard’s music is beautiful” – International Jazz Vocalist Flora Purim

“…something new to jazz. A hybrid of myriad sources. One is reminded of other British musical polymaths such as saxophonist Peter King” – Jazz Journal

“Michael Brecker-like power and intensity… a highly uplifting experience” – The Jazz Mann

Jazz Steps: Pete Roth Band ft. Bill Bruford

Fans of drumming will be magnetised to this gig – a sell-out at most venues on their UK tour!

The Pete Roth Band creates jazz for a new generation of music enthusiasts that look beyond the ordinary jazz conventions. Whether performing original compositions or re-imagining classics, the Trio consistently delivers a spellbinding performance in an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance.

Joining Pete Roth on guitar is Mike Pratt on acoustic and electric bass and the incomparable Bill Bruford on drums. This is not just a band; it’s an unmissable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Internationally known as a rock musician with his band Bruford & Earthworks, drummer Bill Bruford also has impeccable jazz credentials, having recorded, performed with or written music for Al Di Meola, the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Tim Garland and Iain Ballamy among others. He’s won global accolades including #16 Greatest Drummer of All Time (2016) by Rolling Stone magazine.

Book early for this quite special gig to avoid disappointment!

The American Highway Classic Rock Show

All your favourite US artists – all night long. Bands like the Doobie Brothers, The Byrds, The Steve Miller Band, and artists like Boz Scaggs, Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley and a host of others. With the AMERICAN HIGHWAY Tribute show… you can experience all of this amazing live music packed into one evening

Come with us as we travel along our musical highway, stopping along the way to check out Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty, Neil Young and many many more.

Come along for the ride – we know you will enjoy your trip along THE AMERICAN HIGHWAY.

www.americanhighway.co.uk

Jazz in the Bar- The Joanna Hudson Quartet- My Favourite Things

Joanna sings an evening of her all time favourite music, from some of the first tunes she played with her dad, local jazz legend Bob Hudson to the tunes that she loves to listen to again and again.  Quite simply the music she loves the most!

Joined by her trio who when not backing Jo can be found playing with some of the most exciting soloists on the Jazz scene as the Belper Jazz Company House Band.

Tony Farrell Big Band: Movies and Musicals- The Sequel

Get ready for a spectacular evening of music at the Bonington Theatre on March 8th, 2024, as the Tony Farrell Big Band take the stage!

Experience the magic of your favourite movies and musicals being brought to life through the powerful and enchanting sounds of a full big band. From timeless classics to modern hits, this concert promises an unforgettable journey through the world of cinematic and theatrical music.

Don’t miss this extraordinary event that combines the elegance of live performance with the excitement of the big screen. Grab your tickets now and join us for a night of musical brilliance!

Everly Brothers & Friends

Just as the Everly Brothers were, the Temple Brothers are real life brothers, their harmonies are unlike anything ever heard, with live acoustic guitars, flawless harmonies, a truly impressive outing which will see audiences captivated by their unique sound, look, quality and professionalism and a touch of humour.

Taking you on a walk back down memory lane with all the classic songs that you remember.

Cathys Clown, Walk Right Back, Ebony Eyes, Bird Dog, Dream, Let It Be Me, Love Hurts, Devoted To You, Til I Kissed Ya, Wake Up Little Suzie, When Will I Be Loved plus many many more….

This spectacular 2 hour tribute show is simply unrivalled anywhere, now into its 17th Year and enjoy The Temple Brothers as they bring to life, the magic of The Everly Brothers!