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

We are delighted to welcome ‘The Bootleg Shadows’ back 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.

This innovative quartet play original music penned by both Levy and Robson that is highly melodic and groovy, with a strong sense of tradition mixed in, expressing the diverse characteristics of each composer.

Jed Levy has performed with the likes of Jaki Byard, Jack McDuff, Mike Clark, Tom Harrell, while multi-award-winning UK-born guitarist Phil Robson has played with jazz alumni that include Mark Turner, David Liebman, Billy Hart and the Partisans.

The current line-up features one of Europe’s most celebrated drummers, from Rome, Roberto Gatto (Freddie Hubbard, Jon Scofield, Joe Zawinul, Michael Brecker, etc) and the incredible UK bassist Mark Hodgson (Randy Brecker, Cedar Walton, Eddie Henderson, Greg Osby, etc).

ISQ is a crossover jazz quartet, the brainchild of vocalist and electronic exponent Irene Serra. The band’s unique use of beautiful melodies, space and exciting dynamics is coupled with Serra’s raw and evocative lyrics that weave stories of a rare intensity. Serra’s vocal performances have been described as “Billie Holiday meets Kate Bush”.

With shades of rock and electronic music, this outfit are undoubtedly one of the most original bands on the scene.

Line up: Irene Serra – Vocals/Electronics, Richard Sadler – Double Bass/Electronics, Luca Boscagin – Guitar/Electronics, Chris Nickolls – Drums/Electronics

Renowned Birmingham-based trumpeter and flugelhorn player Bryan Corbett presents a new original project – The Instrumental Groove Unit – full of improvisation, hip grooves, beautiful melodies, unique musicianship, interplay and virtuosity.

Having returned to playing from serious health issues and major surgery in 2024, Bryan is back doing what he does best. His exciting new project introduces original material and a repertoire with emphasis on the ‘pocket’ of groove and freedom of improvisation.

The lush harmonic textures emanating from Paul Deats’ Fender Rhodes provide expansive sonic colours and foundation eminently augmented and explored by bass, drums and Bryan’s distinctive trumpet/flugel playing.

“Something special” – Michael Parkinson | “The Bomb” – Courtney Pine

Line-up: Bryan Corbett – Trumpet & Flugelhorn, Luke Harris – Drums, Paul Deats – Fender Rhodes & Keys, Wayne Matthews – Bass

Jazz guitarist and composer Nick Costley-White is renowned for a deep understanding of the jazz tradition, alongside a virtuosic technique and progressive approach to improvising.

London-based, Nick has performed world-wide at some iconic venues. He’s released three albums to date: Detour Ahead and Nice Work, with Poncha released in February 2025, featuring original compositions in an stellar line-up with Julian Siegel saxophone, James Maddren drums and Conor Chaplin double bass.

Nick has performed with some of the most renowned jazz musicians in the UK including Stan Sulzmann, Gareth Lockrane, Jason Rebello, Ivo Neame, Kit Downes, Alex Garnett, Steve Fishwick and Jeff Williams and holds the guitar chair with the London Jazz Orchestra.

Line-up: Nick Costley-White – Guitar, Julian Siegel – Saxophone, James Maddren – Drums, Conor Chaplin – Double Bass.

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!