first acts announced for Cheltenham Jazz Festival

The first acts have been announced for Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2015 running from Wednesday 29th April until Monday 4th May.

The first acts are led by Dutch superstar Caro Emerald, Rumer, former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, Squarepusher, queen of soul Martha Reeves, DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson, Beth Hart, and Clare Teal.

Guest Director Jamie Cullum returns and also performs US jazz funk jam band Medeski Martin & Wood. Also on the bill is jazz-fusion star John Scofield, Sun Ra Arkestra, Bassekou Kouyate, Lee Konitz, legendary African drummer Tony Allen, and inventive 7-piece outfit Joe Lovano's Village Rhythms Band.

A Frank Sinatra-themed 'Friday Night Is Music Night' will featuring appearances fromKurt Elling, Clare Teal, Anthony Strong and a world premiere close the festival  - a celebration of the music of George and Ira Gershwin featuring  Laura Mvula, and Gregory Porter.

The line-up also features Anglo-French trioIn Bed With, Samuel Blaser, Andrea Motis, the first ever UK performance bySurnatural Orchestra, and European trio Phronesis whose Pitch Black project will be performed in total darkness, and Kit Downes with Julien Desprez and Sylvain Darrifourcq.

Plius home grown talen including Hackney Colliery Band, Gogo Penguin, Average White Band, Neil Cowley Trio, Rachael Cohen Quartet, Natalie Williams, Si Cranstoun, Purdy, and Julian Arguelles Septet  a band formed especially for the festival.

Festival Director Ian George said, "Jazz legends, stars of tomorrow, groundbreaking international acts and local emerging talent all once again populate a Cheltenham Jazz Festival programme that reflects the incredible breadth and diversity of the genre. 

"Over the course of the last two decades we have constantly looked at ways in which to improve the festival and build on the success of previous years with the aim of producing an exciting, multifarious festival that introduces jazz to new audiences and celebratesits positive, creative potential."

This year the festival is hosted in a tented festival village in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens, featuring a Big Top stage, the Jazz Arena, and a food, drink and market area. 

Ticket prices will vary depending upon events, and go on sale on Wednesday 4th March and we'll have links to buy them then.