Latest news with #GlasgowJazzFestival
Scotsman
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Under the Radar: Pippa Blundell
Pippa Blundell Twice nominated for the Sound of Young Scotland award, Pippa Blundell has built a strong following in Glasgow's grassroots music scene, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pippa Blundell started out with aspirations to become an opera singer, graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a degree in mezzo-soprano voice. However, she soon found that her true calling was in Glasgow's grassroots music scene, where she built such a strong following that she was able to crowdfund £9,000 for the release of her recent album, Common Thread. Drawing influences from the storytelling lineage of folk music, it combines her captivating vocals with double bass, guitar, piano and harmonium. This compelling mix is beautifully rounded off by producer James Mackay, whose atmospheric touch makes it feel like the band are in the room. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Twice nominated for the Sound of Young Scotland award, Blundell has also won admirers on Radio Scotland and 6Music, as well as performing at Kelburn Garden Party, Doune the Rabbit Hole, Solas and the Glasgow Jazz Festival. We can also exclusively reveal that she has also been selected by music industry tastemakers for our Made In Scotland Gigs showcase, hosted in partnership with the Fringe on 15 August. This will be followed in September with a UK tour including a date at Oran Mor on 24 September, see Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, see
Glasgow Times
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
BBC Radio Scotland launches search for top jazz musicians
The initiative, now in its third year, is run in partnership with the Glasgow Jazz Festival. The search aims to encourage and recognise the diverse talent in Scotland's jazz scene. This competition complements BBC Radio Scotland's awards for Young Trad and Young Classical musicians, along with BBC Introducing's search for the best in contemporary music. Young musicians aged between 18 and 27, who live in Scotland, can apply by completing an online entry form and submitting a 10-minute video of themselves performing. Read more: Aston Villa 'prepared to sell' Celtic-linked Louie Barry Glasgow restaurant visited by Celtic & Rangers star to temporarily close Applications opened on June 23 and entries will be accepted until 4pm on September 8. Fill in the online application form at The winner of the competition will be offered a recording session at BBC Scotland, as well as the opportunity to perform at an event organised by the Glasgow Jazz Festival. The finals are scheduled to take place at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay in Glasgow on November 9. The event will be hosted by Seonaid Aitken and will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland. The competition is open to all eligible individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion, or belief. For those who require any reasonable adjustments, they are encouraged to contact youngjazz@
The Herald Scotland
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow Jazz Festival 2025 wraps with packed shows
With more than 200 musicians taking part in over 35 performances, the festival offered a wide range of events, including free jam sessions, one-off collaborations, a children's music workshop, and a book reading. Brian Jackson (Image: knkography) This year saw an increase in audience size compared to 2023. A number of shows sold out, including performances by New Orleans musician Jon Cleary, jazz fusion group Mammal Hands, Scottish jazz group Rose Room, and two concerts by trumpeter Colin Steele. Read more: Rapist Zubair Syed jailed for Turnberry Hotel attack 'Why you can't fix public services by cutting the people who deliver them' A Michelin Star restaurant chef's tip for the 'best kitchen gadget you can have' The festival has supported the music industry's gender equality initiative, Keychange, since 2017, and this year, 75 per cent of performances included female artists. Jill Rodger, director of the Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: "The 39th Glasgow Jazz Festival has been one to remember – from packed venues to incredible performances, the energy brought by both artists and audiences has been wonderful. (Image: Campbell Skinner) "Our commitment to inclusivity, giving young and emerging talent a platform, and celebrating all genres of jazz, are at the heart of what we do. "I want to personally thank everyone who played a part in making this festival such a success. "We're already looking forward to what's in store for our very special 40th edition. "See you next year, Glasgow." The Glasgow Jazz Festival 2025 was supported by Creative Scotland and the Glasgow 850 Festivals Fund. The festival is set to return for its 40th edition in June 2026. For more information, visit
The National
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Glasgow Jazz Festival showcases more than 200 artists
Across 35 performances many shows sold-out, including those by the Grammy Award winning, New Orleans artist Jon Cleary, the jazz fusion outfit Mammal Hands, Scottish jazz ensemble Rose Room and the Scottish jazz trumpeter Colin Steele. Events included free jam sessions, one-off collaborations, a children's music workshop and book reading, alongside an exhibition by the Glasgow-based photographer Alan Donaldson, which captured local musicians. Rachel Duns supporting Neil Cowley Trio on stage at Saint Luke's (Image: Campbell Skinner) The festival aims to promote female musicians, subscribing to Keychange, an organisation which aims to promote inclusivity in the music industry. Three-quarters of the performances this year featured female artists. Jill Rodger, the director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: 'From packed venues to incredible performances, the energy brought by both artists and audiences has been wonderful.' Rodger said this iteration of the event has been "one to remember". The festival has hosted some big names through the years. Legendary jazz artists which have performed at it through the years include Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan and Tony Bennett. Creative Scotland supported the Glasgow Jazz Festival 2025. The festival is set to return for its 40th edition next year.
Glasgow Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
More than 21,000 people flock to Kelvingrove Park for Glasgow Mela
This year's festival took place on Sunday, June 22. Despite the rainy start to the day, the largest South Asian festival of its kind in Scotland treated festivalgoers to performances from acts like Gtown Desi, Saloni, and Maya Lakhani. (Image: Kris Kesiak for Glasgow Life) The event, which is delivered by the charity Glasgow Life, is described as a "gathering" and is a South Asian celebration of Glasgow's diverse communities. It aims to promote local artists and their cultural heritage. Read more: Greek's anger at Rangers' Champions League venue advantage 'We blew it' - Bernardo admits to shock Portugal Euro U21s defeat Glasgow Jazz Festival concludes 39th edition with record-breaking performances Attendees sampled food from around the world, joined in a variety of sports, and took part in discussions and workshops on themes including health and wellbeing through the arts, music and memory, and the role of South Asian artists in experimental practices. There was also a collaboration with Glasgow Life Museums' Intercultural Youth Group to support the Scottish-Asian Creative Artists' Network's aim to discuss key issues within and for South Asian communities. (Image: Kris Kesiak for Glasgow Life) Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and convenor for culture, sport and international relations for Glasgow City Council, said: "Seeing thousands of people pack out Kelvingrove Park for the Glasgow Mela is always a sight to behold. "The 2025 Mela proved why Glasgow is known the world over as a diverse, multicultural city full of artistic talent. "The Mela is a firm favourite in Glasgow's cultural events calendar and provides fantastic free performances and a fun day out for everyone. (Image: Kris Kesiak for Glasgow Life) "This year was particularly special as the spirit of Glasgow 850 was woven into the programme. "Throughout the year we are seeing our established city events and festivals really embracing what this special year means to them and using the themes of the year and storytelling to excite, educate and entertain their audiences." The festival was awarded £50,000 from Creative Scotland for 2025-26 and will benefit from £169,100 of funding over the next three years.
