Winchester’s Nutshell will host three jazz events during the 2026 Winchester Jazz Festival this September.
The venue is partnering with the festival and saxophonist Alex Western-King for a programme featuring musicians from across the UK.
Events begin with The Nutshell Jazz Club on Thursday, September 17 at 8pm.
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The Tom Barford Quartet will perform original compositions by composer and saxophonist Tom Barford, alongside arrangements of Joe Henderson pieces.
Barford won the 2017 Kenny Wheeler Prize.
His quartet includes trumpeter James Copus, pianist Ivo Neame, bassist Oli Hayhurst and drummer Tim Giles.
The group’s music draws on the work of Wayne Shorter and Vince Mendoza.
Its performance will include intricate compositions, fast-tempo playing and arrangements.
Tickets cost £25, with student tickets priced at £13.
The event will take place in a cabaret-style setting, where audiences can bring their own food and drinks.
The following morning, Friday September 18, The Nutshell Jazzbops will present the J Fashole-Luke Duo at 11am.
The session is designed for adults and children aged from zero to four.
It will offer live jazz in an informal setting for families.
Multi-instrumentalist J Fashole-Luke has performed across Europe and at jazz festivals with artists including Marcus Miller, Roy Hargrove and Dolly Parton.
He has also appeared at Ronnie Scott’s and on BBC2’s Later… with Jools Holland.
He will be joined by Hampshire singer Katie Rogers, who performs across the South Coast.
The pair will perform blues and swing favourites.
Tickets cost £7.
The programme ends with Sunday Sessions on Sunday, September 20 at 10am.
The event will be hosted by Western-King and feature Ted Carassco and Bill Mudge.
It will combine live performance, conversation and an open workshop.
Audiences will be able to hear musicians perform, ask questions and try musical ideas.
The session is open to all ages and is intended for budding musicians, people interested in working in music, and those wanting to discover new sounds.
Tickets cost £13.
All three events will take place at The Nutshell in Winchester as part of Winchester Jazz Festival 2026.
Organisers said the programme builds on the venue’s monthly Nutshell Jazz Club, which has become part of the local community.
The partnership between The Nutshell and Western-King aims to bring live jazz, family events and participation to Winchester.
The festival programme offers an evening concert, a session for young children and families, and a Sunday morning workshop.
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