Gregory Porter’s picks, Lizz Wright and Gary Bartz with Maisha added to Cheltenham Jazz Festival Line-Up

Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter is set to return to Cheltenham Jazz Festival as both performer and its guest artistic director, selecting several artists on the six-day programme, which runs from 5 to 10 May 2020. His appearance at the festival coincides with the release of his new album, All Rise, on 17 April and the start of his biggest UK tour to date, which sees him play arenas across the country and four nights at the Royal Albert Hall. Porter’s powerhouse shows have been a Cheltenham highlight since he first performed in the Cotswold Spa Town in 2012. He headlines the opening night at the Big Top (5 May), with a special guest appearance by acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright. Wright also performs her own show at the Everyman Theatre (8 May).

Porter’s initial artist selections include hard-hitting Chicagoan drummer Makaya McCraven and stylish trumpeter Keyon Harrold, both of whom make their debut Cheltenham appearance on 8 May in the Jazz Arena. Another Porter line-up choice features an appearance by 79-year-old spiritual sax maestro Gary Bartz, who lines up with high-energy newcomers Maisha (9 May, Jazz Arena).

These names join those already announced, including the heavyweight Randy Brecker/Dave Liebman/Marc Copland Quintet; acclaimed Brazilian jazz vocalist Bebel Gilberto (both 7 May, Everyman Theatre) and Grammy-winning Malian couple Amadou and Mariam (8 May, Big Top). The diverse line-up will feature at venues around the town and within the expanded Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens, which hosts the Big Top, Jazz Arena and Freestage, alongside numerous international food stalls, bars and the official merch-store.
Further names to be confirmed soon. Jazzwise is festival media partner.

For info and tickets visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/whats-on/