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First Names Unveiled For Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2024 *Snarky Puppy, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Courtney Pine, Morcheeba, Orchestra Baobab and Nubyian Twist confirmed for Cheltenham’s annual jazz festival * **1 May – 6 May 2024** Cheltenham Jazz Festival is offering audiences a sneak-peak of their exciting 2024 programme, releasing tickets for six of the acts that will grace its storied stages in the spring. The half-dozen artists reflect the festival’s long-standing commitment to celebrating all facets of contemporary jazz – and all the music the form has influenced. The line-up includes New York-based collective Snarky Puppy, star UK saxophonist Courtney Pine, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Dee Dee Bridgewater and Afro-Jazz innovators Nubiyan Twist, who appear alongside West African dance outfit Orchestra Baobab. “This first release of tickets for our exciting 2024 programme offers in miniature the breadth and depth that Cheltenham Jazz Festival aims for every year,” says Ian George, Head of Programming for the Jazz Festival and co-CEO of parent charity Cheltenham Festivals. “We celebrate all the genres that have jazz in their DNA by bringing the best of contemporary UK, US and European jazz to our Big Top and other venues,” he added. “The breadth of jazz’s influence is unique. From pop to soul, blues to world music, we are always so spoiled for fantastic musicians at Cheltenham. From orchestras and big bands to club sessions and late-night jams, the Festival runs the gamut of the music – as this preview proves!” Alongside Pine, Bridgewater and the Orchestra Baobab/Nubiyan Twist double header, the early announcement is rounded out by reggae pop veterans UB40, chart-topping singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, and electronica pioneers Morcheeba. Courtney Pine has appeared at Cheltenham on previous occasions, and believes it holds a special place on the UK jazz scene. “Cheltenham Jazz Festival is an event that welcomes all,” he says. “As an artist, I look forward to celebrating my 60th birthday at this event, with a concert that reflects my cultural background!” The festival also always looks forward to the future of the music, playing host to fresh new names and pushing the boundaries of the genre’s definition. Dee Dee Bridgewater is particularly excited to perform as part of an event centred on artists. “I cannot wait to come back to Cheltenham - it’s been six long years! I’m coming with new, young and amazing musicians and some great music to soothe your souls – see you there!” 2024 will also see the return of the much-admired Parabola Arts Centre strand of Cheltenham Jazz Festival, which is dedicated to new, exciting and innovative jazz music from some of the finest purveyors of the music worldwide. Long-time programmer Tony Dudley-Evans, who retired last year, will return to commission new works, with Alex Carr – founder of Amplify Sounds and Contemporary Music Programmer at London’s Southbank Centre – taking on programming duties for the strand. Tickets for the early announcement shows are now available via cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz. The full programme for Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2024 will be revealed in February. Cheltenham Jazz Festival will take place 1 May - 6 May, 2024. https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz