One of the most prominent jazz performing groups of the swing era, it was founded by Count Basie in 1936. The band survived the late '40s decline in big band popularity and went on to produce notable collaborations with singers such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald in the '50s and '60s. The group continues to perform and record even after Basie's death in 1984.

Don't miss the divine Mavis Staples, as she blesses us with her incredible voice and back catalogue of gospel, soul, R & B, with a little rock thrown in for good measure! One of the most powerful voices in the 'biz, Staples has been making music since the 1960s when she and her family formed the group The Staples Singers. Throughout the decade, they became synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement, offering spiritually strong messages through their songs.

A former opening act for Eric Clapton, Cray has played alongside John Lee Hooker and now has a pair of Fender Stratocaster guitars named after him. He has released a number of albums that have reached the top of the Billboard Blues chart, and in 2011 was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame for his achievements.

Making waves in the jazz scene, Samara Joy started making music professionally in 2019 and has subsequently won five Grammy awards, including the award for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance. You might say that music is in Samara Joy's blood, and you'd be right! From her gospel-singing grandparents to her producer, singer, and songwriter father it's clear that she was fated for a life in music. Digging deep into the history of jazz, she plays with the iconic sound to create something distinctly special. If you're a lover of modern jazz, and you have the chance to see Samara live - take it!