Your Newcastle Jazz & Blues 2026 weekend starts here. Browse Friday’s line up, discover the venues taking part and enjoy an evening of fantastic live music across Castle.
Please note: Line-up and performance times are subject to change. Support your local venues by grabbing a drink or bite to eat, and follow us on social media for the latest festival updates.
7PM
THE CROSSWAYS
ATTACK OF THE VAPOURS
Attack Of The Vapours is the music project of John MacLeod. He has released two EPs (‘Here Comes The Brim’ and ‘The Impartial Age’) and a single (‘Sierra Bravo’). He likes to play songs you didn’t know you wanted to dance to.
7:30PM
THE CLUBHOUSE
SET IN STONE
Staffordshire-based Set in Stone blend classic blues with a modern rock edge. Powerful vocals, soaring guitar work and a tight rhythm section combine to deliver energetic live performances.
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
7:30PM
THE GREYHOUND
SUMMER SOUL BAND
8PM
HOGARTHS
BOOGIE KNIGHTS
Blending disco favourites with funk and soul classics, this energetic live band delivers feel-good performances packed with timeless dancefloor hits.
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
8PM
THE CROW’S NEST
JOEL RAMBLE & BENE GEE
8PM
BRIDGE STREET ALE HOUSE
JACK & THE MARMALADE FOX
An eclectic mix of acoustic music to suit all ears and ages. Jack & The Marmalade Fox is the brainchild of Linda Brammer and Daniel Stretton seven years in the making
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
8PM
THE RIGGER
TBC
8PM
THE CHERRY TREE
NATALIE BIRCH (TOTALLY 80S)
8PM
THE SHED
ALISHA JEAN
Alisha Jean is a local vocalist with a repertoire spanning pop, soul, rock and dance favourites.
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
8:30PM
CAPPELLO LOUNGE
SMALL HORSE & THE PLAN
Small Horse & The Plan combine captivating female vocals with rhythm guitar, percussion and ukulele to create a fresh take on classic and contemporary favourites. Mixing vintage charm with modern flair, their performances are full of warmth, character and memorable arrangements.
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
8:30PM
ARTISAN TAP
NORTHWESTERN
Chris Howarth and Adrian Hough make up the acoustic duo Northwestern, combining original songs, rich harmonies and accomplished musicianship.
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
9PM
THE CROSSWAYS
DISASTROUS ROBOTS
Get ready to lose yourself in the hypnotic grooves of Disastrous Robots, a genre-bending force fusing psychedelic soul, funk, electronica, blues, jazz, and ambient music into a mind-expanding sonic experience.
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
9:30PM
ARTISAN TAP
ONJAH
Stoke-on-Trent’s Onjah brings smooth soul fusion vibes, blending soulful vocals with contemporary influences. Expect feel-good performances full of groove and energy.
>> VISIT VENUE ON SOCIALS
>> VISIT ARTIST ON SOCIALS
