East Grinstead Jazz Club & Festival – A Celebration of Community and Music
For several years, the East Grinstead Jazz Club has been lighting up the Apron Café at the Chequer Mead Theatre every first Tuesday of the month. Its ongoing success is largely thanks to the passion and expertise of its curator, Jenny Green. An established jazz singer with two successful albums under her belt—and with performance credits at renowned venues such as Ronnie Scotts and Pizza Express Soho—Jenny brings her deep knowledge of jazz to every show.
After hosting her own jazz radio programme on Meridian FM, Jenny naturally transitioned into running a jazz club in town. Originally held upstairs at the Dorset Arms around 2015, the club found a new home at the Chequermead Theatre when COVID restrictions required a change. Starting with a modest audience of around 10 ,the club now regularly welcomes 90+ devoted jazz fans and consistently sells out each month.
Building on the club’s success, Jenny curated East Grinstead’s very first Jazz Festival in 2024 with the invaluable support of David Kent and charity partner Being Neigbourly. The festival was such a triumph that plans are in place for this year's event—from Friday August 14th to Sunday 16th. The festival will feature: our Gospel workshop with a chance for participants to join the choir in a performance held at St Swithun's Church .For the first time this year a headline concert in St Swithun's Church in East Grinstead JAZZ AFRICA!
ABOUT BEING NEIGHBOURLY EAST GRINSTEAD:
Being Neighbourly is an East Grinstead based registered charity. It is all about pairing up ‘local volunteers who care’ with ‘neighbours in need of support’. The aim is to combat loneliness and isolation and enable a sense of safety and independence through our practical support. www.BeingNeighbourly.co.uk
Elite Venue Selection Felbridge Gatwick are offering a special rate for festival goers. £110.00 per night based on 2 people in double standard room inclusive of breakfast.
Please quote reference: EAST270326 to use this offer when booking rooms. 01619230300
The Curious pig in the Parlour Copthorne are offering £80 B&B per night for festival goers
FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST
Join Joanne Miller Gospel Rising for a 1 hour workshop. Followed by a free gospel concert 7.30pm prepare to be uplifted.
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
A special headline performance at St Swithun’s Church
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
A vibrant free jazz trail along the High Street with a Dixie Band, the Jive Aces outside 1 Middle Row and interactive jazz workshops at Glen Vue Community Hub , a series of live performances in local pubs and cafes, culminating in a headline act in St Swithun's Church in the evening.
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST
Enjoy a jazz brunch at Carlo Lounge followed by an afternoon of live music and lunch on the lawns of the Chequer Mead Theatre.
Jenny is incredibly grateful to the town for coming together to fill the streets with music and to support local businesses. To ensure that the Jazz Festival continues to flourish, we are seeking sponsors. As a sponsor, your business will be featured in our festival programme, highlighted on our social media channels, and mentioned on the radio.
Join us in keeping the spirit of jazz alive in East Grinstead!
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
