London has a long history of live jazz going back at least a century, with festivals dating back to the 1970s. Building on this heritage, the EFG London Jazz Festival, the capital’s biggest annual music event, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with a fantastic program. From November 11 to 20, big names like Dave Holland and Dianne Reeves and emerging artists like Alabaster DePlume will be thrilling jazz fans. The festival takes place in over 60 London venues, with 300 shows and over 2000 artists, from November 11 to 20, in major venues such as Cadogan Hall, the Barbican and the Southbank Centre, as well as numerous jazz clubs and independent venues such as Café Oto, King’s Place and the 606 Club.
Over the past 30 years, the festival has welcomed many great names, including Wayne Shorter in his first London concert, Sonny Rollins, Charles Lloyd, Stan Tracey, Archie Shepp and younger stars such as Cécile McLorin Salvant.