If you caught our earlier story, you’ll know that the legendary jazz venue Ronnie Scott’s turns 50 this year, and the team behind the venue are planning many events to celebrate. One of these events is fast approaching, so why not head down to London’s Southbank and experience the British Film Institute’s ‘Jazz In June Season’, held in association with Ronnie Scott’s.

All throughout June there will be ‘Jazz Wednesdays’ at the BFI, featuring filmed concerts, documentaries, including interviews with Ronnie Scott himself, and performances from some of the legends who appeared at the club. There will also be live jazz performances at the venue before each film showing, with ticket holders also able to gain entry to Ronnie Scott’s later in the evening.

Along with ‘Jazz Wednesdays’ a big Jazz weekender is planned, with something for everyone to enjoy from 12th to the 14th June. Sir John Dankworth will continue the Jazz/Film theme on the 12th with a talk about Jazz Music, and the music he’s composed for films. Saturday 13th sees the start of a two day jazz workshop for young musicians, which will be run by professionals working at Ronnie Scott’s. Among a program of performances during the day, Artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson, will be on-stage with his jazz quintet. Their set will include specially commissioned soundtracks for two new films about London. One of these films will be the winner of a young person’s film competition. Following these events, there will also be a sixties style party.

The Jazz Weekender will conclude in fine style on the 14th June with another day packed full of events. These will kick off with a performance by the participants of the youth jazz workshop, which will be followed by Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Trio, and films/footage of jazz greats, Chet Baker, The Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, and Courtney Pine.

There are a mix of ticketed and free events at ‘Jazz In June’. Full details can be found at www.ronniescotts.co.uk or www.bfi.org.uk. ‘Jazz In June’ also forms part of ‘The Story Of London’, a month long celebration of London’s past, present, and future. Their web link is: www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon. With Jazz and Ronnie Scott’s playing such an integral part in London’s musical heritage, it seems only right it should be part of this event.
There is something for everyone at Ronnie Scott’s and the BFI this June, so why not go down and join in the fun, and help the oldest jazz venue in the world celebrate its birthday!