Jazz gigs series starts this weekend

A new series of jazz concerts starts this weekend to introduce new audiences to the music.

Yasmina Abou-Hilal set up Jazzcatz CIC to stage the series To Jazz Through Life with help from Arts Council England and explained its mission is to encourage people to try the genre while welcoming current fans to four gigs in Lincoln.

“These days it’s a common misconception that jazz is only for older audiences or certain backgrounds. Jazz is music of freedom, courage, and improvisation,” said Yasmina.

The first three sessions are at The Birdcage pub on Baggholme Road, Lincoln (LN2 5BQ) including the Nik Svarc Organ Trio’s appearance this Saturday which will blend jazz with funk and improvisation.

Rob Cope’s Joyride will follow on Saturday, May 9 and Johnny Hunter’s Now It Can Be Told on Saturday, September 5.

All Birdcage gigs start at 7.30pm with tickets at £14, £9 for students available through www.jazzcatz.org/tickets

The series will conclude with trumpet player Byron Wallen (pictured above) at The Drill on Friday, October 16 at 7pm on with his project, Hurricane Bells.

Byron is an influential figure in jazz receiving the BBC Jazz Innovation Award, Paul Hamlyn Award, and multiple MOBO and Parliamentary Jazz Award nominations.

Tickets at £19.80 are available through https://www.lincolndrill.co.uk/byron-wallen-s-hurricane-bells-tickets/lincoln-the-drill/2026-10-16-19-00 or are £22 on the door,