Verdict Jazz: Preserving the Soul of Jazz Music
Join us in preserving the vibrant legacy of jazz music at Verdict Jazz! Our crowdfunding project aims to support the continued growth and impact of our organization in celebrating this timeless art form
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Protecting, securing and improving
16% of UK Grassroots Music Venues were Lost in the Last 12 Months
125 Spaces Permanently Closed to Live Music.
4000 Jobs Lost
14,500 Events No Longer Possible
193,230 Opportunities Lost for Musicians
38% of Remaining Venues Post Financial Loss – Whole Sector Records 0.5% Profit Margin on £501m Turnover Despite Increased Ticket Demand.
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For the last 12 years The Verdict has been an internationally renowned hub of Jazz and the creative performance arts, hosting many established and emerging artists that work within all aspects of the music and creative industries
As running costs rise up to 30% in some cases it has become increasingly difficult to maintain fundamental expenses, such as utilities, musicians fees, and various running costs.
Help us to sustain Verdict Jazz as a top level grass roots music venue in this financially challenging time.
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About Verdict Jazz
The Verdict is a multi award winning grass roots music venue, the only full time Jazz venue outside of London in the South of England, it has been named as one of the 10 top jazz clubs in Europe by The Guardian also being nominated as Jazz Venue of the year by the All Party Parlimentary Jazz Awards in 2022 and 2023. Weekly hosting the best in jazz music with top International acts, playing blues, swing, funk, Latin Jazz and fusion.
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In 2023 we hosted 165 Performances, workshops, masterclasses bringing world class music and education to Brighton and the South of England for thousands of attendees while continuing our position as a vital and key music venue in the National and International touring network for 100's of musicians.
Verdict Jazz is dedicated to honoring the rich history and cultural significance of jazz through live performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Based in the heart of Brighton, our organization is committed to keeping the spirit of jazz alive.
THE VERDICT
12th Anniversary Celebration
Nominated Jazz Venue of the Year 2022/23
The Verdict is a multi award winning grass roots music venue, the only full time Jazz venue outside of London in the south of England, it has been named as one of the 10 top jazz clubs in Europe by The Guardian. Weekly hosting the best in jazz music with Top International acts, playing blues, swing, funk, Latin Jazz and fusion.
Clark Tracey Quintet
Friday April 26
Doors 7pm Show 8.30pm
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Clark Tracey - drums
Art Themen & Simon Allen - reeds
Dave Newton - piano
Andrew Cleyndert - double bass
Clark Tracey, a well-established jazz master, recognised as a most
inventive jazz drummer, composer, educator and bandleader, having
appeared over forty years in the company of some of the world’s jazz
greats.
A Five-Time Winner of “Best Drummer” in the British Jazz Awards,
Clark Tracey has built a reputation since the early ‘80s as a talent
spotter of future stars of the British jazz scene; Guy Barker, Alex Ridout,
Daniel Casimir, Zoe Rahman and Mark Armstrong, to name just a few.
Clark was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2019
Birthday Honours for services to music and the promotion of jazz.
The Quintet have recently released their debut CD, “Introducing Emily
Masser”, on Clark’s label Stray Horn Records, followed by a national
tour in April and May of 20 dates.
Aleh Ferreira Band
Saturday April 27
Doors 7pm Show 8.30pm
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His music originates in the crib of Afro-Brazilian culture. Son of a priestess of Umbanda his musical inspiration comes from the drums and melodies of the “terreiro” that gave birth to Samba and influenced modern music. Brazilian singer-songwriter Aleh Ferreira, best known as the frontman of legendary Brazilian funk band “Banda Black Rio”. His warm, distinctive voice, samba-funk fusion grooves and lyrics that celebrate Afro-Brazilian heritage have earned him a career spanning three decades across the globe. Having also shared the stage with the likes of Ed Motta, Seu Jorge and Daniela Mercury and earning an assortment of national and international awards for his work as a performer but also as a soundtrack composer for the Cinema and TV and producer, Aleh is one of the most prominent contemporary musical figures of “Musica Popular Brasileira/ MPB” (Brazilian Popular Music) in the diaspora.