News | The Verdict Jazz Club Brighton

HUGE NEWS FOR BRIGHTON JAZZ!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that, starting in October 2026, The Verdict will launch an ambitious eight-month jazz programme, proudly supported by Arts Council England as part of their Supporting Grassroots Music fund!

As the only full-time jazz venue in the South of England outside London, this vital funding helps us breathe life back into the grassroots music ecology by celebrating the global heritage of rhythm and securing Brighton’s spot as a leading international jazz hub.

What’s Coming Over the 8 Months:

10 World-Class Concerts: Experience incredible live performances ranging from intimate duos to dynamic sextets, featuring an international cohort of artists from the UK, Senegal, Mauritius, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and Uruguay.
10 Free Rhythm Masterclasses: Open entirely to the public! Break down barriers and get inspired directly by our visiting global headliners—perfect for students, emerging artists, and hobbyists alike.
10 Jazz Jam Workshops: Informal, participatory spaces designed for local musicians to jam, collaborate, build confidence, and strengthen community networks.

Why This Matters:

With grassroots venues facing unprecedented closures across the UK, this project ensures fair pay for international artists, builds community resilience, and provides exceptional, accessible music right to your doorstep. Whether you are a lifelong jazz enthusiast or picking up an instrument for the first time, there is a place for you in this rhythm revolution.

🎟️ The countdown to October 2026 begins now! Stay tuned for our full artist line-ups, masterclass schedules, and ticket links.

Zoe Rahman Trio

Led by the MOBO Award-winning and Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Zoe Rahman, this acclaimed trio blends her classical roots and Bengali heritage with deeply expressive, rhythmically complex contemporary jazz.

Cleveland Watkiss MBE

A true pioneer and co-founder of the legendary Tomorrow's Warriors, Watkiss is a virtuoso vocalist, actor, and composer whose career spans reggae, orchestral music, and exceptional vocal jazz improvisation.

Aleh Ferreira Band

Aleh’s music draws deep from Afro-Brazilian roots. Son of a priestess of Umbanda, his inspiration is born from the drums and melodies of the “terreiro” that gave rise to Samba and shapes much of modern music.

Carolina Lelis Quartet

Fronted by Brazilian singer Carolina Lelis, this group delivers a sophisticated blend of traditional samba, bossa nova, and contemporary jazz fusion.

Tony Remy Trio

Drawing on jazz, funk, soul and fusion, the trio delivers a dynamic mix of original music and fresh interpretations, combining virtuosity, groove and spontaneous interplay. Expect an electrifying evening from one of Britain’s finest contemporary jazz guitarists.

Maiuko Quarteto

Helmed by the multi-award-winning, Mozambican-born singer-songwriter Maiuko, this group performs an enchanting blend of Afro-jazz, blues, and traditional African rhythms.

Guillermo Hill Band

Led by Uruguayan-born guitarist Guillermo Hill, this ensemble blends Montevideo's rich musical roots with London's groove-led jazz scene.

Rouhangeze

Fronted by Mauritian vocalist and composer Rouhangeze Baichoo, this project weaves together heart-led, soulful world-fusion, jazz, and traditional Indian Ocean textures.

Diabel Cissokho Band

Led by the virtuoso kora player and singer from Senegal's famous Cissokho griot family, this band delivers an energetic, uplifting blend of traditional Mandinka music and Afro-blues.

Radhika de Saram Band

Led by the versatile violinist and bassist Radhika de Saram, this group bridges classical precision with contemporary jazz improvisation and experimental avant-garde sounds.

Verdict Jazz Juice

We’re very excited to announce our signature hot sauce

We’re very excited to announce our signature hot sauce “Verdict Jazz Juice” in association with @brightonhotsauce. This small batch, craft hot sauce - lovingly produced and bottled in Brighton in the most sustainable way possible. ENJOY!

This unique sauce crafted for Brighton’s jazz club The Verdict boasts a delightful sharpness in flavour followed by a mouth-watering fruitiness and building heat. Perfect for BBQ grilled food, used as an ingredient for a spicy salad dressing or mixed with mayonnaise to create an indulgent dipping sauce.

INGREDIENTS

Green chillies, honeydew melon, golden syrup, lime juice, sea salt, Trinidad Moruga scorpions & lemongrass.

Crowdfunding campaign

Verdict Jazz: Preserving the Soul of Jazz Music

DONATE

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

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.

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.

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.

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.