Jazz the Day is back! With its great array of music, family-friendly concerts, and workshops spilling out of every recess of the Great Western Community Centre, Jazz the Day fits a whole day of jazz in one amazing venue. 

With just one ticket you can take in this huge spread of jazz fun.

Children under 5 go free!

Check out the full lineup below!

Sanctuary:

Rosalind Orr Trio

Currently studying together at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Rosalind Orr, Alex Handyside, and Timmy Allan are steadily establishing themselves within Scotland’s thriving jazz scene. Making their Aberdeen Jazz Festival debut, this young trio will present a mix of original compositions and carefully selected and arranged renditions of jazz standards. Drawing in influences from blues and folk sensibilities, their drumless setup provides the space for music that emphasises a lyrical narrative and creative improvisation.

Rosalind Orr Trio [Rosalind Orr (saxophone), Alex Handyside (guitar), Timmy Allan (double bass)]

Katie Mackie, Matthew Kilner, Neil Birse

Aberdonian trio Katie Mackie, Matthew Kilner, and Neil Birse present a swinging set of well-known classics alongside lesser-heard standards. They are led by singer-songwriter Katie Mackie, who performs a wide array of musical styles, including country, folk, and jazz. She also plays in two bands—Sulka and Kilgour. She is joined by 2023 BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year finalist Matthew Kilner, a regular performer at jazz clubs across the UK and Europe. Completing the trio is Guildhall graduate jazz pianist Neil Birse, whose passion for musical education draws inspiration from jazz, folk, classical, and rock music to inspire young musicians.

Katie Mackie Trio [Katie Mackie (vocals), Matthew Kilner (saxophone), Neil Birse (piano)]

The Philip Adie Trio is a Jazz Flamenco group from Seville playing original music composed by the guitarist Philip Adie. Philip along with Luis Salto (double bass) and Nacho Megina (drums & percussion), play an eclectic variation of Flamenco integrating jazz and improvisation into their repertoire.

Philip Adie Trio [Philip Adie (guitar), Luis Salto (double bass), Nacho Megina (percussion)] 

AberGaitas Band is a Venezuelan folk music group based in Aberdeen, Scotland, dedicated to preserving and sharing the vibrant rhythms of Gaita Zuliana, Tamborera, and Parranda. Formed in November 2022, AberGaitas has performed at various community events, including Aberdeen MELA 2023 & 2024. Their repertoire showcases joyful, danceable rhythms rooted in the customs of Zulia State, Venezuela, where gaita music originated.

Special Guest for Aberdeen Jazz Festival: Lino Rocha - Vocals

AberGaitas [David Millar (Vocals), Monica Zabala (Vocals), Elsa Maldonado (Vocals), Jorge Rodriguez (Charrasca, Tumbadoras), Michele Loseto (Tambora), Angel Reyes (Furro, Percussion), Francisco Urea (Guitar), Simon Gall (Bass, Keyboards), Julian Hernandez (Musical Director, Cuatro), Lino Rocha (Vocals)]

Large Hall:

Rose Room Children’s Concert

Enter the world of Gypsy Jazz with Scottish Jazz Award-winning band Rose Room as they take you through a high energy show exploring the genre. DANCE to the swingin’ rhythms of Parisian ‘Hot Club’, SING along to well-known jazz songs, IMAGINE with the impressionistic tunes of Django Reinhardt and LEARN all about the instruments and this exciting style of music. Your toes will be tappin’, fingers clickin' and bodies movin’ in this uplifting, interactive performance!

Rose Room Childrens Concert [Seonaid Aitken (fiddle, vocals), Conor Smith (guitar), Tam Gallagher (guitar), Jimmy Moon (double bass)]

Raven AfriKulture is a newly established promoter of African music and art in Aberdeen, and we are delighted to host a show they have curated especially for Jazz the Day. Featuring Aberdeen's first African band, the Riverlite Band, as well as Aberdeen-based singers/rappers: Ay Bangz (BBC Introducing Artist), Likkle Banti, and Rajoor. 

Afro-Carribean prodigy, Rajoor, is a dynamic R&B and dancehall artist from Imo State, Nigeria. His soulful yet electrifying sound fuses Caribbean rhythms with contemporary urban beats including Afrobeats, creating a unique musical performance that features powerful vocals and authentic storytelling.

AyBangz is an emerging recording and performing artist originally from Nigeria, now based in Aberdeen, Scotland. With a passion for R&B, Soul, and Contemporary R&B, AyBangz creates a unique sound that blends emotion with smooth, captivating melodies. His music explores themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience, drawing on his diverse cultural background to craft a style that is both soulful and fresh.

Martin Kolade Okunola known professionally as Likkle Banti is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer, and musician based in Aberdeen, Scotland. A musician from a young age, and influenced by a dynamic musical household, his music invokes influences from disco, reggae, country, R&B and more. Hear the music here first, before his upcoming album release in summer 2025.

Riverlite is an African band formed in 2022 in Aberdeen, merging their cultural heritage with contemporary influences to create a soulful, rhythmic, and immersive sound. The project began when lifelong friends decided to transform their shared love of music into a creative venture that explores identity, belonging, and unity through rich Afro-inspired grooves and resonant storytelling.

Raven AfriKulture: AyBangz, Rajoor, Likkle Banti, Riverlite Band

Small Hall:

Jazz Vinyl Cafe

Lose yourself in the gentle lighting and hushed ambience of our dedicated listening room. Inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Jazz Kissa’ cafes, where jazz fans enjoy dedicated listening rather than just background music, the listening room will feature a collection of vinyl records donated in memory of the late Aberdeen trumpet player Swannie McKenzie. A selection of vinyl from festival artists will also be available to play and buy, and you are also invited to bring your own vinyl to enjoy and share with others.         

NESCOL Student Jazz Animations

Selection of short films about the History of Jazz and Aberdeen Jazz Festival created by students from North East Scotland College.