Jazz at The Horsebridge is a new monthly event celebrating the best of live jazz in all its forms. To be held on Sunday evenings, each month will feature a different performer from across the jazz, blues and world music spectrum. Featuring top notch vocalists and musicians from across the county and beyond, Jazz at the Horsebridge is an exciting new addition to the Horsebridge performance calendar and to the Whitstable music scene.
With a tremendous passion for vocal and instrumental jazz, Broad Reach Records presents a fantastic range of high-calibre artists, led by Artistic Director Kai Hoffman.
23 February
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Julian Marc Stringle
The Horsebridge is delighted to host renowned clarinetist and composer Julian Marc Stringle and his Dreamband, who will perform a varied programme of jazz, blues and latin classics, as well as some of their own original compositions. Julian has wowed musical audiences around the world since his TV debut at the age of 14 performing with the legendary Acker Bilk. He is also a multiple ‘best clarinettist’ British Jazz Awards winner, with the late Sir John Dankworth describing him as “probably the best clarinettist to emerge in British jazz for several decades.” As a regular visitor with connections to the town, Julian knows Whitstable well and regards it as one of his very favourite places.
Whilst following in the jazz clarinet’s glorious heritage, including the work of players like Benny Goodman, Peanuts Hucko and Artie Shaw, Julian has also been a pioneer in placing the clarinet in a more contemporary musical setting. This ranges from modern interpretations of classics like “Sweet Georgia Brown”, through straight-ahead jazz compositions to more funky latin jazz numbers. His versatility has also made him a clarinetist of choice for collaborations outside jazz, including with artists as varied as the Spice Girls, Tina Turner and Meatloaf. He is currently working on a new album of piano and clarinet duets with keyboardist Neil Angilley, as well as a follow-up to his successful “It’s Clazzical” album, a unique blend of classical melodies and jazz-funk rhythms. Julian will be accompanied by his Dream Band of top class musicians composed of Jacqui Hicks (vocals), Dominic Ashworth (guitar), Davide Mantovani (bass) and Mike Bradley (drums). We look forward to another evening of musical excellence in our Jazz at the Horsebridge series.
Book now: 17.00 - 19.00
bar opens 4pm. Tickets £17.50 or £15 for Friends.
30 March
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Steve Waterman

Top British trumpet player bringing his Latin jazz band to Whitstable - has toured the globe with Carla Bley Band, and worked with jazz industry A-listers including Tony Coe, Alan Barnes and Victor Mendoza. Has performed in Cuba at the Havana Jazz Festival as guests of Chucho Valdes.
Book now: 17.00 - 19.00
bar opens 4pm. Tickets £17.50 or £15 for Friends.
27 April
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Shireen Francis Quartet

Shireen Francis is a warm and soulful vocalist who continually takes her audiences into a new dimension. During her 30-year career Shireen has performed at venerable London establishments including venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Club, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, the 100 Club and the 606 Club.
“A brilliant vocalist. An extraordinary performance.” (Jazzwise Magazine)
Born in London of Jamaican and Goan Heritage, Shireen learned her craft in Afro-Caribbean music. In more recent years her jazz singing has been further inspired by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson, leading her in a different direction, including writing her own material.
“Shireen’s energy and versatility make her a serious contender for jazz’s long haul” (Bob Sinfield/Jazz Fm)
“Everything comes straight from the heart” Carmen Lundy
Book now: 17.00 - 19.00
bar opens 4pm. Tickets £17.50 or £15 for Friends.
18 May
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Deirdre Cartwright Organik Trio
A new trio led by guitarist Deirdre Cartwright with Pete Whittaker Organ and Gary Hammond Congas/percussion. Sounds of the classic jazz organ/guitar trios of the 1960s - Kenny Burrell/Jimmy
Smith, Grant Green/Larry Young, Wes Montgomery/Melvin Rhyne, plus some original takes on the Beatles, Doors, Curtis Mayfield and Kate Bush. Swing, grooves and inventive improvisation between these three outstanding musicians.
Deirdre Cartwright is an award winning guitarist and composer who became well known presenting the BBC TV’s ground-breaking series "Rockschool". She also played with Afro Latin Jazz group The Guest Stars, recording three albums and touring in 17 countries. In 1991 she formed the Deirdre Cartwright Group which recorded five albums and played international festivals from Mexico to Warsaw. She has also written and recorded albums with the groups Emily Remembered and LUND. More recently she has toured and recorded four albums with ARQ who won Best UK jazz group in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and British Jazz Awards in 2018. She won the public vote for Best Guitarist at the 2019 British Jazz Awards and in 2020 was awarded Services to Jazz with Blow the Fuse at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. She also plays with Sea Change, Carol Grimes, PICNIC featuring Annie Whitehead, Electric Landladies and regularly at Ronnie Scott's in Soho. She has played with legendary guitarist Tal Farlow, studied in America with Mick Goodrick, toured with Jamaican composer Marjorie Whylie, founded Blow the Fuse with Alison Rayner in 1989 and presented on Radio 3.
‘If there is a more complete guitarist in contemporary music than Deirdre Cartwright
– I’d like to know who it is’ Dave Gelly The Observer
'Cartwright’s coolly undulating Grant Green shuffle groove is one of the
understated pleasure of UK’s contemporary fusion.’ John Fordham The Guardian
Pete Whittaker became fascinated with the sound of the Hammond organ after
hearing classic 1950s & 60s hard-bop records. Currently involved in projects with some of the UK’s leading musicians including Art Themen and John Etheridge.
Gary Hammond boasts a rich history of performing and recording with The Beautiful
South for over a decade. His stellar career includes collaborations with Nina Simone
and frequent involvement with various groups across World, Jazz, and Pop genres.
29 June
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Georgia Manico with Sam Dunn, Steve Watts and Dave Ohm.
GEORGIA MANCIO, vocals, with Sam Dunn, guitar, Steve Watts, bass, and Dave Ohm, drums.
Multi-award-winning jazz vocalist, lyricist and producer, Georgia Mancio, celebrates her 25th anniversary in music in 2025. A supreme storyteller and formidable force, Georgia’s authentic performances have won her two Parliamentary Jazz Awards (Best Vocalist 2021, Best Album 2020), and nominations at the Jazz FM, British Jazz and Urban Music Awards. Her revered partnership with Grammy-winning pianist / composer, Alan Broadbent, has yielded three albums, performances across Europe and the US, including Ronnie Scott’s and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and over 40 co-written songs.
Other credits include: BBC Proms, Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw, Kate Williams, Pat Metheny, and her own ReVoice! Festival.
“[Mancio] has everything covered – technical mastery, expressive range and a remarkable versatility”
The Observer 4****
“Impossible not to fall in love with her voice ... a magnificent example of strength and talent”
Jazz In Europe
Past events
29 September
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Kai Hoffman

Originally from Boston, MA, USA, Kai Hoffman has over twenty years experience as a jazz, swing and blues singer, as well as a songwriter, bandleader and recording artist. Now based in Kent, her career highlights include over 100 performances at Ronnie Scott’s Club as a resident singer as well as performances for London Jazz Festival, Southbank Centre, the Metropolitan Room in New York City and The Blue Note in Milan as well as shows in countries as varied as Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Russia. Other artistic programming projects include a monthly jazz series at Macknade in Faversham and the multi-day, 30-event Herne Bay Jazz Festival in August.
“There is no denying that Hoffman has a very special voice: rich, super smooth and full of old time sparkle… It is a joy to listen to her sing.” - Broadway Baby
Kai Hoffman is a jazz, swing and blues singer, as well as a songwriter, bandleader and recording artist. Based in the United Kingdom, Kai’s international shows have included Don’t Tell Mama and the Metropolitan Room in New York City, The Blue Note in Milan and the European Jazz Expo, with further performances in countries as varied as Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Russia.
In London, Kai is a favourite performer across the city, including an eight-year residency at Europe’s oldest jazz venue, Ronnie Scott’s, shows at the Elgar Room of the Royal Albert Hall, the London Jazz Festival, City of London Festival, Southbank Centre, 606 Club and more. Kai is the artistic director of Herne Bay Jazz Festival CIC. Read more at www.kaihoffman.co.uk
27 October
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Louise Cookman Quartet

Vocalist Louise Cookman presents: Queens of Swing
Celebrating the great female vocalists of the swing era.
In the 1930s and 1940s, swing music dominated the airwaves and dancefloors of America and beyond. Bandleaders such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and the ‘King of Swing’, Benny Goodman, were hailed as musical royalty, and their singers - vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and PeggyLee - were hugely popular. But these women were more than just jewels in a bandleader’s crown: by bringing their own sound, style and glamour to the bandstand, they challenged the accepted image of the decorative girl singer (or “canary”) and instead became a central part of the music, stepping into the spotlight as the indisputable Queens of the Swing Era. Renowned swing era vocalist, Louise Cookman and her musicians, present a tribute to the talented women whose voices define the sound of the swing era, featuring songs made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Anita O’Day and more! Louise has been the vocalist with many of the best known swing and big bands in the UK, from the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and The Glenn Miller Orchestra, to the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and the BBC Big Band. She also assumes the role of Martha Tilton in Pete Long’s acclaimed recreation of Benny Goodman’s famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert and has presented special shows for the Jazz Centre UK and other venues exploring the technique and vocal style of the 1930s and 1940s.
24 November
Jazz at the Horsebridge presents Paul Booth Quintet

Paul Booth is the in-demand sax man of today’s UK music scene. His ability to blend into any musical surrounding coupled with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist has led to him being regularly chosen to perform with many well-known artists. Paul has toured, performed and recorded around the world with The Eagles, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, Barry Manilow, Marti Pellow, Eddie Henderson, Geoffrey Keezer, Clarence Penn and Ingrid Jensen. He has worked with Incognito, Brand New Heavies and The BBC Big Band. Paul currently performs his own music with a number of different groups including this new quintet for which has written new music which will be performed a this event along with some choice standards.
22 December
Jazz at The Horsebridge presents Trudy Kerr Quartet

One the UK’s finest jazz vocalists, Trudy Kerr has performed at major venues around the world and collaborated with major artists, including Jamie Cullum, Jim Mullen and Georgie Fame. Her evening show will feature an eclectic repertoire including compositions by instrumentalists like Chick Corea, John Coltrane and Bill Evans as well as songwriters like Antonio Carlos Jobim and Fats Waller as well as some Christmas favourites. As a prolific lyricist, Trudy has penned many vocalese (putting words to instrumental solos) which will add a unique dimension to the show.