Liverpool International Jazz Festival returns February 2025

Some of the finest talents in modern jazz will visit Liverpool next February as the Liverpool International Jazz Festival returns for its 12^th year.

The Liverpool International Jazz Festival (LIJF) will take place at the Capstone Theatre between Thursday 20 and Sunday 23 February, 2025. This year’s event will focus on contemporary instrumental jazz and includes performances from a carefully curated mix of world-class artists.

Founded by Liverpool Hope University in 2013, LIJF has earned a reputation for exploring diverse jazz styles and genres. The 2025 instalment is set to continue this legacy, with a dynamic and eclectic programme designed to captivate jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2025 lineup:

Darius Brubeck Quartet – Thursday 20 February, 7:30pm
Pianist and composer Darius Brubeck, son of the legendary Dave Brubeck, leads this ensemble of world-class musicians, featuring Matt Ridley on bass, Wesley Gibbens on drums, and Dave O’Higgins on saxophone.

Playing the Changes: Tracking Darius Brubeck – Friday 21 February, 1pm
A special documentary screening of Playing the Changes: Tracking Darius Brubeck will offer a deep dive into Darius’ life, his musical journey, and his role in emphasising the social impact of jazz to communities around the world, including in post-apartheid South Africa. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Darius, his wife Cathy, and the film’s director, Michiel ten Kleij.

Arbenz / Neame / Hart / Churchill / Doran / Pursglove “Conversation” – Friday 21 February, 7:30pm
Critically acclaimed Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz combines with some of the top UK musicians from different generations for his latest project, including Ivo Neame on piano, Jim Hart on vibraphone, and rising vocal star Immy Churchill. Together, they will explore improvisation, deep grooves, and lyrical moments in this ambitious and thrilling project.

Beyond Roots: Rekesh Chauhan & Kousic Sen – Saturday 22 February, 1pm
This special performance celebrates the intersection of jazz and Indian classical music, featuring multi-award-winning British pianist and composer, Rekesh Chauhan and tabla maestro, Kousic Sen. This concert is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Milap, the UK’s leading Indian Arts and Culture company who are based in Liverpool.

Neil Cowley Trio – Saturday 22 February, 7:30pm
Neil Cowley’s golden piano touch has seen him collaborate with Adele, Emeli Sande, Birdy and Michael Kiwanuka. Now, after a seven-year hiatus, he returns with the acclaimed Neil Cowley Trio, reuniting with bassist Rex Horan and drummer Evan Jenkins for a much-anticipated performance of their new album, Entity.

Köln Concert 50: Free Variations on Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert – Sunday 23 February, 1pm
Internationally renowned pianist Dorian Ford will mark the 50th anniversary of Keith Jarrett’s iconic Köln Concert with a special performance blending his own improvisations with Jarrett’s masterpiece.

Emma Rawicz – Sunday 23 February, 7:30pm
The festival closes with a performance from Emma Rawicz, one of the most exciting young talents on the UK jazz scene. At just 22, Rawicz has already garnered critical acclaim for her saxophone playing and innovative compositions and was described as an ‘astonishing talent’ by Jamie Cullum.

LIJF 2025 tickets will be on sale from Friday 25 October. Tickets are available from between £5 and £15 (plus booking fees). A festival bundle ticket which provides access to all performances at a discounted rate of £60 is also available.

To purchase your tickets and to find out more about the artists and performances, visit the Capstone Theatre website.