Rochester Cathedral Jazz & Blues Festival 2025

BBC Big Band

The BBC Big Band return with a new show Join the BBC Big Band and their very special guest vocalist, Iain Mackenzie, for wonderfully diverse programme inspired by the swinging singers and classic Big bands who have become synonymous with a Golden Age of music.

The BBC Big Band and Iain will explore the music made popular by the giants of Swing, including Bobby Darrin, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. In addition, expect a sparkling collection of numbers from the legendary orchestras and swing bands of the era, including the likes of Benny Goodman’s ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ through to some Glenn Miller for good measure! All performed in the orchestra's own inimitable, swinging style.

The BBC Big Band

Musical Director: Barry Forgie

Join the internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band and conductor Barry Forgie for a celebration the very finest in big band and swing.

Widely regarded as one the world’s leading Jazz Orchestras, The BBC Big Band continues to delight audiences around the world through their broadcasts on BBC Radio as well the limited number of live performances they give at some of the country’s most prestigious venues.

The Band’s musical collaborations read like a ‘who’s who’ of the international music scene, and have included artists as diverse as: Tony Bennett, Martin Taylor, Robert Palmer, Louis Stewart, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Mel Torme, Clark Terry, Michael Buble, Dr John, George Benson, Van Morrison, Georgie Fame, and Ray Charles … to name just a few!

Within the UK, the BBC Big Band is probably best known for its work across the BBC’s radio channels – BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. Their performances also reach huge global audience, through its regular broadcasts for the BBC World Service, and via the BBC’s iPlayer service … making this a truly international music institution.

Live performances have included numerous appearances at London’s Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, as well as the ‘BBC Proms in the Park’ series in Hyde Park; as well as concerts at the UK’s premier concert venues, including venues as diverse as Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Snape Maltings, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Glasshouse Gateshead, and London’s Cadogan Hall.

Iain Mackenzie

One of the UK’s finest jazz and big band vocalists, Iain’s career and collaborations read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the music industry. Recent work and collaborations include Kenny Wheeler, Abdullah Ibrahim, Sandie Shaw, Joss Stone and Mica Paris – to name a few. All this is in addition to being featured vocalist with the likes of The BBC Big Band, RTE Orchestra and, of course, as well as being a resident artist at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club..

Tickets

Tier 1 £50 + Booking Fee

Tier 2 £40 + Booking Fee

Tier 3 £35 + Booking Fee

Tier 4 £30 + Booking Fee

Restricted View £10 + Booking Fee

Restricted view tickets have no view of the stage but screens showing the performance will be in place.

Carers tickets available. Documentation is required.

Doors open at 18:45

This performance will take place at Rochester Cathedral