Vortex Jam With Sean Gibbs
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: guitarist Nick Costley-White, Trumpeter Sean Gibbs, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £6 / Free entry for Vortex members & participating musicians
Mopomoso: International Free Improvised Music – January 2026
Mopomoso is the UK’s longest running concert series dedicated to freely improvised music!
Time: 2 - 5PM
Standard £12 / Vortex Members £8 / Students & UC beneficiaries £8
Orlando le Fleming Trio
“Outstanding” is an overused description but one that’s applied to bassist Orlando le Fleming so consistently that its justification can’t be denied. While living in New York he brought his inimitable personality to work on projects for the likes of Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Antonio Sanchez and many others.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £19 / Vortex Members £17 / Students & UC beneficiaries £16
Four Card Molly
The exciting and versatile drummer Will Cleasby’s subtle but powerful playing has been heard with a wide variety of high profile artists, including work alongside the likes of acclaimed US trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Kurt Elling.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17.50 / Vortex Members £15 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12.5
Downstairs Living Room: Rebecka Edlund & Nat Philipps
Rebecka Edlund and Nat Philipps open this year’s first season of the Downstairs Living Room series exploring the sound of new beginnings. Inspired by songs of the folk and jazz worlds.
Time: 6.45 - 8.30PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £6.25 / Students & UC beneficiaries £5
Shirley Smart Sextet
Shirley Smart’s Sextet draws on a background of 10 years living in Jerusalem and working with the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish and North African music. Her music draws upon this rich tapestry of influences to create an evening of vibrant melodies, grooves, swing and lively improvisation.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
Archie Kidd Quartet
Archie Kidd is a guitarist and composer from the North East of England, now based in London. His original music combines empathetic harmony with enticing melodic content, underlined by a distinctive compositional and improvisational voice.
Time: 6.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £6.25 / Students & UC beneficiaries £5
Nishla Smith
Storytelling lies at the very heart of Nishla Smith’s music making, and since the release of her critically lauded debut album, the evolving circumstances of her own life have provided the inspiration for the stories that lie at the heart of this new collection.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
Coleman / Catchpole / Moore / Lash / Prévost
Focussing on the exuberance of art, using craft to search for, to briefly capture, and to express the sheer beauty and terror of being alive, Nathaniel Catchpole, Jamie Coleman, N O Moore, Dominic Lash and Eddie Prévost join forces.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
Vortex Jam With Riley Stone-Lonergan
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: guitarist Nick Costley-White, Trumpeter Sean Gibbs, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £6 / Free entry for Vortex members & participating musicians
Young Pilgrims
Jazz influenced, rock induced 9-piece brass band Young Pilgrims have found themselves drawing fans from across Europe and beyond with their intense live performances
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17.50 / Vortex Members £15 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12.5
Fabienne Ambuehl Quartet
The Fabienne Ambuehl Quartet returns to the Vortex after their sold-out album launch at the club, celebrating the release of Thrive (2025). Expect an evening of poetic, lyrical jazz, where vivid rhythm and improvisation meet folk-inspired melodies.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £16.50 / Vortex Members £14 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12
The Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra
Returning to the Vortex Jazz Club on the back of their sold-out show last year, the Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra is one of the most exciting new large ensembles on the UK jazz scene. Led by saxophonist and composer Jonny Ford, the band brings together the UK’s finest improvising musicians to perform his original compositions, blending intricate layers of orchestral jazz with vibrant energy, exceptional skill, and unwavering passion.
Time: 7.30 - 9PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £12.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £8.5
Cellicious!
Join this cellicious ride with cellist/jazz singers Kate Shortt and Rupert Gillett as they join forces to express their take on the world of standards, Latin, originals plus more.
Time: 6.15 - 8PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £6.25 / Students & UC beneficiaries £5
Matt Anderson with Liam Noble and Tom Herbert
This new project takes as its starting point the music of Thelonious Monk, Bill Frisell and Paul Motian, exploring the intersection of these artists’ idiosyncratic styles and their take on American musical forms like jazz, blues and folk.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
Louis Wildi Trio & Gaz Fowler
The trio blend musical influences from their personal heroes, whilst exploring an expansive sound that stretches the boundaries of the traditional trio format with original compositions and creative arrangements.
Time: 6.45 - 8.30PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £6.25 / Students & UC beneficiaries £5
Sam Eastmond & the Composers Workshop Big Band
Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music About Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Sam Eastmond is known for his large ensemble work with John Zorn, he is…
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
London Jazz Orchestra – New Year Preview with Brigitte Beraha
London’s longest jazz residency kicks off its 35th year, as the LJO preview two new recordings to be released in 2025, featuring music by trumpet legend Henry Lowther and director Scott Stroman.
Time: 3.30 - 6PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £10 / Students & UC beneficiaries £8
Ed Jones Quartet
Award-winning saxophonist and composer Ed Jones returns to the quartet format that first established his presence on the UK jazz scene over 30 years ago.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £18 / Vortex Members £16 / Students & UC beneficiaries £14
Leo Richardson Quartet
Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music Line-up: Leo Richardson – Saxophone Rick Simpson – Piano Dave Whitford – Double bass Joel Waters…
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17.50 / Vortex Members £15 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12.5
Procrastinators – New Year’s Party
Bringing in the New Year a day late has become a tradition at the Vortex since 2009. A welcome relief from the hustle and stress of most NYE parties – this one just wants you to relax, enjoy the music and ease yourself into the New Year with good company and normal prices!
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17 / Vortex Members £14 / Students & UC beneficiaries £10
Ian Shaw’s New Year’s Eve Bash
We are delighted to welcome back the multi-award winning Ian Shaw for his traditional New Year’s Eve performance.
John Etheridge and Blue Spirits
Beat the twixt Xmas/New Year blues with guitar legend John Etheridge and the Blue Spirits . Guaranteed to take you on soulful journey through Blues/Jazz and beyond encompassing all Etheridge’s well known eclecticism. Powered along by Pete Whittaker (organ) and George Double (drums).
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £19 / Vortex Members £17 / Students & UC beneficiaries £15
Ethan Iverson
Pianist, composer, and writer Ethan Iverson was a founding member of The Bad Plus, a game-changing collective with Reid Anderson and David King. The New York Times called TBP “Better than anyone at melding the sensibilities of post-60’s jazz and indie rock.”
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17.50 / Vortex Members £15 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12.5
Fundraiser For Jamaica
Following Hurricane Melissa which hit the coast of Jamaica on the 28th October this year, the Vortex Jazz Club will be hosting a concert on the 23rd December raising funds those affected.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £20 + (please consider donating more for the appeal)
Vortex Jam With Nick Costley-White
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £6 / Free entry for Vortex members & participating musicians
Mopomoso International Free Improvised Music
Come and join the fun! It’s the Mopomoso Solstice Party!!!
a gig full of around 40 brilliant musicians, performing short 5 – 7 minute sets put together in new formations.
Time: 12 - 5PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £8 / Students & UC beneficiaries £8
Annie Whitehead New 5tet
Trombonist Annie Whitehead is a key part of the UK jazz scene having worked with Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath, John Stevens, Dudu Pukwana, Evan Parker, Paul Dunmall Octet and more.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17.50 / Vortex Members £15 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12.5
An evening with Marlon the Pannist
Marlon the Pannist is a multi-award-winning steelpan musician, arranger, and educator from South East London. A three-time UK Pan Clash Champion Soloist (2018, 2019, 2021), Marlon is recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in contemporary steelpan performance.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17.50 / Vortex Members £15 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12.5
Percy Pursglove with the Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay (2nd Show)
The Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay returns to the Vortex with the extraordinary boundary-pushing improviser and exuberant large-scale composer Percy Pursglove, in a UK premiere of his latest ensemble work, originally commissioned by the Hamburg-based NDR big band.
Time: 9.30 - 11PM
Standard £18 / Vortex Members £16 / Students & UC beneficiaries £14
Percy Pursglove with the Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay (1st Show)
The Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay returns to the Vortex with the extraordinary boundary-pushing improviser and exuberant large-scale composer Percy Pursglove, in a UK premiere of his latest ensemble work, originally commissioned by the Hamburg-based NDR big band.
Time: 7.30 - 9PM
Standard £18 / Vortex Members £16 / Students & UC beneficiaries £14
Queer Jazz: Christmas Party Jam
Queer jazz will be finishing the year in style with a special Christmas Party Jam to celebrate a very queer year!
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £10 / 1st Tier £8 / Musicians, Students & UC beneficiaries £5
REMEMBERING DEREK: THURSTON MOORE & MARK WASTELL
Commemorating the twentieth anniversary of Derek Bailey’s passing, Thurston Moore and Mark Wastell pay homage to Derek’s memory, especially his celebrated guitar/percussion duos with fellow travellers John Stevens, Tony Oxley and Han Bennink.
Time: 6.30 - 8.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
Midweek Downstairs Jam
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set. First set from…
Julian Siegel Quartet
With the Julian Siegel Quartet, the BBC Jazz Award winning saxophonist and composer Julian Siegel can be heard alongside some of this generation’s most distinctive voices, creating an in-demand Quartet on the UK and European Jazz scene.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £12.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £10
Vortex Jam With Rick Simpson
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £6 / Free entry for Vortex members & participating musicians
Discotheque Tropicale
Discotheque Tropicale is a collective, event series and record label created to celebrate and generate interest in a range of borderless music and culture from around the world.
Time: 10 - 2AM
Standard Advance £10 / On the Door £12
Eddie Prevost, Binker Golding, Olie Brice – trio
Expect an evening of improvised music from a trio made up of three of the U.K’s most interesting improvisors.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £17.50 / Vortex Members £15 / Students & UC beneficiaries £12.5
Vortex Lates: Heidi Vogel
“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.
Time: 10 - 1AM
Standard £6 / Vortex Members £5
Mike De Souza Quintet – EP Launch: Schism
Schism represents the next stage in De Souza’s development as a composer and guitarist, showcasing a group whose long-term collaboration allows for both precision and openness.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
Dalston Song Club: Arun Thava
Arun Thava is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music captures the childlike wonder in all of us. With his direct lyricism and infectious melodies, Arun’s songs leave listeners feeling warm and understood.
Time: 6.45 - 8.30PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £6.25 / Students & UC beneficiaries £5
It’s In The Sea
First gig of Pete Wareham’s new band.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £18 / Vortex Members £16 / Students & UC beneficiaries £14
Oscar Lyons Quartet
Lyons is currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music and is working with some of the most innovative musicians on the scene. He leads an outstanding quartet, including saxophonist George Johnson, drummer Ananda Brandão and bassist Zaki Osahn.
Time: 6.45 - 8.30PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £6.25 / Students & UC beneficiaries £5
Johanna Burnheart
London-based German violinist and singer Johanna Burnheart carves her own niche with a distinctive blend of modal jazz and electronic soundscapes. Deeply influenced by the Berlin techno and house scene as well as modal jazz, Johanna’s music exists at the point where improvisation meets hypnotic rhythm.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £15 / Vortex Members £7.5 / Students & UC beneficiaries £6.25
Haffner/Fink Quintet
The Haffner/Fink Quintet will be bringing exciting original music written by Donovan and Laurel.
Time: 6.45 - 8.30PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £6.25
SAROST Trio – Larry Stabbins, Paul Rogers, Mark Sanders
Sarost is a trio comprising Mark Sanders Percussion, Paul Rogers Custom 7 String Bass and Larry Stabbins Saxophones, Bass Clarinet and Flutes.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £18 / Vortex Members £16 / Students & UC beneficiaries £14
Midweek Downstairs Jam
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set. First set from…
Vortex Jam with Riley Stone-Lonergan
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.
Time: 7.45 - 10.30PM
Standard £6 / Free entry for Vortex members & participating musicians
London Jazz Orchestra Vortex Sessions
Have you ever experienced a superb big band at close quarters? Directed by Scott Stroman, the LJO’s monthly Sessions are the place to experience powerful soloists and great new writing at close quarters. The LJO was born with the club, together creating what is now London’s longest jazz residency.
Time: 3.30 - 6PM
Standard £12.50 / Vortex Members £10 / Students & UC beneficiaries £8
Vortex Lates: Karl Bos
Karl Bos soundtracks a late-night jazz dance downstairs at The Vortex.
The DJ, curator and broadcaster runs jazz-ish East London live night Deeper Cuts, and hosts a long-running Soho Radio show of the same name.
Time: 10 - 2AM
Advance £5 / On The Door £7