Pepper and the Jellies – There are plenty of free gigs during the Birmingham Jazz and Blues festival week. Italy’s wonderfully monikored Pepper and the Jellies kick things off at The Blue Piano’s festival launch party and throughout the weekend, playing classic and contemporary jazz with a focus on the great female voices from Bessie Smith to Victoria Spivey.
Sat 16 Jul 6.30pm at Birmingham Art Gallery’s Edwardian Tea Room and Sun 17 Jul at Park Regis. More details here

Little Jo and the Misfits – Playing songs from the 1920s to modern day classics of rockabilly, blues, jazz and jive, perfect lunchtime listening pleasure for the discerning patron with a toe tapping penchant.
Fri 15 Jul 12.30pm at The Mailbox, Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1XL. More info: here

The Broombusters (pictured) – Charlie Wolfman brings his Broombusters to the festival playing reggae, ska and blues. 40 years in the business and one time member of 80s disco chart toppers the J.A.L.N Band, Kaufman’s boys know how to get a party started. The Arcadian is a great place to chill outside a bar and watch live music.
Fri 15 Jul 5pm at The Arcadian, Hurst Street, B5 4TD www.thebroombusters.com

Les Zauto Stompers – The long standing French trad-jazz geezers are the perfect beer drinking accompaniment to your Saturday night, no sophisticated free form jazz action here just simple stomping Chris Barber-esque fun.
Sat Jul 16 8pm at The Wellington, Bennetts Hill, B2 5SN More info: here