Derby’s new speakeasy bar to host weekly live jazz nights - and tickets only cost £5

A new series of jazz nights in Derby is set to be a hit with locals in the coming weeks.

The weekly jazz nights will start on Thursday, November 23, and will play every Thursday until December 21. This a welcome addition to the entertainment scene in Derby, timed to coincide with the festive season.

The jazz nights will be held at Sixteen Speakeasy Bar in Derby city centre at the site that was formerly Zizzi.

The new venue at 16 Friar Gate is not currently open. It is set to welcome Derbiens on Saturday, November 18.

The jazz nights will primarily showcase the diversity of talented musicians based across the East Midlands and could include bands from further afield on future dates.

Gary Reader one of the organisers of the jazz series is hopeful and passionate it will bring some cool vibes to the city.

He said: “I think I’ve put together an exciting and varied programme. We’re offering excellent music in a very nice, centrally located bar.

“We’ve made the admission price very reasonable at just £5, which will fund the music.”

Speaking about motivations behind the jazz night launch, Gary said: “I really hope people get behind it.

“Derby seems to have been through a tough time in some ways, judging from the many negative comments I read on social media, so it’s time to get off our backsides and support ventures like this one.

“The life of a city, just like life itself, is what we make it.”

“What have you got to lose?”

Organisers say they have purposefully made the jazz nights accessible, with the £5 price point and the welcoming culture of jazz that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Gary said: “The music is diverse and accessible, which means you don’t necessarily have to be steeped in jazz history to enjoy the atmosphere of a jazz night.

“And with the admission price at only a fiver, what are you going to lose?”

People will also be able to enjoy food such as burgers, hotdogs and drinks while listening to live music.

Gary added: “We want to create a relaxed atmosphere where you can drink and chat, with some excellent live music. All we ask is that those who attend refrain from overly loud conversations during performances.”

Here are dates of live jazz nights at Sixteen Speakeasy Bar Derby

November 23

Launch night will see music from a virtuoso guitarist from Leicester.

He has been inspired by the popular and highly accessible style of Django Reinhardt, playing classic tunes from the swing era with his Hot Club Quartet.

November 30

Organiser Gary, who is also an acclaimed musician, will be leading a quartet.

Expect good music from Mike Sole, a world class pianist from Leicester, Wayne Matthews on electric bass and David Anderson on the drums.

They will be playing 1960s jazz that was originally released on the Blue Note and Impulse record labels.

December 7

The Dreamscape Trio will play a more contemporary style of jazz, influenced by drum ‘n’ bass and hip hop in a style reminiscent of Robert Glasper.

December 14

Muntu Valdo will be playing Sawa Blues which is a sophisticated blend of musical styles including Bossa Nova, reggae and more.

Sawa refers to the community which populates Cameroon’s coastline, from where he hails, and after stints in Paris and London, he has now settled in the East Midlands.

December 21

The grand finale night of the series, and the last one this year, will see Ooblek perform.

They are a seven-piece band playing a fusion of soul, funk, blues, rock and gospel.

This Derby based jazz funk outfit have been featured across various channels including BBC, and will no doubt entertain Derby crowds too.