It is a big year for the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, as it turns 40. Originally established by Mike Hart the guitarist and bajo-player. The aim in the beginning was to bring traditional jazz to pubs across Edinburgh for free. In the 80s some ticketed events were added into the mix and mainstream jazz and swing were showcased too. In time, a Princes Street parade was added into the mix and free events at both Princess Street Gardens and the Grassmarket. Then followed the blues side of thing in Slateford at the Caledonian Brewery.
A Princes Street parade was established, and free events in the Grassmarket and Princes Street Gardens. A blues weekend centred on the Caledonian Brewery in Slateford was added. The administration became professional and significant sponsorship, especially from brewery companies, helped the Festival to present many major international names from the worlds of classic and swing jazz.
Although no artists and performers have been announced for the event in 2018, you can be sure it will be a big deal with a plethora of big names from the world of jazz and blues.
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