Summer of Funk

Macka B "the Teacher" is one of Britain's most influential reggae artists — a Rastaman with compassion and over 4 decades in the game. Known worldwide for his conscious lyrics and his viral Cucumba rap which received hundreds of millions of views.

A Leicester-based collective that's swept through the Midlands music scene, cultivating a sound that seamlessly blends shades of Neo-Soul, R&B and Blues into a movement that's set to alter the landscape.

A Leicestershire funk and jazz-fusion project founded by Alex Liptrot in 2022. Direct Injection aim to evoke a strong sense of rhythm and groove through punchy drums, interlocking bass, soulful keys and funky guitar.

Indie-rock meets jazz-fusion in Delaner. Hailing from Liverpool, the quintet is known for their powerful vocals, melodic guitar lines and the jazz-fusion keys of acclaimed concert pianist Matthew Jones. Expect a stripped-back yet energetic set of originals, with powerful choruses and catchy melodies not to be missed.

Cong-Fusion are a group of musicians who perform original tunes written and composed by Ryan McCaffrey. He began writing the music in 2006 while studying at what is now known as the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He performed these tunes at La Raza in Cambridge and, as a direct result from one of these first performances, Ryan was asked to arrange his tunes for NYJO. Since then, they have performed in many formats and with a variety of different members. While living in London the Ryan McCaffrey Sessions jam session was born, which featured musicians including established names from the UK jazz scene.

Featured on BBC Introducing. Three star rating in Jazzwise magazine. Cover feature in Indie Post magazine. Featured in Plastic magazine. Playlisted on Jazz Jon Messenger's Inner-Visions show for Kane FM, Totally Wired Radio, Cardiff Radio, Mi-Soul Radio, Hayes FM, Get Loose Radio, Solar Radio, Switch Radio and the Ronnie Scott's Radio Show on Jazz FM.

Having met at the University of Manchester over their shared love for jazz fusion, aspiring jazz musicians Lewis Diggins, Matthew Jones, Ruben Upton, and Agamveer Sethi draw inspiration from the likes of Takanaka and CASIOPEA. The Manchester-based quartet brings an energetic mash-up of an unforgettable era of Japanese jazz fusion. Expect virtuosity, musicality, and groove!

A hugely popular Leicester-based Latin band known for blending energetic Latin rhythms with contemporary pop influences. Their sound mixes salsa, cumbia, merengue, reggaeton, and Latin pop into upbeat, dance-oriented music with strong melodic hooks and lively percussion — celebrating rich cultural influences, festive energy, and the spirit of world music.

One of Leicester's most renowned Latin groups, Sofrito's sound goes beyond their influencia Cubana. Outstanding vocals and powerful lead guitar combine with a frankly brilliant rhythm section for an unmissable show of musicianship and talent.