JAZZ, BLUES
AND EVERYTHING
IN BETWEEN
An intimate jazz and blues club in the heart of Luton, showcasing the best in jazz, blues, roots and alternative music.
SEE IT SOON…
Hot off the heels of her debut at Ronnie Scott’s, we are excited to welcome back Kirstin Knight to The Bear Club almost exactly two years to the day since her sold out debut.
A commanding presence on stage and a voice rich in soul, control and storytelling, Kirstin Elsadie Knight is the driving force behind her live band, Elsadie and The Bobcats. Blending jazz, neo-soul, pop and blues, her sound feels right at home on a stage built for true live music lovers.
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm
Burning Rope is the new band formed by former Catfish members Paul Long and Adam Pyke, with superb blues rock guitarist Alex Voysey and Mitch Weaving (who also toured several times with Catfish) on drums.
The band is born out of family tragedy and loss following the death in October 2024 from cancer of the Catfish frontman Matt Long, and a desire by other members of the band to continue playing music. They’ll be performing some of Paul’s songs from Catfish and previous bands, plus new material written over the past year, together with a few unusual covers.
Doors 7pm/ Music 8.30pm
Harry Brunt has rapidly established himself as an important new voice on the UK jazz scene. An experienced performer with an impressive list of appearances, in addition to his work with his own quartet, Harry is a co-leader of the award winning group, Howl Quartet.
Tonight the quartet will be showcasing music from their debut EP Carolina Peaches featuring the considerable talents of Billy Marrows (guitar), Flo Moore (bass) & Rod Oughton (drums),
Doors 7pm/ Music 8.30pm
Led by saxophonist Rob Mach, Jazz Jam welcomes musicians, vocalists, dancers, and music lovers who enjoy spending an afternoon listening to or creating great music, supported by DJ Mr Jazzy Vibes.
Doors 1pm / Music 2pm
You might have caught Henry Grace play when he supported Dylan Le Blanc at The Bear Club in February and we’re thrilled to have him back with his own band for this show.
Grace plays fine guitar-led rock with a definite Americana leaning having recently returned from living in California for 5 years. He’s back on home soil and kicking up a storm with latest album Things Are Moving All Around Me getting excellent reviews.
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm
Delighted to have acclaimed New York trumpeter Joe Magnarelli play The Bear Club for the first time.
For over three decades, Joe Magnarelli has been recognized as one of the world’s leading trumpet players. One of the most in demand on the New York scene, he has played with everyone from Lionel Hampton, Ray Baretto and Brother Jack McDuff to Harry Connick Jr, Mel Torme, Liberace and Aretha Franklin…
He joins pianist Sean Fyfe and his fiery trio with Jeremy Brown on bass and Mark Taylor on drums.
This should be some night !
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm
Delighted to welcome back The Rosellys to The Bear Club having last played here back in 2022.
Influenced by artists like Chris Stapleton, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Gram Parsons & James Taylor to name a few, it’s clear The Rosellys have an absolute love for alternative country music.
This is a true family band - led by life partners Dr Rebecca Rosellys (guitar, vocals, banjo) and Simon Rosellys (guitar, fiddle, vocals), along with Simon’s dad Allan Kelly (pedal steel/accordion) and father/son Matt Kirby (bass) and George Kirby (drums).
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm
A highly individual pianist and composer, Zoe Rahman’s style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste. A MOBO Award winner, Mercury Prize nominee and Ivor Novello Award winner, she has become a highly sought-after musician on the international jazz scene.
Rahman presents music from her new album “Hull Suite Live” with her world-class jazz trio, featuring drummer Gene Calderazzo (Pharoah Sanders, Randy Brecker) and bassist Alec Dankworth (Abdullah Ibrahim, Dave Brubeck).
Doors 7pm/ Music 8.30pm
Founded in 2014 and voted one of the top 25 jazz clubs in the world by All About Jazz, The Bear Club is many things—including a world-class jazz club.
To the many loyal people who have supported us along the way, it is a home away from home. A cosy, safe space with a welcoming vibe where you can be with friends or on your own and always be sure of a great time. To the artists who play here, we provide a beautiful sounding, custom-made room for live performance and an audience that shows respect for the music while also wanting to have a good time.
We are an intimate, fiercely independent, grassroots music venue thriving against the odds to provide the best in jazz, blues, Americana, folk, roots, and alternative music, together with comedy nights, drawing, spoken word, and dance.
An ever changing craft beer selection, cocktails, fine wine and hard liquor.
What our audience says…
“The biggest jewel in Luton's crown, by a long way. The customers and the musicians alike say this is the best place to play and hear live music. Staff add to the special atmosphere, they get to know you and take an interest.
Sit back in an armchair or bench in the corner or sit just a few feet from the musicians at a table. Enjoy a few drinks and some of the finest bands around. The Bear is special. The Bear is like a family.”
- Angus Gulliver ★★★★★
“What a delightful spot for some live music. Nice selection of specialist drinks, ample seating, good vibes.”
- Victoria Ben Haddou ★★★★★
“Fantastic club. A small happening place that is a must go. The vibe in the room is so spot on. You will be welcome there.”
- Duncan Round ★★★★★
“Absolutely amazing place. Great friendly and welcoming staff. Definitely will be coming back regularly…”
- José Ribeiro ★★★★★
“Fantastic venue, great atmosphere! Just loved it and can't wait to go back. Staff very lovely! Had a gorgeous sloe gin 😍 Highly recommend this place!”
- Laura Robinson ★★★★★
“A superb venue, great staff and excellent acoustics. An absolute must!”
- Brian Burgess ★★★★★
“It is an amazing little venue, with talented and exciting acts every weekend. If you are a jazz or blues fan it's a must. Worth going to even if you are far away.
Everyone is friendly, and the energy of the place makes everything come alive. The staff are wonderful. Management and owners really care about the experience for everyone.”
- Jamaika Chan ★★★★★
“An incredible quaint venue tucked behind a street in Luton. One of the friendliest atmospheres I have experienced at a jazz club, coupled with a great selection of bands and drinks. Long may it continue.”
- Matthew Watts ★★★★★
“Absolutely gorgeous place for a gig. Being a musician who travels globally, I see and perform at many venues, and this place is top drawer. We were looked after by the team so well, and the vibe was amazing. Highly recommended for anyone who loves live music.”
- SJM ★★★★★
“The Bear Club is still the best thing to come out of Luton in years. Amazing atmosphere, top acts, excellent vibe. Great selection of beers, supporting local breweries too. All round a top evening out, and a secret we need to hang on to, so please keep supporting the Bear...”
- George Mariner ★★★★★
“Cracking little venue, cool, intimate, friendly relaxed atmosphere. Staff were so friendly and welcoming including the manager. Will definitely be visiting again. Luton needs more of this.”
- Steve Hawkins ★★★★★
“An amazing venue, with carefully curated acts, great drinks and all in all, one of the best places you’ll find to enjoy jazz influenced music. Just go - you’ll not be disappointed!”
- Chris Leake ★★★★★
“Nothing quite like it for miles around. Even if you're not a fan of jazz, seeing acts live in a small, intimate venue like this, accompanied by fine beers and cocktails is quite the experience.”
- Nick Daniels ★★★★★
“My favourite place in Luton, great music and comedy nights. The music is predominantly blues or jazz and the monthly comedy nights generally have four comics with the headline act on last, I've seen the likes of Hal Cruttenden, Jack Dee, and Sean Walsh at recent shows.
It's an intimate venue which adds to its charm. Nothing on tap here and it’s only bar snacks, but they do change the brands regularly so it's always nice to try something different. Definitely give it a go at least once, you'll be hooked 😊”
- Justin Langdon ★★★★★
“Intimate, atmospheric and up close music venue, run by people who are committed to providing a space for musicians to perform. The space itself is very easy on the eye with low lighting and informal seating with small tables. Performers are literally just at floor level in the middle section of the room, making it feel very personal.
If you are looking for a place to go in Luton this venue is highly recommended. Can't wait to return.”
- Tony Griffiths ★★★★★
“Fabulous venue, lovely staff, brilliant bands. It’s great to hear live music. Absolutely recommend giving it a try.”
- Philomena Cordwell ★★★★★