Sultan Stevenson is one of the most exciting young jazz musicians in London today, and a firm favourite at The Bear. He played one of his first gigs outside London here back in 2023, the same year he received a Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Newcomer.

Graduating from The Guildhall School of Music in 2023, he draws inspiration from the greats of jazz piano, including McCoy Tyner, Kennie Kirkland, and Herbie Hancock. Drawing from their legacy, he crafts a modern sound that remains accessible yet deeply personal, incorporating ideas of faith and identity.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Happy Shark are back for another great night of comedy with an incredible line up!

With Paul Foot, Josh Weller, Wilson Milton and Ben Van Der Velde (MC).

Doors 7pm / Start time 8pm

We're bookending 2025 at The Bear Club with Cody Lee, who, having opened the year back in February, returns with a new show, a new lineup, and even a new name.

Cody is a versatile piano player and vocalist, wise beyond his years of playing. Whether it's jazz, foot-stomping boogie-woogie, down-and-dirty blues, piano-pumping rock 'n' roll, or swing, you can expect a riveting show.

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

A welcome return to The Bear for this awesome trio, whose last show here was a spellbinding, sold-out affair. They incorporate instrumental virtuosity and three-part vocal harmony, which adds a unique dimension to their sound, creating an uplifting take on the infectious rhythms of Brazil and Cuba.

They have released five albums and work regularly in the London jazz scene and across the UK, performing at prestigious venues including Ronnie Scott’s, The Stables, and the 606 Club.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Recognised by peers and audiences alike, Big Mama’s Door is one of the UK’s most engaging and entertaining rhythm and blues bands. With their distinctive blend of sultry 1950s R'n'B, soul, and a hint of jazz, they bring a rare combination of professionalism, charisma, and pure joy to every performance.

The band’s eclectic mix of originals and vintage covers is delivered with authenticity, soul, and steeped in the traditions of Blue Note, Chess, and Atlantic Records, creating music that feels timeless.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

The Thumping Tommys return for their annual Christmas romp at The Bear.

This UK-based bluegrass and folk band always tear the roof off with their heady brew of barn-storming, blues-infused Irish, American, and English folk music. Known for their original compositions, as well as unique cover versions of an eclectic mix of songs from the folk and blues canon, they have made their mark on the club and festival circuit all over Europe. 

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

We have a special New Year’s Eve Eve treat for you this year…

Renowned keyboardist, songwriter, and producer Luke Smith has worked with the greats, from George Michael, Amy Winehouse, and Yusuf / Cat Stevens to Roy Ayers and Chaka Khan.

Expect an unforgettable night of progressive jazz from Luke’s acclaimed album It’s Time, featuring special guests including the powerhouse vocalist Hildia Campbell.

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

We start the year at The Bear Club after a well-earned break with tenor sax maestro Fraser Smith who joins with his crack quartet.

With a focus on swing and the straight ahead, he channels the sound and language of the big tenor men like Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray and Illinois Jacquet. His music harks back to the golden ages of jazz, from 40s Kansas City through to 60s New York whilst managing also to be bang up to date.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Ever since John Peel’s legendary producer John Walters declared Errol Linton the "future of British blues" back in 1993, this Brixton-born bluesman has been plying his trade and perfecting his art both at home and across the world.

After thirty years as a singer, songwriter, and one of the world's best harmonica players, Errol and his exceptional band are still amongst the hardest working groups in Britain, performing shows around the capital at least four times a week.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

We loved his debut performance at The Bear in February ‘25 and couldn’t wait to get him back.

Scott Lavene is as English as pork pies and pasties, dunked biscuits in Yorkshire tea. Last year’s album Disneyland in Dagenham was full of Essex, East End poetry, and classic English post punk. Following extensive touring including many sold-out shows, Scott is back with another album entitled, descriptively enough, “Cars, Buses, Bedsits and Shops”, an album bursting with more dark humour, snapshots of squalor and cheek, and more of Scott’s unique love songs.

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

Dylan LeBlanc is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who plays hauntingly atmospheric Americana.

Coming from a French and Cajun background, he grew up living what he has called a “vagabond life” between Texas, New Orleans and Muscle Shoals, Alabama .

We are thrilled to welcome Dylan to The Bear Club for what promises to be an intimate solo performance by a renowned story-teller, a fine songwriter and an awesome guitar player.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Travis has been a member of the classic band Soft Machine for 20 years, and also worked with Robert Fripp, David Gilmour, David Sylvian, Steven Wilson, John Etheridge, Gong, Mick Karn and Keith Tippett. He has performed at Ronnie Scott’s more than 75 times and has released 2 albums with Double Talk, both critically and popularly acclaimed.

This will be an evening of passionate music and haunting instrumental songs from one of Britain’s top saxophonists and flautists and his band.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

We are delighted to welcome Brigid Mae Power to The Bear Club. Widely recognised as a purveyor of dreamy pop with a hauntingly beautiful voice, Brigid Mae’s music is a unique marriage of the traditional and the very modern.

Her voice has something of the dream-like quality of (say) Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star), Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins) or even Tracey Thorn (Everything But The Girl) while musical influences range from traditional Irish music to American country & western, bluegrass, jazz and vintage pop. She sings breath-taking songs underpinned by her gorgeous vocal.

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

My Darling Clementine are one of the leadings lights of the UK Americana / Alt.Country movement. Their perfect, timeless Country stylings are influenced by the classic duos of the 60s and 70s like Tammy Wynette and George Jones or Johnny Cash and June Carter.

For what began life as a bit of a side project for Michael Weston King & Lou Dalgleish, a labour of love, My Darling Clementine has grown and grown, and to some degree, has even overtaken the solo careers of its two main protagonists.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

This new project explores the beginnings of bebop, when New York’s 52nd Street was buzzing with the new music and the first generation of modern jazz musicians was turning the music world on its head.

Led by sax master Tony Kofi and with Andy Davies (trumpet) Alex Webb (piano), and a superb rhythm section, the band play the great pieces that have since been neglected, by composers such as Tadd Dameron, Fats Navarro and Bud Powell – though of course there are also classic tunes by the leaders of the movement, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie.

This will be a hell of a Valentine’s Night…

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

We welcome back Izzie Yardley to The Bear Club two years almost to the day since her stunning debut.

Raised on a musical diet of Miles Davis, Carole King, Van Morrison, Nick Drake, John Martyn, and James Taylor and now based in Somerset, Yardley’s music is a free-flowing braided river of classical, folk and jazz.

With vivid guitar figures, rolling drums, and warm bass lines she sings with a studied introspection and melodies that linger into the late-night hours. She has shared stages with This Is The Kit, Jesca Hoop, Caoilfhionn Rose, and The Brother Brothers, while headlining her own shows across the UK. 

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

We’re delighted to welcome Stevie Watts back to The Bear Club with his own band The Whirlybirds having played many times as part of Connor Selby’s band and with Alice Armstrong.

Stevie Watts, was awarded the ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ award at the UK Blues Awards 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the finest Hammond organ players in the UK.

The Whirlybirds is a new name for the trio comprising Stevie Watts (Secret Affair, Steve Winwood), Grant Allardyce (drums) and Olly Knight Smith (guitar) and they deliver a powerful blend of vintage funk and deep soul drenched grooves driven by the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Thrilled to welcome Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year winner, Emma Smith whose star is most definitely on the rise. With diverse and extensive experience performing everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall in London to the world’s leading jazz clubs, it’s no wonder that Emma’s shows are fast becoming the hottest ticket in town.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Iain Lee and Katherine Boyle are bringing their brand of organised chaos back to The Bear Club for the first time in... oh... ages.

Brace yourself for their brand new Compendium of Games; a night of pure fun, frolics, and purile tomdickery.

Doors 7pm / Start time 8pm

Owen Snider’s music is contemporary jazz guitar — lyrical and exploratory, grounded in groove and harmonic colour.

With influences ranging from Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter to Mark Turner and Joe Henderson, Owen’s compositions reflect a love of both harmony and storytelling. On stage, his playing balances detail and spontaneity, shaped as much by the moment and his bandmates as by the written material.

His quartet brings together some of the most talented musicians on the UK jazz scene, including Duncan Eagles (tenor saxophone), Jonny Wickham (double bass) and young drumming sensation Luke McCarthy. 

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Greg Coulson is a multi-talented British musician and engaging singer-songwriter, whose work covers classic rock, quality pop, blues, funk, and jazz. His annual sold-out shows at The Bear Club are legendary and not to be missed….

A noted talent on both keyboards and guitar, Greg’s heart lies firmly within songwriting and draws inspiration from his heroes: Steely Dan, Randy Newman, Little Feat, Ray Charles, Booker T, and Dr. John. He and his band have long been favourites at The Bear and are sure to deliver an unforgettable live performance that tugs at the heartstrings.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Nick Welsh played his first professional gig in July 1977 at The Roxy club in London the same week he was pictured on the front cover of the Melody Maker !

Nick began writing & recording as King Hammond in 1986 at the same time he was the bassist in Bad Manners and has worked with & produced music for some of the legends of Ska & Reggae music ; Prince Buster, Laurel Aitken, Dave Barker, Rico Rodriguez, Susan Cadogan, Judge Dread & Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

Tonight Nick will be sharing some of his many stories from nearly 50 years in the business interspersed with some of his classic tracks. He will be joined by Richard Wayler on percussion and backing vocals.

Doors: 7pm/ Music: 8pm

Clark Tracey returns to The Bear, having sold the place out on his last visit. Clark has been at the forefront of British jazz for over 40 years since joining his distinguished father Stan Tracey's bands in 1978.

His quintet features award-winning pianist Dave Newton and superb bassist Andrew Cleyndert. They will be joined on saxophone by not just one, but two renowned players—Art Themen and Simon Allen.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

The Hanging Stars are guitarist/vocalist Richard Olson, drummer Paulie Cobra, guitarist/keyboardist Patrick Ralla and bassist Paul Milne.

They have been making total waves in the cosmic country world ever since they burst on to the London scene with their unique blend of sun-dappled west coast Americana and distinctly British folksy psychedelia - all shimmering twelve string guitars, twangy telecasters and four part vocal harmonies.

They played an awesome set at The Bear Club in November 2023 and we’re thrilled to have them back.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

The Deadlians are an absolutely phenomenal Dublin-based band with a cult following who play a heady mix of folk and punk rock with a touch of psychedelia tying it all together.

With thumping drums, a humming synth, evocative guitars and bucket loads of inventive vocal ornamentation, The Deadlians started in 2019 as a four piece and are now a fully-fledged Irish trad-psych-punk-rock five-piece.

One of Ireland's best kept secrets and one not to be missed…

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

Mark Harrison is a multi-award-nominated singer-songwriter, storyteller and guitarist with a reputation for being unlike any other artist out there. He and his band perform all-original songs in his own very individual style, with elements of rock, folk, blues and Americana.

Mark is widely considered one of the UK’s top roots guitarists, with a very distinctive style on resonator, 12-string, slide and electric guitars. His band also comprises fantastic rhythm section Charles Benfield on double/electric bass and harmonies and Ben Welburn on drums and percussion.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Martin Harley blends americana, blues, and folk and for three decades, he’s captivated audiences and recorded acclaimed albums in Texas, Nashville, and Wales, earning praise as one of the UK’s top roots musicians.

His sold-out shows at venues like London’s Union Chapel and appearances at Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall highlight his dynamic stage presence. Tonight Martin plays solo in the up close and intimate environment of The Bear Club. One not to be missed…

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

Aberdeen's finest, GJB are an internationally acclaimed blues-rock outfit and they are charging into 2026 with a new weapon in their arsenal-frontman and powerhouse vocalist, Nicky Aiken.

The Gerry Jablonski Band are one of Scotland's must-see live acts, delivering explosive, high-energy shows wrapped in gritty blues power. And they still offer their trademark challenge: If you don't enjoy the show, tell them afterwards - and they'll give you your money back - honest !

Doors 7pm/ Music 8.30pm

We’re thrilled to welcome Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize winner Jonny Mansfield to The Bear Club. Jonny plays vibraphone like no-one else and is critically regarded as one of the UK’s most original jazz voices, having been nominated for an Ivor Novello Award and a Parliamentary Jazz Award, as well as receiving the Tebbut Exhibition Award, Richard Turner Award and the Royal Academy of Music’s Principals Prize.

Mansfield is joined by some killer players for his quartet - Will Barry (piano), Will Sach (bass) and Luke McCarthy (drums). His latest album Light Finds a Way In, was released in November 2025.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Brooke Law is a new but exciting voice on the British Americana scene and we are delighted to welcome her to The Bear Club for the first time. She plays and sings soulful rock music which is delivered in her distinctive gutsy voice - think Alanis Morissette perhaps...

Brooke is known for bringing energy and power to her live performances and she performs tonight with her full band.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

We welcome not one but two of the finest jazz guitarists in Britain to The Bear Club for what should be a very special night.

We are thrilled to bring these two stalwarts of the British jazz scene together at The Bear Club and they will be joined by the dream team rhythm section of Steve Brown on drums and Jeremy Brown on bass.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

We’re excited to bring Richard Clarke to The Bear Club. Richard is a London-based blues artist, known for his intricate guitar work and stirring vocals, with nearly two decades of experience performing across Europe.

Influenced by blues legends John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and BB King, Richard delivers a signature blend of blues, R&B, soul, and pop. His live performances combine melodic guitar work with infectious grooves and we think you’re going to love him.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Cambridge's acclaimed psych-folk quintet Fuzzy Lights play The Bear Club for the first time having recently put out their fifth album 'Fen Creatures' to huge acclaim.

Musically, they have pushed deeper into experimental drone territories while maintaining the crystalline folk sensibilities that have become their signature. The result is their most atmospheric and immersive work to date, with vast sonic landscapes that mirror the fenland geography they're documenting.

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

We are delighted to welcome The Soul Music Collective back to The Bear Club for a night of classic soul.

They celebrate the music of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder and, with over 40 songs in their repertoire, there will definitely be something for everyone to dance along to.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Brown Horse make twangy and thoughtful indie rock, delicately arranged, but unafraid of building a yowling wall of guitars, accordion, banjo and pedal steel when the need arises….

Distorted, teary-eyed and country-tinged, this is music for long lonely drives and late, late nights in strange places. Their debut album, Reservoir, was released in January 2024 to overwhelming critical acclaim and the follow up “All The Right Weaknesses” represented a leap forward in their sound. Rockier, more robust and more muscular.

Join us to see and hear where this fine band might be going next…

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

Kris Drever is among Scotland’s most acclaimed and distinctive contemporary musicians, celebrated for his warm voice, virtuosically expressive guitar playing, and imaginative, evocative songwriting.

Raised in the Orkney Islands, he has carved out a unique place at the intersection of traditional folk and modern acoustic music—both as a solo artist and as one-third of the award-winning trio Lau.

Support is from fantastic singer-songwriter Annie Dressner.

Doors 7pm / Music 8pm

Hollie Rogers is a singer-songwriter from Cornwall whose annual shows at The Bear Club are always a huge hit. Her expressive voice, sharp lyrical instincts and percussive, guitar-led sound have earned her a dedicated and ever-growing following.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading and Blondie, she crafts songs that blend emotional depth with an unmistakably playful charm. She joins us with her full band.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Kent born singer-songwriter Sorrel Nation returns after a storming show last year with her soulful mix of folk rock and Americana, with powerful vocals and haunting melodies.

She combines emotive, heartfelt lyrics with 70s-inspired style and a gorgeous soulful voice that totally cuts through. Highly recommended.

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm

Jazz Sabbath is a jazz trio that plays new jazz arrangements of Black Sabbath songs (although the band presents itself tongue-in-cheek as a jazz trio founded in 1968 and the original authors of the tracks later made famous by Black Sabbath..).

Helmed by pianist Adam Wakeman (Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne since 2004), Jazz Sabbath explores the boundaries between jazz and the songs that defined heavy metal, revisiting existing jazz riffs and discovering new ones…

Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm