  FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT:
TRIBUTE TO BILLIE HOLIDAYFriday 2 May at 1930
Billie Holiday was a prostitute, a drinker, a drug addict - and one of the greatest singers the world has ever seen. In a live broadcast from Cheltenham Town Hall, the BBC Concert Orchestra, directed by jazz supremo Guy Barker and Mike Dixon, features in a one-off evening of jazz theatre dedicated to the life of Billie Holiday. Special guests include Dempsey & Makepeace star, Michael Brandon narrating, plus Juliet Roberts, Liane Carroll and Hazel Fernandes.
 See our photos from the concert
 BBC BIG BAND WITH NICOLA CONTESaturday 3 May at 1630
The Nicola Conte Jazz Combo joins the BBC Big Band for a spot of afternoon clubbing at the Everyman Theatre. Expect a mix of Bossa Nova, big band and acid jazz, with a dash of Conte's passion for 60's Italian film scores thrown in for good measure.
What else is on?With a huge range of music on offer, Cheltenham has become a key date on the international jazz calendar. There is something for all music fans, with an eclectic mix of events crammed into seven days. From chart-topping stars and jazz legends to the finest cutting edge music, it combines the best music on the jazz scene today with an accessible programme.
The festival opens with legendary performances by Eartha Kitt and Van Morrison; other highlights include Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, Gilles Peterson, Heritage Orchestra, Mr Scruff, Soweto Kinch, Bill Frisell, Jack DeJohnette, Ruby Turner, Roberto Fonseca and Cleo Laine with John Dankworth.
To find out more visit the official Cheltenham Jazz Festival website or download the Festival Podcast.
6 MUSIC HUB SESSIONS |
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