Big Bear Music

19/11/2025

🎷💥 40 years on the road and still swingin’!

Catch King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys bringing the jump-jive groove to Huntingdon Hall on 19 September 2025. Don’t miss out! 🎤✨

🎟️ Grab your tickets here: https://purchase.worcestertheatres.co.uk/ChooseSeats/2563

05/11/2025

Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival
🏆 WINNER: Festival Or Event Of The Year — Birmingham Awards 2025

Big Bear Music is thrilled to announce that the 41st Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, led by our very own Jim Simpson, has been crowned Festival Or Event Of The Year at the Birmingham Awards 2025!

This year’s festival brought 178 performances to 101 venues across the West Midlands, and nearly every one was free to enjoy. Together, we welcomed over 64,000 guests to celebrate the joy of jazz and blues! 🎷🎶

A massive thank you to our incredible bands, artists, volunteers, partners, and, of course, our audience whose energy and love for music are at the heart of what makes this festival so special. Here’s to celebrating ‘real music, properly played’, community, and 41 years of jazz and blues magic!✨

#2025

29/10/2025

🎤 TIPITINA 🎤
…coming to Market Harborough this April!

Don’t miss your chance to see this ‘barnstorming live act’ as praised by Rock’n’Roll magazine🔥

🎟️Tickets are LIVE and selling fast - only 34 available!

Whether you’re a jazz lover or a blues fan looking for a swing-filled evening, or just want a fun night out with friends, Tipitina promises a show you won’t forget.💃

Tag your jazz & blues crew in the comments!🎷🎸

16/09/2025

🌟Interview with author D.G. Torrens🌟

Birmingham based author, D.G. Torrens, recently interviewed Jim Simpson about his life and his work, including Black Sabbath, the evolution of jazz over the past half century, lessons learnt over the span of his career and thoughts on an ever-changing music industry.

For an insightful and warming read, check it out here:

FOUNDER BIG BEARRECORDS DIRECTORBIRMINGHAMJAZZ FESTIVALBIO:JIM SIMPSON, 87: A Lifelong Champion of Music and Birmingham stands as a towering figure in British music. He founded Big Bear Records in 1968.The name was inspired by his nickname from legendary Radio One DJ John peel. Jim helped shaped the...

14/07/2025

📢 JOB VACANCY 📢
Big Bear Music and Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival are recruiting for a full time, permanent staff member to support all areas of the company’s administration and marketing.
Send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
A full job description is available here:https://www.bigbearmusic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Big-Bear-Music-Group-Project-Coordinator-Job-Description.pdf

03/07/2025

Day one of The Visit Of Oz is finally here — and it’s gonna be wild!
Get ready for heavy riffs and grooving beats, all guaranteed to move your feet! Honestly, you’d be nuts to miss this.
Here’s what’s in store for Tonight:
 5 PM: Smokin’ Eskimo gets The Brasshouse groovin’.
 5:30 PM: The Uptown Jukes tear it up at Snobs Bar.
 7 PM: Chickenbone John & Harmonica Dave jam at The Barrel Store.
 7:30 PM: Back On The Road keeps it rolling at Wednesbury Library.
 7:30PM:Join Santu, A week full Of Mondays and Montarray at The Victoria (£8 advance, £10 OTD)
 8 PM: Hang with Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band at The Lord Clifden.
 8:30 PM: Finish strong with The Shufflepack back at Snobs Bar.
So, round up your crew, grab a drink, and let’s make some stories worth telling. See ya out there! And if you see a programme, snag it! It’s your guide to catching all the best shows.
⚠️Important: Rich Dickinson’s Driving Force will no longer be performing at Nortons as originally scheduled ⚠️

27/06/2025

From deep harmonica riffs to electrifying guitar licks, this Friday’s gig at Barton’s Arms is your ticket to a full-bodied blues experience with Honeyboy Hickling and a band of true masters.
A regular top draw at our shows

Free admission
Doors 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drinks from 6 till 9

26/06/2025

In a 30-year career, harmonica player and singer, Honeyboy Hickling spent three years touring with Steve Marriott, recording with Bo Diddley and a whole lot more. He’s joined by Tony Baylis (Trevor Burton, Chicken Shack and Steve Gibbons Band) and Frank Walker (Flying Hat Band and Glenn Tipton).
Collectively they’ve played with the greats – now they’re playing for you. Don’t miss Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band as they light up The Barton’s Arms with top-shelf blues this Friday, June 27th.
Free admission
Doors at 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drink from 6 till 9

25/06/2025

Step into a world of post-war Chicago blues, British grit, and timeless groove. Honeyboy and his all-star band will take over Barton’s Arms this Friday for a night of raw energy and musical mastery.
With him is guitar legend Bob Wilson (Idle Race, Ruby Turner, Steve Gibbons Band and many more)

Free admission
Doors at 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drink from 6 till 9

25/06/2025

Tonight’s the night!

Get ready for an evening of refined swing and heartfelt interpretations. Roy Forbes, praised as “a master of his trade,” invites you into his world of music, where every note tells a story, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham.
“Is there a better male jazz singer in this country? Probably not. Roy Forbes is a master of his trade” - Birmingham Mail

Free admission
Live music from 6 to 8pm
Special Offer: 30% off all drinks during the event

24/06/2025

Honeyboy Hickling Bluesband isn’t just another blues act – they’re a powerhouse of legends. With members who’ve rocked with Chicken Shack, Idle Race, and Glenn Tipton, this is a band that lives and breathes the blues. Catch them live on Friday, June 27th at The Barton’s Arms.

Free admission
Doors at 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drink from 6 till 9

24/06/2025

Renowned for his rich voice and magnetic stage presence, Roy Forbes delivers a jazz concert like no other. Join us for a night filled with rhythm, emotion, and unforgettable melodies tomorrow night (Wednesday 25th June) at the Delta Hotel By Mariott Birmingham.
Free admission
Live music from 6 to 8pm
Special Offer: 30% off all drinks during the event