THE JAKES LEG JUG BAND – LIVE IN SCARBOROUGH – MAY 2026

As we head towards the first half of 2026 being completed we are delighted to announce that our attendances at all venues are on the rise and we currently have more engagements than ever before. The Jake Leg Jug Band are on track to end this year with over 170 professional engagements.

My own band, Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers are securing bookings brilliantly, and I look forward to working more with trumpeter Rich Bennett and his New Orleans All Stars. All in all my diary for 2026 will end around with around 300 professional engagements in total.

2027 is already busy and 2028 is starting to fill.

My personal work includes playing banjo and guitar for not only The Jakes, and my own own bands, but I will be performing with trumpeter Rich Bennett and his New Oleans All Stars, also with clarinettist Paula Jackman, as well as working with trombone ace Ian Bateman – that will happen a few times this year – exciting stuff for me as I admire them all greatly!

The Jake Legs have a provisional dates in the diary for multiple performances at a festival in Denmark next summer (2027) – that will be announced in due course if we can make those dates work. Also, my own Lonesome Travellers already have some jazz clubs booked in for Denmark on a separate trip in September 2027, those will all be announced in due course.

You can find the forthcoming tour dates listed below for both myself (in organge) and for The Jake Leg Jug Band – or go to our websites to see the entire listings. Also some videos and images at the footer of this email

We really look forward to seeing you all again along the way!

WED 03 JUN 2026 – CAFE No 9 (SHEFFIELD)
7.30pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.cafe9sheffield.co.uk

​​THU 04 JUN 2026 – BLUES WITH BOTTLE (RAMSGATE, KENT)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets. @ The Honeysuckle Inn. www.blueswithbottleclub.co.uk

​FRI 05 JUN 2026 – FEZ (MARGATE, KENT)
7.30pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.facebook.com/p/Fez-Margate-100028549796578/?locale=en_GB

​​​​SAT 06 JUN 2026 – THE JAZZ CENTRE UK (SOUTHEND-ON-SEA)
2.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets @ Beecroft Art Gallery. www.thejazzcentreuk.co.uk

​​SUN 07 JUN 2026 – THE CHESTNUT TREE (WORCESTER)
6.00pm 2 x 45 min sets. www.facebook.com/TheChestnutInn

​​THU 11 JUN 2026 – THE BRISTOL FRINGE (BRISTOL)
8.30pm 2 x 45 min sets. www.thebristolfringe.co.uk

THU 11 JUN 2026 – THE BEEHIVE (SWINDON) – Warren James & Danny Blyth
9pm 2 x 45 min sets. www.bee-hive.co.uk/

​​​SAT 13 JUN 2026 – LEAF CREATIVE (HUNTLEY, GLOUCESTER)
10.00am 3 x 45 min sets. www.leafcreative.co.uk

SAT 13 JUN 2026 – THE OLD DUKE (BRISTOL) – Warren James and his Hit Parade Heroes
9pm 2 x 45 min sets. www.theoldduke.com

​SUN 14 JUN 2026 – KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL (DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY)
3.00pm 2 x 50 min sets. @ The Garret Hotel. www.kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk

​SUN 14 JUN 2026 – KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL (DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY)
7.00pm 2 x 50 min sets. @ Kirkcudbright Parish Church. www.kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk

THU 18 JUN 2026 – DRINGHOUSE JAZZ CLUB (YORK) – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
1pm 3 sets. www.facebook.com/groups/206967454788114/

​​​SAT 20 JUN 2026      WICKHAM BISHOPS JAZZ CLUB (ESSEX)
7.30pm, 2 x 75 min sets @ Wickham Bishops Village Hall
www.facebook.com/p/Wickham-Bishops-Jazz-Club-100079265448897/

SUN 21 JUN 2026 – HENLEY ON THAMES – Warren James performing at a private event
2pm to 5pm.

​SUN 21 JUN 2026      RIVERHEAD JAZZ CLUB (SEVENOAKS, KENT)
3.00pm, 2 x 60 min sets. @ Dunton Green Social Club. www.riverheadjazz.org.uk

TUE 23 JUN 2026 – DATCHET VILLAGE HALL (SLOUGH) – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
2pm, 2 x 60 min sets. https://windsoru3a.org.uk/u3a_group/music06/

​THU 25 JUN 2026     LOUGHTON FOLK CLUB (ESSEX)
8.00pm 2 x 45 min sets. @ Loughton Club. www.loughtonfolkclub.co.uk​

​FRI 26 JUN 2026      THE TUPPENNY (SWINDON)
8.30pm 2 x 45 min sets. www.thetuppenny.com

​SAT 27 JUN 2026      ECCLESHALL ARTS FESTIVAL (STAFFORDSHIRE)
4.00pm 2 x 45 min sets. @ The Little George / Bent’s Brew House. www.bentsbh.com

​SUN 28 JUN 2026     THE FLEECE INN (BRETFORTON, WORCESTERSHIRE)
4.00pm 2 x 45 min sets. www.thefleeceinn.co.uk

​​TUE 30 JUN 2026 – LEEDS JAZZ CLUB – Warren James performing with Rich Bennett New Orleans All Stars
8pm, 2 x 60 min sets. https://www.facebook.com/TheLeedsJazzClub/?locale=en_GB

THU 2 JUL 2026 – BLUES WITH BOTTLE (RAMSGATE, KENT) – Warren James sings The Lonnie Donegan Story
8.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets. @ The Honeysuckle Inn. www.blueswithbottleclub.co.uk

SUN 5 JUL 2026 – COVENTRY JAZZAMATAZZ – Warren James performing with Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars
12:30pm, 2 x 60 min sets @ The Ansty Club, Grove Road

SAT 11 JUL 2026 – THE KINGS ARMS (MICKLETON, WARWICKSHIRE) – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
7pm, 2 x 45 min sets.

WED 15 JUL 2026 – CAFE No 9 (SHEFFIELD) – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
7.30pm, 2 x 45 min sets. Buy tickets at: https://wegottickets.com/f/17590

THU 16 JUL 2026 – CARLISLE JAZZ CLUB (CUMBRIA) – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
8pm, 2 x 60 min sets. www.carlislejazzclub.co.uk

​FRI 17 JUL 2026      MOFFAT THEATRE (DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY)
7.30pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.moffattheatre.co.uk​

​SAT 18 JUL 2026      THE HOWLIN’ WOLF (GLASGOW)
6.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.thehowlinwolf.co.uk

​SUN 19 JUL 2026      THE OLD STABLES (BEATTOCK, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY)
2.00pm, 3 x 45 min sets. www.oldstablesbeattock.com

​WED 22 JUL 2026    AMERSHAM JAZZ CLUB (HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS)
8.00pm, 3 x 40 min sets. @ Royal British Legion. www.amershamjazzclub.co.uk

​THU 23 JUL 2026     PUMP HOUSE JAZZ CLUB (WATFORD)
8.00pm, 2 x 60 min sets. @ The Pump House Theatre. www.pumphouse.info 

FRI 24 JUL 2026 – BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FEST – Warren James plays PRIVATE LAUNCH PARTY
12:30pm until 4pm

FRI 24 JUL 2026 – BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FEST – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
8pm, 2 x 60 min sets. @ The Plough & Harrow Hotel.

​SAT 25 JUL 2026     RETORRICK MILL (NEWQAUY, CORNWALL)
Time TBC, 2 x 60 min sets. www.retorrickmill.co.uk

SAT 25 JUL 2026 – SHATTERFORD VILLAGE HALL (BEWDLEY) – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
7:30pm, 2 x 60 min sets.

SUN 26 JUL 2026     BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (BIRMINGHAM)
2.00pm, 2 x 50 min sets. @ Bournville Gardens Village. www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

MON 27 JUL 2026 – BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FEST – Warren James and his Hit Parade Heroes
7:30pm, 2 x 60 min sets. @ Wednesbury Library

​​​​MON 27 JUL 2026    BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (WEST BROMWICH)
1.00pm, 2 x 50 min sets. @ New Square, West Bromwich. www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

TUES 28 JUL 2026 – BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL – Warren James and his Hit Parade Heroes
6pm, 2 x 60 min sets. @ Sami Thai Restaurant

​WED 29 JUL 2026    BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (BIRMINGHAM)
12.30pm, 2 x 50 min sets. @ Waters Edge Bandstand. www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

WED 29 JUL 2026 – AYR, SCOTLAND at BENGARTH PINES – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
7:30pm, 2 x 60 min sets. Contact: Katy on 07810 007021

​WED 29 JUL 2026    SUTTON COLDFIELD TRAD JAZZ CLUB (WEST MIDLANDS)
8.00pm, 2 x 60 min sets @ Boldmere Sports Club. www.facebook.com/SuttonColdfieldTradJazzClub

THUR 30 JUL 2026 – AYR, SCOTLAND at KATY’S JAZZ CORNER – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
2pm, 2 x 60 min sets: Contact: Katy on 07810 007021

​​FRI 31 JUL 2026      BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (SUTTON COLDFIELD)
6.30pm, 2 x 50 min sets. @ Ash, Sutton Coldfield. www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

​SAT 01 AUG 2026      BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (BIRMINGHAM)
11.00am, 2 x 50 min sets. @ Birmingham Indoor Market. www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

​SAT 01 AUG 2026      KINGS ARMS (MICKLETON, GLOUCESERSHIRE)
7.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.kingsarmsmickleton.co.uk

​SUN 02 AUG 2026     BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (WOLVERHAMPTON)
1.00pm, 2 x 50 min sets. @ Bantock House, Wolverhampton. www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

​SUN 02 AUG 2026     THE VIC (MUMBLES, SWANSEA)
7.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets . www.facebook.com/Keithtracy1964

​MON 03 AUG 2026    THE SPICE OF LIFE (SOHO, LONDON)
12.30pm, 2 x 50 min sets. www.spiceoflifesoho.com 

THUR 6 AUG 2026 – NOTTINGHAM RHYTHM CLUB – Warren James performing with Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars
8pm, 2 x 60 min sets.

​​FRI 07 AUG 2026      ILMINSTER ARTS CENTRE (DEVON)
7.30pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.ilminsterartscentre.com

​SAT 08 AUG 2026      THE GREYHOUND (FISHPONDS, BRISTOL)
8.00pm 2 x 45 min sets.  www.greyhoundfishponds.co.uk

​SUN 09 AUG 2026     RETRO FESTIVAL (NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE)
1.00pm, 1 x 60 min set. @ The Spitfire Pavilion, Newbury Showground. www.retrofestival.co.uk ​

THU 13 AUG 2026     THE OLD DUKE (BRISTOL)
9.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets. http://www.theoldduke.com

FRI 14 AUG 2026 – BLOXHAM VILLAGE HALL (BANBURY) Warren James sings The Lonnie Donegan Story at 8pm, 2 x 60 min sets.

SAT 15 AUG 2026      THE WHITE ROOM MUSIC CAFE (STANLEY, DURHAM)
7.45pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.facebook.com/p/The-White-Room-Music-Cafe-100095399083542

​SUN 16 AUG 2026     BEATTOCK BASH (DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY)
4.00pm, 2 x 60 min sets. @ The Old Stables. www.beattockbash.com

​​THU 20 AUG 2026    CARLISLE JAZZ CLUB (CUMBRIA)
8.00pm, 2 x 60 min sets @ Carlisle Rugby Club. www.carlislejazzclub.co.uk

​FRI 21 AUG 2026      ST ANDREW’S CHURCH (OAKENSHAW, WEST YORKSHIRE)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.oakenshawchurch.org/events

SAT 22 AUG 2026 – BEWDLEY – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes (PRIVATE EVENT)
2pm to 4pm.

SAT 22 AUG 2026 – WORCESTER, THE CHESTNUT TREE – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes
8pm, 2 x 45 min sets.

WED 26 AUG 2026 – SUTTON COLDFIELD, JAZZ CLUB – Warren James Performing with Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars
8pm, 2 x 60 min sets

​​​​FRI 28 AUG 2026      THE FOX INN (CORSCOMBE, DORSET)
6.30pm, 2 x 45 min sets. www.thefoxcorscombe.com

​SAT 29 AUG 2026     CONGLETON JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (CHESHIRE)
6.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets. @ Radley’s Bar. www.congletonjazzandblues.co.uk

SUN 30 AUG 2026 – COVENTRY, JAZZAMATAZZ – Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers
12:30pm, 2 x 60 min sets @ Ansty Club, Grove Road

Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers – Live in Birmingham 2026

Just one week to go until Warren James & Duncan Wilcox of The Jake Leg Jug Band host a new concert at the Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton, Southampton at 4pm on Sunday 3 May.

Inspired partly by the 2024 movie about Bob Dylan’s rise to fame, “A Complete Unknown”, we admired how so many famous names of American roots music appeared in that movie and we felt that more should be done to keep their names going and the result is THE GREAT AMERICAN FOLK SONGBOOK

When discussing American folk music, it’s most likely the first names that come to mind are Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly.

It could be said that nobody did more across the decades to keep the names of these alive than the grand-daddy of American folk music, Pete Seeger and the great Johnny Cash – both men being the main draw that built the famous Newport Folk Festival.

Meanwhile, here in the UK, our very own Lonnie Donegan was unquestionably Britain’s first commercial folk music star, given that his biggest chart hits were a 50/50 mix of both Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie songs.

This vibrant two hour concert stars Duncan Wilcox & Warren James, both of The Jake Leg Jug Band, the UK’s most popular vintage touring band.

Joined by a number of special guest musicians, they will take you on a musical journey back in time to old America, presenting you with the songs that forged the American dream. Tales of railroads, outlaws, cotton fields, churches, ships, and penitentiaries.

Don’t miss out on this unique show of stories, songs, and good humour – BOOK YOUR TICKETS BY CLICKING HERE – enjoy a late afternoon concert and still go home in the day light with happy memories!

WE HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT!!!

The Jake Leg Jug Band – CLICK HERE

Warren James and his Lonesome Travellers – CLICK HERE

And just like that, the first quarter of 2026 is completed, and the nights are getting lighter with a slight warmth in the air now and then.

Gigs for the Jake Leg Jug Band, Warren James, and other associated bands, including Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars, are included below.

You can click the clinks above to navigate to the bands individual websites and check further details related to their gigs and other

April 2026

Fri 3 – Nantwich, Jazz & Blues Festival, Nine Mill Street – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 1pm – check festival for tickets – featuring Duncan Wilcox and Phil Shotton.

Sat 4 – Darlington, New Orleans Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 12:30pm – pay on the door

Sun 5 – Nantwich, Jazz & Blues Festival, Crown Hotel – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 1pm – check festival for tickets

Sun 5 – Leeds, The Domino Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 6:30pm – pay on the door

Mon 6 – Rainford Jazz Guitar Club, Rainford Junction – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm – tickets contact Rae Owens on 07960011815. Featuring Jim Swinnerton and Phil Shotton.

Fri 10 – Saltburn, Arts Centre – The Jake Leg Jug Band – pay on the door

Sun 12 – Colchester Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7pm – pay on the door

Tues 14 – Leeds – PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT, Warren James & Andy Henderson @ 12pm to 4pm

Tues 14 – Leeds Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – pay on the door

Wed 15 – Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm – pay on the door. Featuring Richard Exall & Rich Bennett

Thur 16 – Carlisle Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – pay on the door

Fri 17 – Edinbugh Jazz & Jive Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm – pay on the door

Sat 18 – Street, Wessex Hotel, Ellie B Jazz Weekend – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – weekend tickets available

Sun 19 – Worcester, The Chetsnut Tree – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 6pm – free entry

Tues 21 – Leeds, Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm – pay on the door. Featuring Richard Exall and Rich Bennett.

Thurs 23 – Leeds, The Domino Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9:45pm

Fri 24 – Bristol, The Greyhound – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sat 25 – Cranford, The Old Forge – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 5pm – ticketed

Sun 26 – Uttoxeter, The Vaults – Mike Owen’s Revaulting Band @ 4pm

Wed 29 – Amersham Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm – pay on the door

Thur 30 – Watford, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – pay on the door

May 2026

Fri 1 – Bristol, Mr Wolfs – The Jake Leg Jug Band – ticketed

Sat 2 – Hay-on-Wye, The Globe – The Jake Leg Jug Band – ticketed

Sun 3 – Totton, Hanger Farm Arts Centre – The Great American Folk Songbook @ 4pm – ticketed. Featuring Warren James, Duncan Wilcox, Phil Shotton and Danny Blyth

Mon 4 – Dorset, Corscombe, The Fox Inn – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 2pm – 4:30pm – check entry with venue

Thur 7 – Dringhouses Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 1pm – pay on the door

Fri 8 – Holmfirth Folk Festival – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8:30pm

Sun 10 – Worcester, The Chestnut Tree – Warren James’ Jazz & Blues Trio @ 6pm – free entry

Mon 11 – Rural Tour – Private

Tues 12 – Rural Tour – Private

Wed 13 – Rural Tour – Private

Thur 14 – Rural Tour – Private

Fri 15 – Caterham, London R&B Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – pay on the door

Sat 16 – Birkhamsted Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – pay on the door

Sun 17 – Coventrt, Jazzamatazz – The Jake Leg Jazz Club @ 12:30pm – pay on the door

Tues 19 – Hampton in Arden, Feltham Hall, Roger’s Supper Club – The Story of Skiffle @ 7pm – pay on the door

Wed 20 – Gosport, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – pay on the door

Thur 21 – Swindon, The Beehive – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm – free entry

Fri 22 – Bristol, The Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm – free entry

Sat 23 – Stroud, The Nailsworth Festival – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm – check the festival for prices

Sun 24 – Cheddleton, The Black Lion – The Jake Leg Jug Band – see venue for details

Tues 26 – Calne Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm – pay on the door

Wed 27 – Warmley, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm – pay on the door

Fri 29 – Scarborough, St Mary’s Church – The Jake Leg Jug Band Gospel Show – ticketed

Sat 30 – Dringhouses, St Edward Church – The Jake Leg Jug Band – ticketed

Sun 31 – Uttoxeter, The Vaults – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 4pm to 7pm – free entry

We look forward to seeing you soon

Hi everyone

Can you believe it? We have almost reached the first quarter of 2026 and a great number of positives have happened already! I will send an updated gig list next week – but first I just want to update you on developments!

The Jake Leg Jug Band have almost 150 concerts (and rising) confirmed across the UK for this year and hopefully a trip to Europe will be announced in due course as we try and get the finishing touches planned. EXCITING STUFF!!!

The Jake Leg Jug Band – Rocks In My Bed

My own band, Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers are gaining momentum at jazz and blues clubs around the UK, playing a specially created set of jazz & blues from the 20s & 30s and allowing me to bring the old time American songs of the south to a wider audience. Songs by obscure names such as Riley Puckett and Scrapper Blackwell, played alongside more known artistes like Bessie Smith, Mammie Smith, Josh White, Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Lemon Jefferson are all a part of the Lonesome Travellers set. EXCITING!!!

Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers – Vintage Jazz, Blues, Skiffle and Gospel Roots Music of the 20s, 30s and Beyond

The other development for me is that in December 2025 I finished my time working with The Jazzaholics after 4 dynamic years with the band and I have become a member of RICH BENNETT’S NEW ORLEANS ALL STARS!

Just to put things into some context here, the star clarinet player, Adrian Cox, started his career in Rich Bennett’s band, so I am hoping to be a global mega star of the banjo really really soon, HAHA!

Rich Bennett requires no introduction on the UK and European jazz and blues scene! As they say, if you know, then you know – but if you don’t then let me tell you!

Rich Bennett has been playing his trumpet at jazz clubs and festivals for around 35 years. He has toured the UK and Europe extensively and excites jazz fans with his honest approach to the music, along with his fiery trumpet playing.

Having spent 3 years in Barbados where he fronted The Hottest Dixieland Band on the island he has now returned to the UK and is already in strong demand for 2026 and a diary that is filling for 2027.

Before he ventured overseas there was hardly a club or festival in the UK that didn’t have Rich Bennett on their programme and tents and venues would be FULL!

Rich grew up in a musical household where his father, Martin Bennett, Trombone player and vocalist with The Phil Mason Band, would have full bands rehearsing there day and night.

New Orleans music is ingrained within Rich. It’s what he does.

When Rich Bennett’s name shows up at your event, then you know that you’re in for a treat.

EXCITING!!!

See below some great videos of recent concerts with Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars and let me say that if you don’t already have Rich and the band in your diary for 2026 and 2027, then you are really going to miss out! But I really am delighted to be a part of the 3 most unique and exciting bands out there right now.

As the great May West said: “Too much of a good thing…… IS WONDERFULLL…”

We just had to tell you the great news!

The Jake Leg Jug Band won the public vote at this weekends UK West Coast Folk Festival at Blackpool Winter Gardens.

In 2027, we will return to perform on the main stage, and we look forward to providing an excellent performance.

The Jake Leg Jug Band had a great night at The Domino Club and what a great venue it is, in the heart of Leeds’ city arcade – built during the Victorian period when Frank Matcham designed the GRANDEST of theatres.

Meanwhile Warren’s own band – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers have had a storming start to 2026

Keeping the American roots music alive!

Gigs Forthcoming for our followers are below – please keep supporting your live music scene for without it the world, and life, will be a sadder place.

January 2026

Fri 23 – Merthyr Tydfil, Clwb Crown – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8:30pm

Sat 24 – Bristol, The Greyhound – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sun 25 – Blackpool, Winter Gardens, UK West Coast Folk Festival – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 2:30pm

Wed 28 – Pershore Jazz Club – Richard Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars @ 7:30pm

February 2026

Sun 1 – Bude, Jazz Club at The Falcon Hotel- The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Fri 6 – Stoke on Trent, The Artisan Tap – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7pm

Sat 7 – Louth Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Sun 8 – Stafford Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 12:30pm

Sun 8 – Halesowen Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:00pm

Wed 11 – Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sat 14 – Bristol, Old Duke – Warren James’ Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm

Sun 15 – Uttoxeter, Horse & Dove – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 12pm

Thur 19 – Broadstairs, Blues Bash – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Fri 20 – Stoney Stratford, York House – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sat 21 – Bloxham, Village Hall – The Jake Leg Jug Band.

March 2026

Sun 1 – Willingham, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Wed 4 – Sutton Coldfield, Trad Jazz Club – Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars @ 8pm

Thur 5 – Chaddesley Corbett, The Swan – Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars @ 8pm

Sat 7 – Macclesfield, The Swan With Two Necks – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sun 8 – Swansea, The Vic, Mumbles – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Mon 9 – Shipston on Stour, Thirst Edition – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Tues 10 – Wilmslow, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Wed 11 – Bristol, Warmley Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Thur 12 – Bristol, The Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Sun 15 – Coventry, Ansty Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 12:30pm

Thur 19 – Didsbury, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Fri 20 – Bexhill on Sea, 1066 Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Sun 22 – Eastleigh, The Concorde Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 12pm

Tues 24 – Datchet, Village Hall Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 2pm to 3:45pm

Fri 27 – Stony Stratford, York House – The Lonnie Donegan Story @ 7:30pm

Sat 28 – Bedford, Swingsters Spring Ball – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sun 29 – Blisworth, The Walnut Tree – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 12pm

Between now and the new year we have a few more concerts coming up – but first I wish to make you aware of this SPECIAL EVENT for your diaries.

Warren James’ Johnny Cash Songbook is coming for a post Christmas / pre-New Year special in Solihull, West Midlands on Sunday 28 December, 2025 at 12:30pm at: Solihull Jazz, Broomfields Hall, Union Road, Solihull, B91 3DH

Entry is only £10, cash on the door, which will open at 12:00pm – fully licensed bar – snacks and hot drinks available.

This is my theatre show and has sold-out in many theatres around the UK – so it is a special treat which allows us to bring a quality show and music concert to our friends in the midlands, and we are grateful to Solihull Jazz Club for giving us this opportunity.

Warren James’ Johnny Cash Songbook

Solihull Jazz, Broomfields Hall, Solihull Royal British Legion, Union Road, Solihull, B91 3DH

The Johnny Cash Songbook, The Story and Songs behind “The Man in Black”.

Musician and entertainer, Warren James, presents the story and songs of Johnny Cash’s rise to fame as an original member of the Sun Record label, alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison.

Johnny Cash was a member of The Million Dollar Quartet as well as becoming Rock ‘n’ Roll and Country music royalty within his life time. Cash’s lengthy career, spanned 1954 to 2003, saw the release of 91 albums, 170 singles, and 14 chart topping hits.

Other dates that I will be a part of during this festive period are as follows:

Sat 20 – West Bromwich, HENRY’S BLUES HOUSE, West Bromwich Markets – Warren James’ Hit Parade Heroes @ 7pm

Sun 21 – Dove Holes, Jazz Club, Village Hall – Rich Bennett’s New Orleans All Stars @ 1pm to 3:30pm

Sun 21 – Birmingham, SNOBS – Warren James’ Hit Parade Heroes – @ 6:30pm

Sat 27 – Bristol, Mr Wolf – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Sun 28 – Solihull, Broomfields Hall and RBL – The Johnny Cash Songbook @ 12:30pm

Wed 31 – NYE – Uttoxeter, The Vaults – The Mike Owen Band @ 3pm to 6pm

Wed 31 – NYE – Coventry, Ansty Club – Warren James’ Hit Parade Heroes – 9:30pm to 12:30pm

This is our combined newsletter for The Jake Leg Jug Band and for Warren James.

We are delighted to announce some WARM NEWS that will get us through the chilly winter months – but – we will all be returning to the Bude Jazz Festival in 2026. 

It will be the 10th year for The Jake Leg Jug Band at Bude Jazz Festival, and it will be Warren James’ 5th year, so that is something nice to celebrate and be very proud of.

See confirmed dates and times below

Tues 1 – The Carriers – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers at Bude Jazz Fest 2026 @ 11:45 until 2pm

Fri 4 – Methodist Church – Warren James’ Skiffle Heroes at Bude Jazz Fest 2026 @ 11:30am

Tues 1 – The Falcon – The Jake Leg Jug Band at Bude Jazz Fest 2026 @ 8pm

Wed 2 – Methodist Church – GOSPEL SERVICE – The Jake Leg Jug Band at Bude Jazz Fest 2026 @ 6:30pm

Thur 3 – The Falcon – Bateman Brothers, It’s Trad Dad (Warren James on Banjo & Guitar) at Bude Jazz Fest 2026 @ 12:00pm until 2:15pm

Fri 4 – The Parkhouse Centre – The Jake Leg Jug Band at Bude Jazz Fest 2026 @ 3:45pm

Warren James – Guitar & Banjo – Fine Purveyor of vintage jazz, blues, skiffle and gospel roots music

The Jake Leg Jug Band – Duncan Wilcox performs A Mouthful of Jam with guests Phil Shotton, Andy Henderson and Joe Moretti

DATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR

NOVEMBER 2025

Tues 25 – Datchet, Village Hall – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 2pm

DECEMBER 2025

Wed 3 – Bristol, Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Thur 4 – Swindon, The Beehive – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8:30pm

Sat 6 – Louth, Louth Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 7:30pm

Tues 9 – Leeds, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sat 13 – Bristol, The Old Duke – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm

Sun 14 – Uttoxeter, The Vaults – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 4pm

Mon 15 – Shipston on Stour, The Thirst Edition – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes

Sun 21 – Birmingham, SNOBS – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes – @ 6:30pm

Sun 28 – Solihull, Broomfields Hall and RBL – Jazzamatazz – Warren James sings The Johnny Cash Songbook @ 12:30pm

Wed 31 – Uttoxeter, The Vaults – Warren James will guest with Mike Owen’s Band – 3pm to 6pm

Wed 31 – Coventry, Ansty Club – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes – 9:30pm to 12:30pm

Greetings to you all

We’re almost into the final stages of 2025 and all of us are now finalising our 2026 diaries and starting to take bookings for 2027 – a sure sign that live music continues to have popularity – but it’s not a time to assume support is not still needed because it can only continue when people attend and do the unthinkable and leave the TV behind for a couple of hours.

Having toured The Lonnie Donegan Story as well as The Story of Skiffle around the UK’s Jazz, Blues and general roots music scene for the last 3 years I felt that it was now time to form a band that I could call uniquely, my own!

Rest assured, the above concerts will still be staged at venues who haven’t yet booked them and my Hit Parade Heroes Rock ‘n’ Roll show will still be doing the rounds.

However – The Lonesome Travellers are only a few concerts into existence and bookings are filling for 2026 and 2027 and reviews are very nice indeed – which is really nice for people like us who are keen to perform

Bass: Jim Swinnerton – Claranet / Sax: Alex Clarke – Banjo / Guitar: Warren James – Washboard: Baby Jools

Dates ahead for Warren James, The Jake Leg Jug Band and any of our affiliated bands are detailed below

OCTOBER 2025

Sat 25 – Bristol, Old Duke – Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm

Mon 27 – UNAVAILABLE

Thurs 30 – Carlisle, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

NOVEMBER 2025

Sat 1 – Darlington, New Orleans Jazz Club – The Story of Skiffle @ 12:30pm

Sun 2 – Worcester, Private Engagement – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 6pm

Mon 3 – Suffolk TBC – Rural Touring Co.

Tues 4 – Suffolk TBC – Rural Touring Co.

Wed 5 – Suffolk TBC – Rural Touring Co.

Thur 6 – Suffolk TBC – Rural Touring Co.

Sat 8 – Street, Ellie B Jazz Weekend, Wessex Hotel – The Jake Leg Jug Band – see brochure

Sun 9 – Street, Ellie B Jazz Weekend, Wessex Hotel – The Hot Tamales – see brochure

Wed 12 – UNAVAILABLE @ 11am to 4pm

Wed 12 – Bristol, Warmley Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Thurs 13 – Chaddersley Corbett, Jazz at the Swan Inn – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm

Fri 14 – Bristol, Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Sat 15 – Cornwall, Calstock Arts Centre – The Jake Leg Jug Band @7:30pm

Wed 19 – Gosport Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm

Sat 22 – Chesterfield, Private Party – 7pm – Hit Parade Heroes

Sun 23 – Worcester, The Chestnut Tree – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 6pm

Tues 25 – Datchet, Village Hall – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 2pm

Wed 26 – Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club – The Hot Tamales @ 8pm

Thurs 27 – Chaddersley Corbett, Jazz at the Swan Inn – The Hot Tamales @ 8pm

Sat 29 – UNAVAILABLE @ 6pm to 11:30pm

Sun 30 – Coventry, Jazzamatazz, Ansty Club – The Hot Tamales – 12:30pm

Sun 30 – Colchester Jazz Club – The Jazzaholics @ 7:30pm

DECEMBER 2025

Wed 3 – Bristol, Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Thur 4 – Swindon, The Beehive – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Sat 6 – Louth, Louth Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 7:30pm

Tues 9 – Leeds, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sat 13 – Bristol, The Old Duke – Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm

Mon 15 – Shipston on Stour, The Thirst Edition – Hit Parade Heroes

Sun 21 – Dove Holes, Village Hall – The Hot Tamales @ 1pm to 3:30pm

Sun 21 – Birmingham, SNOBS – The Hit Parade Heroes – @ 6:30pm

Sun 28 – Solihull, Broomfields Hall and RBL – The Johnny Cash Songbook @ 12:30pm

Wed 31 – Coventry, Ansty Club – Hit Parade Heroes – 9:30pm to 12:30pm

The Jake Leg Jug Band