A stellar line-up has been announced for the annual Liverpool International Jazz Festival, which returns to the city’s Capstone Theatre in February 2026.
Grammy-winning artists and international talent will take to the stage from 26 February – 1 March. The festival showcases world-class musicians performing across a range of styles in the world of contemporary instrumental jazz. Amongst the star-studded performances is Marius Neset, dubbed ‘one of the most exciting artists in jazz’ and Martin Taylor who has collaborated with the likes of Dionne Warwick and Jamie Cullum to name a few.
The festival was founded in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University, and the Creative Campus continues to host this eclectic event each year. Whether you are a jazz enthusiast or newcomer, the diverse programme promises something for everyone.
Line-up highlights for 2026
Tim Garland and Geoffrey Keezer
Thursday 26 February 2026, 7.30pm
In Spring 2025 in New York, Grammy award-winning musicians Tim Garland (saxophone) and Geoffrey Keezer (piano) recorded a brand-new duet album, Mezzo.
Both seasoned players have globe-trotted with some of the most famous players in music and show their crystalline lyrical maturity as well as incendiary virtuosity in a set that features one new and rare instrument after which the album is named.
David Helbock & Julia Hofer
Friday 27 February 2026, 7.30pm
The duo has very recently released a new album, Faces of Night, with the internationally renowned label ACT Music. The album comprises a fascinating blend of calm, dreamy original compositions and groovy jazz pieces that showcase the distinctive styles of Helbock and Hofer.
With inventive effects, rhythmic percussion elements on the piano, and dynamic changes between cello and electric bass, this evening promises an extraordinary listening experience and a musical journey full of emotions and innovations.
LIJF and Milap presents Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh
Saturday 28 February 2026, 1pm
Milap and Liverpool International Jazz Festival jointly present a unique collaboration between two of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene.
Zoe Rahman is a vibrant and highly individual pianist and composer. Her style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British-Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste.
Arun Ghosh is an award-winning clarinettist and composer, and a charismatic performer. His lyrical and sonorous musical style draws together jazz, folk and South Asian influences.
Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book
Saturday 28 February 2026, 7.30pm
Drawing inspiration from the heavy fusion of Chick Corea and Allan Holdsworth, the psychedelic bluesy swagger of Jimi Hendrix, and the fearless multi-media explorations of Cecil Taylor, Little Black Book brings together three bravura players in an uplifting celebration. Laurie Lowe on drums and Zayn Mohammed on guitar bring the exact combination of power, accuracy and unbounded imagination to make the project come alive.
Little Black Book is the latest telling of a story in which every chapter is more intriguing than the last.
Martin Taylor
Sunday 1 March 2026, 1pm
Award winning guitarist Martin Taylor has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing.
As well as being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence.
Marius Neset Quartet
Sunday 1 March 2026, 7.30pm
Marius Neset made an astonishingly powerful impression when he first emerged onto the European jazz scene as a young saxophonist of protean gifts more than a decade ago.
The intervening years have seen Marius bring his huge creative energy to so many roles in different contexts, as either an instigator or as a catalyst. Neset has now received well over twenty awards and award nominations.
To view the full line-up and ticket information, visit: The Capstone Theatre
Tickets will be available to purchase from Ticket Quarter from Friday 17 October 10am. For a limited time, early bird prices are available, starting from £15 plus booking fee. Tickets are available for individual events.