Celebrations are underway as the Glasgow Jazz Festival marks its 40th anniversary.
The landmark 40th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival began yesterday, Wednesday, June 10, bringing together 220 musicians for more than 40 performances.
With events taking place at 19 venues across the city, this year's festival not only honours four decades of jazz in Glasgow but also champions homegrown talent and diversity.
Jill Rodger, director of the Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: "Almost 40 years ago, Glasgow Jazz Festival opened its doors with a bold ambition – to bring the world's greatest music to this city and build something lasting.
"Today, as we open our 40th edition and return to the Old Fruitmarket where so much of that story has been written, we're doing exactly what we've always done: celebrating jazz in all its forms and sharing it with audiences who love it as much as we do.
"Here’s to a joyful week of jazz!"
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This year, 63% of acts feature at least one female or gender-marginalised artist, and 175 of the performers are Scottish.
The line-up features international stars and emerging musicians alike.
Italian soul-jazz artist Mario Biondi opened the festival, while Roan Anderson, winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician 2025 award, performed at Drygate with his band Tao.
Upcoming headliners at this year's festival include saxophonist Courtney Pine, who will play at Saint Luke's.
Martin Taylor, the legendary guitarist who performed at the first festival in 1987, returns for a special show at Oran Mor.
Meanwhile, the Old Fruitmarket, a venue closely associated with the festival’s history, will host two major events.
On Saturday, June 13, the Homegrown Showcase will spotlight new Scottish jazz talent, including Kai Reesu, nu-jazz vocalist Gaia and contemporary ensemble Sekoya.
On Sunday, the New Jazzwegians project takes the stage as part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Festival, featuring acts such as Azamiah and the Nathan Somevi Trio.
Gaia said: "Glasgow not only has such a strong sense of community, but has such a strong music scene, especially in jazz.
"There are so many talented people in a small area, it is such a joy to be able to collaborate and grow alongside them.
"I am so gassed to be on this line up, I feel really privileged to be showcased alongside so many amazing bands, many of which I have worked with and known for many years."
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Colin Steele, an alumnus of the festival’s first edition, will perform two sold-out shows with his quintet.
His concerts will pay tribute to Miles Davis, who played at the festival in 1990, during Glasgow’s year as City of Culture.
Other highlights include a new commission from Mercury Prize-shortlisted pianist Fergus McCreadie at Mackintosh Church and a performance by South African seven-piece BCUC at Oran Mor.
Offstage, Street Level Photoworks is displaying William Ellis’ One LP exhibition, featuring portraits of jazz artists with albums that inspired them.
A children’s workshop, which has sold out, will introduce young audiences to jazz through interactive activities.
