Searching for things to do in London this week? International Jazz Day London 2026 takes place today, Thursday 30 April—and the city’s jazz scene is pulling out all the stops. The best jazz bars in London and live music venues, including Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall, are hosting special concerts and tribute performances celebrating legendary jazz artists.
And if you fancy more jazz magic beyond Thursday, The Jazz Room concert series has launched new specials and tributes to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and more for this summer—more info and tickets here.
Today only: uncover the best jazz shows in London for International Jazz Day 2026
Established by UNESCO, International Jazz Day is celebrated worldwide with live performances and tributes to jazz legends. This Thursday, London is celebrating with several concert specials:
Bill Evans: A Vocal Portrait
Singer Noa Levy, alongside pianist Paul Edis and UK jazz legend Alan Barnes, reimagine jazz icon Bill Evans’ music with new arrangements and lyrical interpretations. It coincides with the release of their album Portrait in Evans—a joint project that reinterprets famous Evans compositions like Very Early, Waltz for Debby and Blue in Green.
It’s a rare chance to hear his timeless compositions through a contemporary vocal lens.
📍Pizza Express Jazz Club, 10 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 3RW
🚈Nearest: Tottenham Court Road/Leicester Square
🕐8pm
Spectrums of Jazz – Live from Trio Pizzeria
Music podcast Spectrums Of Jazz is stepping out of the studio and into Trio Pizzeria for a live DJ set that celebrates the best of jazz. Doors open at 5pm and entry is completely free, so you might want to get down there early before it fills up.
📍Trio Pizzeria, Streatham High Road. London SW16 1EX
🚈Nearest: Streatham Hill
🕐 6pm
Late Night Jazz: Gary Crosby & Alan Weekes Quartet
Virtuoso Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin OJ OD is getting his flowers at this concert tribute special. Having first performed at Ronnie Scott’s in the 60s, Ranglin went on to shape the sound of ska, reggae and jazz with his unmistakable style. At this tribute, bassist Gary Crosby OBE—Ranglin’s nephew—will be celebrating the legendary guitarist inside Royal Albert Hall.
📍Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
🚈Nearest: South Kensington
🕐 9pm
JustKing Jones – Thy Kingdom Come Tour (Ronnie Scott’s)
Jamaican saxophonist, composer and producer JustKing Jones brings his Thy Kingdom Come Tour to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. The artist has already toured with the likes of Lauryn Hill and Gorillaz—now he’s bringing his world tour to this legendary London jazz bar. Expect a unique blending of jazz, soul and hip-hop with live performances alongside Cameron Campbell (piano), Jason Clotter (bass) and Malcolm Charles (drums).
📍Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4HT
🚈Nearest: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road
🕐 8:30pm
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