Name: JAZZ UP! FESTIVE END-OF-YEAR PARTY
Start: 2024-12-28T19:45:00+00:00
Location: 74 Whinbush Road, SG5 1PZ Hitchin, United Kingdom

JazzUp is thrilled to announce its unmissable festive finale to the year—a night of world-class jazz, Celtic flair, and party vibes, headlined by Dave Keech & Sons and featuring Robin Campbell’s Celtic Mashup alongside the soulful sounds of resident DJ Sten King.
Join us at Club85 for a celebration of exceptional music, community spirit, and end-of-year revelry. With classic jazz tunes, a seasonal Celtic twist, the legendary JazzUp music quiz, special guests, and a late bar, this is the perfect way to round off 2024.
ABOUT THE BANDS
Dave Keech & Sons
Dave Keech—JazzUp’s co-founder and musical director—is a leading figure in the UK jazz scene.
A virtuoso trombonist with a career spanning decades, Dave has performed with top jazz acts worldwide, including on the Japanese jazz circuit, where he is a regular visitor and artist. Dave’s upcoming debut solo album, Tokyo, produced by James Ribbans, showcases his innovative approach to jazz composition. The album features an all-star lineup, including Nim Sadot, Corrie Dick, Rob Luft, Binker Golding, and Nikolaj Torp Larsen. Dave is also an official King Trombones artist, playing exclusively King 2B-PLS Sterling and 3B trombones.
The “Sons” bring a fresh energy and diverse influences to the stage:
• Joe Keech: A talented drummer and LIPA graduate, Joe balances a flourishing jazz career with his role in the rising indie rock band Idyllic. He has played with Liverpool jazz groups like Blueprint and collaborated with American saxophonist Frank Griffith.
Known for his dynamic and versatile drumming, Joe’s inspirations range from jazz legends like Elvin Jones and Art Blakey to funk pioneers Clyde Stubblefield and Billy Cobham. With new releases from both Idyllic and Blueprint on the horizon, Joe’s star continues to rise.
• Isaac Keech: Currently completing his final year in jazz piano at Leeds Conservatoire, Isaac is a key member of multiple cutting-edge ensembles, including Nova Sol, an alternative jazz collective blending electronic and dance influences, and Lemon Soul, a contemporary jazz-funk outfit.
Nova Sol has quickly made waves with its energetic performances and radio recognition from BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, and Jazz FM. Isaac’s influences, including Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, and Neal Evans, shine through in his sophisticated yet soulful playing.
• Sean Blake: A rising star on double bass, Sean is making his mark both as a student at Leeds Conservatoire and as a performer on the UK jazz circuit. In 2024, Sean won the Bucharest International Jazz Competition with the Jascha Bingham Trio, an ensemble known for its innovative interpretations of jazz standards.
Drawing inspiration from Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, and Thelonious Monk, Sean brings a powerful mix of precision and creativity to every performance.
• Colin Watling: Colin is a tenor saxophonist with decades of experience spanning jazz, big band, and popular music. He has worked with legendary figures such as Humphrey Lyttelton, Neil Sedaka, and Jack Parnell, and is passionate about live music.
With a big sound reminiscent of Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon, Colin’s playing captures the timeless essence of modern jazz saxophone.
Robin Campbell’s Celtic Mashup
Robin Campbell is a stalwart of the Scottish folk music scene with over 60 years of experience, making him one of the leading figures in the Celtic and roots music communities. Born and raised in Glasgow and growing up in the city’s West End, he was immersed in a rich cultural environment, influenced by the working-class musical traditions of the area.
His early years were marked by a strong connection to both classical music and folk, having studied piano and violin.
Over the border In 2009 Robin formed Celtic Krystal, and in 2019 formed Celtic Mashup—a pioneering folk-rock band that pushed the boundaries of traditional Scottish and Irish folk music.
The band quickly gained recognition for its innovative fusion of roots music with contemporary rock influences. Robin’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of traditional Scots-Irish folk music is always paired with a willingness to experiment and introduce fresh ideas. This blend of tradition and innovation has been a hallmark of his musical career, and it continues to define his work today. As the co-founder and organisational driving force behind JazzUp, Robin has remained at the forefront of both folk and jazz, using his rich background and deep understanding of music to create unique collaborations and promote a vibrant cultural exchange.
Robin Campbell’s Celtic Mashup features an outstanding lineup of musicians, including:
• Matt Waters (Fiddle)
• Lynden Campbell (Bodhrán)
• Alex Gaetos (Bass)
Expect foot-stomping rhythms, heartfelt ballads, and unexpected mashups, all delivered with consummate musicianship and a healthy dose of seasonal Celtic charm.
DJ Sten King
As JazzUp’s resident DJ, Sten King is the heart and soul of every event. Known for his acclaimed hip-hop radio shows like The Boom Bap Boutique, Sten seamlessly blends jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop into beautifully curated sets that captivate both musicians and audiences. His knack for setting the perfect mood ensures the JazzUp vibe continues long into the night.
ABOUT JAZZUP
Since its inception in 2014, JazzUp has become a cornerstone of the UK jazz scene, championing both established and emerging talent. Hosted monthly at Club85 in Hitchin, JazzUp is dedicated to showcasing the vibrant diversity of UK jazz music covering everything from classic to cutting-edge contemporary.
Doors: 7:45pm
TICKET DETAILS
• £17 standard price +10% Booking fee
• £14 with JazzUp Loyalty Card +10% Booking fee
Online tickets available from:
www.club-85.co.uk
www.jazzupuk.com
Tickets may also be purchased on the door, but please be aware that JazzUp can sometimes be very busy.
Age Restriction:
16+ with photo ID - younger patrons can be signed in at the door by a responsible adult.
Like all our gigs, this show finishes well in time for the last trains North and South to Cambridge/Peterborough and London. Club85 is just a 5-minute stroll from the station.
MORE JAZZUP! DETAILS
WEBSITE: https://jazzupuk.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JazzUpC85
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/jazzuphitchin
For any further questions, please contact [email protected]
JAZZUP! IS SPONSORED BY:
Robin Campbell Music - https://robincampbell.org/
Keechdesign UK Ltd. - https://www.keechdesign.co.uk/