Aberdeen Jazz Festival returns this March 2025 for its 22nd year, bringing an electrifying lineup of world-class talent, innovative performances, and community-focused events to venues across the city. Spanning 11 days with over 30 events across 9 venues, this year’s festival promises a rich and diverse celebration of jazz, showcasing everything from soulful vocalists to avant-garde ensembles.
Produced by Jazz Scotland and supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and Aberdeen City Council, the 2025 programme is set to inspire audiences with an eclectic mix of artists and experiences. With intimate performances at the iconic award winning Blue Lamp to site-specific shows at the atmospheric Bon Accord Baths, the festival continues to cement its reputation as one of Scotland’s leading cultural events.
This year’s line-up is packed with standout moments. Jazz FM’s ‘UK Jazz Act of the Year’ Georgia Cécile takes the stage on 14 March, performing tracks from her new EP City Girl. That same evening, the Neil Cowley Trio return after a seven-year hiatus to perform music from their much-anticipated album Entity.
On 15 March, a unique music-meets-film collaboration between Norman Willmore and Corrie Dick offers an immersive audiovisual experience. The next day, Rose Room, Scotland’s premier Hot Club Swing ensemble, marks their 15th anniversary with a show filled with Django Reinhardt-inspired Gypsy Jazz, showcasing tracks from their new album It’s Been A Long, Long Time.
Internationally renowned Portable Infinity, featuring an all-star lineup including Magnus Östrom, will kick off their European tour on 20 March at Aberdeen Jazz Festival, bringing a forward-thinking fusion of jazz influences. On 22 March, Matt Carmichael celebrates his highly anticipated third album Dancing With Embers (out 28th March) with a powerful blend of melodic jazz and folk music.
On 23 March, Dorian Ford’s Köln Concert 50 will take place in the afternoon, paying tribute to the legendary Keith Jarrett and marking the 50th anniversary of this iconic work. That evening, the festival closes with a special New Jazz Showcase at The Blue Lamp, spotlighting some of the most exciting emerging talents on the scene. The lineup features Chun-Wei Kang, India Blue and Dara Dubh.
This year’s programme also includes a live music collaboration with City Moves and their Dance for Parkinsons classes, ensuring that the joy of jazz is experienced through movement and rhythm. Free lunchtime concerts at venues such as Cowdray Hall and Middlefield Community Centre make high-quality live music available to all, while a special concert in sheltered housing complex Margaret Clyne Court brings jazz directly to residents who may not otherwise be able to attend.
