We will be celebrating the 80^th birthday of Tony Dudley Evans. Tony, a recognised and widely respected lover of Jazz music has over 40 years’ experience promoting music from the scene. He has worked with key organisations including Birmingham Jazz, B:Music & Cheltenham Jazz Festival, helping them produce exciting programmes that deliver innovation and creativity

Tony is one of the founders of the UK's Jazz Promotion Network, an independent organisation set up to link UK venues, festivals and festivals that has grown into a huge influential network linking people from all over the UK and Europe. Independently Tony started TDE Promotions supporting Jazz music across the UK and has been recognised by the Arts Council for the outstanding work it carries out. TDE Promotions has individually supported many talented musicians in realising their musical projects, and Tony is always available for advice and support for those seeking it.

His legendary Friday sessions have been a regular fixture in Birmingham’s calendar for the last 20 years, hosting artists from all ages, genres and nationalities. The Fridays have supported artists at all stages of their career, from the very beginning and sees many returning again and again as they progress in their careers but never forgetting the joy of playing a Jazz Friday, with its loyal and supportive audience. When he’s not promoting you can often find Tony on his way to, or coming back from a gig, he is a man that truly eats, sleeps and breathes Jazz.

Please join us on Saturday 08 April for a line up of amazing musicians such as Soweto Kinch, Xhosa Cole, Rachel Musson and many more, to help us say happy birthday and a big thank you to one of the heroes of the UK Jazz scene, Mr Tony Dudley Evans.

Performing on the day will be a quartet led by Chris Bowden, followed by a moving ensemble led by Chris Mapp, bass and Mark Sanders, drums, featuring the following artists:

• Rachel Musson, Sarah Farmer, Percy Pursglove
• Soweto Kinch, Laura Jurd, Paul Dunmall
• Xhosa Cole, Liam Noble