Gregory Porter, the multi-award-winning jazz vocalist,has announced a three-year role as Artistic Curator of Cheltenham Jazz Festival. This will see him performing a headline show on Saturday 4^th May, and curating a series of artists for the festival, also working in collaboration with guest artists.

Gregory said

“Cheltenham Jazz Festival has an international reputation for bringing the very best artists together and producing unique shows. I’m very excited to be working with the Festival team to help create this extraordinary artistic village.”

Jamie Cullum who has filled the role since 2010 will become Associate Curator and said:

“Like me, Gregory has a history with this great festival am delighted that he will be joining the team at Cheltenham to bring audiences unique events, intimate shows with major artists and highlighting the next generation of incredible artists.”

Three headline artists were also revealed today: Brazilian bossa nova legend Sergio Mendes, American saxophonist Joshua Redman and boundary-crossing trio The Bad Plus will make their first visit to Cheltenham.

Head of Programming Emily Jones said: 

“It's a pleasure to announce these first four artists as we continue to bring the best injazztoCheltenham, especially when so many more people will be able to enjoy the gigs next year thanks to our bigger Big Top venue. With Gregory Porter on board, we also have some unique experiences in store which will be revealed when the full line-up is announced next year.”

Tickets for the festival go on sale to the general public at 1:00pm on 29th November from the festival website.