Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s - Programme for November and December 2026.

As the final months of 2026 approach, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London is set to host a diverse and compelling programme in its intimate Upstairs space. With a capacity of just 140 seats, this venue offers an up-close experience of a vibrant mix of genres, ranging from jazz and soul to hip-hop, global rhythms, and classical-infused performances.

The club’s November and December schedule brings a remarkable confluence of established artists and emerging talents, many of whom are pushing the boundaries of their genres. Highlights include celebrated vocalists Emma Smith and Liselotte Östblom teaming up with pianist Jamie Safir’s trio for evenings rich with jazz standards and innovative reinterpretations. Safir also hosts a weekly Vocal Jazz Jam, providing a platform for rising British jazz voices such as Natalie Williams and Georgia Cécile.

The lineup demonstrates Ronnie Scott’s ongoing commitment to genre fusion and global sounds. South London’s Dominic Canning, known for his DoomCannon project blending jazz, funk, and hip-hop, features prominently, alongside Or Bareket, a New York-based bassist whose work synthesizes North African and Latin American folk traditions with contemporary jazz. Meanwhile, Huu Bac Quach’s quintet merges Vietnamese, Chinese, and Andean music with jazz improvisation, highlighting the club’s embrace of cross-cultural collaborations.

The venue also pays homage to Ronnie Scott’s historical ties to Cuban music with recurring Viva Cuba Late Late Shows. These celebrations recall the 1980s era when Cuban luminaries like Arturo Sandoval and Irakere brought the spirit of Havana to London audiences. The events feature an array of Cuban bands and artists, underscoring the ongoing influence of Afro-Cuban rhythms on the jazz scene.

Emerging voices in soul and R&B are well represented as well. Dani Offline, an LA-based artist blending analogue R&B with jazz and psychedelic soul, makes her UK headline debut, receiving critical acclaim from industry heavyweights. Additionally, monthly Late Late Soul Sessions hosted by Imaani, renowned for her work with Incognito and collaborations with icons such as Chaka Khan, celebrate the enduring warmth and improvisational spirit of soul music.

Noteworthy jazz fusions continue with groups like Blue Lab Beats, and the residency of Cosmic Fusion, led by drummer Jon Onabowu, offers a weekly dive into jazz fusion inspired by pioneers like Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. The ensemble’s rotating line-up of London’s rising stars embodies a contemporary take on 1970s fusion aesthetics.

The club also spotlights instrumental virtuosity and innovative projects. Luke Smith, a keyboardist with credits alongside George Michael and Amy Winehouse, presents The Metamorph Project, blending jazz, soul, and funk with spontaneous improvisation. Saxophonist Moreira Chonguiça, making his Ronnie Scott’s debut, delivers Afro-fusion sounds infused with Mozambican traditions, reflecting the club’s dedication to showcasing global jazz expressions.

Classical influences are woven into the programme through performances by the Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars, a new ensemble that reinterprets orchestral works by composers such as Gershwin and Bernstein for the club’s cozy setting. Similarly, pianist Harry Baker’s Fantasia Orchestra explores a cross-genre repertoire including tango and jazz, underscoring the venue’s eclectic artistic vision.

The schedule also features thematic tributes and storytelling concerts. Joe Stilgoe & The Entertainers bring a jazz supergroup experience celebrating club culture through original compositions and narratives, while British blues figure Marcus Bonfanti revisits the roots and evolution of the British Blues Revival alongside his accomplished band.

From Afro-Cuban jazz trios led by Zahili Zamora to innovative projects like 22a, which melds funk, jazz fusion, and electronic textures, Ronnie Scott’s Upstairs programme for late 2026 stands as a testament to the venue’s role as a crucible for musical innovation. This season reaffirms its status not only as a historic jazz club but as a forward-looking platform nurturing diverse and boundary-defying artistry.