Upcoming Events
Are you listening festival
Performing in Reading for the Are you listening festival? Market Place, Reading
Ma Bessie and her Pigfoot Band Chapel Arts Centre, Bath
https://chapelarts.org/events/ma-bessie-and-her-pigfoot-band-5/
Empress of the Blues: The Bessie Smith Story
Welcome to “Empress of the Blues: The Bessie Smith Story,” a soulful journey through the life and music of Bessie Smith, performed by Julia Titus aka Ma Bessie (Vocals), George Webster (Piano), Clare Hirst (Clarinet/Sax) and Miles Danso (Bass).
This narrated show brings to life the raw emotion and resilience of Bessie Smith, whose voice defined an era. Through 18 of her iconic songs, including “Downhearted Blues,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” we explore Bessie’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming the highest-paid black entertainer of her time.
The narrative interweaves her triumphs and trials, painting a vivid portrait of a woman whose music expressed the deepest sorrows and greatest joys of the human experience. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Bessie Smith, capturing the spirit and soul of the Empress of the Blues.
AB Walker Annual Service of Remembrance
Save the Date: AB Walker & Son Ltd Funeral Directors are hosting their Annual Service of Remembrance at the Reading Minister Church of St.Mary the Virgin. All welcome!
The Bessie Smith Story
Ma Bessie and her band perform a narrated show, featuring music from the period, showcasing many of Bessie's songs. The show chronicles Bessie's life from a one-room shack in Blue Goose Hollow, to becoming the highest-paid black entertainer of that time
Nicknamed the “Empress of the Blues”,Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest performers of her era and was a major influence on other jazz singers
Ma Bessie's Prohibition Party
Building on her passion for the Empress of the Blues, Julia Titus started to perform as Ma Bessie in 2015 to share the music of Bessie Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation. Mixing Julia’s rich, warm vocal sound with a dynamic group of musicians who look as well as sound the part.
Ma Bessie combines classic blues and jazz tunes from the inter-war years with a selection of original songs and hand-picked covers from the last 50 years of popular music. The Pig Foot repertoire includes classics such as Careless Love, Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out, and, of course, Gimme a Pig Foot (And a Bottle Of Beer).
Ma Bessie and her band toured with Highlights in 2023, and we are delighted to be welcoming them back!
“As Ma Bessie, Julia transported us back to the golden days of the twenties and thirties. Not only were we treated to so many fabulous blues standards, but also a hatful of Julia’s own compositions, all perfectly flowing into each other as we were expertly guided by Julia on a magical, musical journey” — Tuesday Night Music Club
Ma Bessie's Prohibition Party
With a lifelong love of reggae and the music of the Caribbean, Julia Titus (aka Bessie) has been performing live for over 20 years. Her blues repertoire includes classics such as ‘Careless Love’, ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business’, ‘Do Your Duty’, ‘Summertime’ and many more. Her rich warm vocals and engaging stage persona are always a winner with audiences.
Ma Bessie and her band toured with Highlights in 2023, and we are delighted to be welcoming them back!
Running time: 90 mins plus interval
‘As Ma Bessie, Julia transported us back to the golden days of the twenties and thirties. Not only were we treated to so many fabulous blues standards, but also a hatful of Julia’s own compositions, all perfectly flowing into each other as we were expertly guided by Julia on a magical, musical journey.’ — Tuesday Night Music Club
Cabaret-style seating and bar with table service. Dress to impress!
Ma Bessie’s Prohibition Party
Building on her passion for the Empress of the Blues, Julia Titus started to perform as Ma Bessie in 2015 to share the music of Bessie Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation. Mixing Julia’s rich, warm vocal sound with a dynamic group of musicians who look as well as sound the part.
Ma Bessie combines classic blues and jazz tunes from the inter-war years with a selection of original songs and hand-picked covers from the last 50 years of popular music. The Pig Foot repertoire includes classics such as Careless Love, Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out, and, of course, Gimme a Pig Foot (And a Bottle Of Beer).
Ma Bessie and her band toured with Highlights in 2023, and we are delighted to be welcoming them back!
“As Ma Bessie, Julia transported us back to the golden days of the twenties and thirties. Not only were we treated to so many fabulous blues standards, but also a hatful of Julia’s own compositions, all perfectly flowing into each other as we were expertly guided by Julia on a magical, musical journey” — Tuesday Night Music Club
Ma Bessie Jazz and Blues
Jazz and blues classics from the 1920s
Step into the mesmerizing world of Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy, where the spirit of 1920s jazz and blues comes vibrantly to life. Led by the soulful powerhouse vocals of Ma Bessie herself, this talented ensemble, featuring pianist George Webster and multi-instrumentalist Clare Hirst, brings both beloved classics and hidden gems of a bygone era to the stage. With every note, Ma Bessie channels the essence of this golden age, creating an electric and unforgettable evening filled with rich melodies, rhythm and a touch of vintage charm.
Reservations from 5.30pm | Live music: 9.30-11.30pm | Additional late set 11.45-12.30am
Ma Bessie Jazz and Blues
Jazz and blues classics from the 1920s
Step into the mesmerizing world of Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy, where the spirit of 1920s jazz and blues comes vibrantly to life. Led by the soulful powerhouse vocals of Ma Bessie herself, this talented ensemble, featuring pianist George Webster and multi-instrumentalist Clare Hirst, brings both beloved classics and hidden gems of a bygone era to the stage. With every note, Ma Bessie channels the essence of this golden age, creating an electric and unforgettable evening filled with rich melodies, rhythm and a touch of vintage charm.
Reservations from 5.30pm | Live music: 9.30-11.30pm | Additional late set 11.45-12.30am
Ma Bessie and her dynamic band breathe new life into the timeless jazz and blues hits of the 1920s and beyond. As the enchanting lead, Ma Bessie captivates audiences with her expressive vocals, invoking the soulful tradition of legendary artists such as Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. Accompanied by pianist George Webster, who’s intricate finger work brings authentic ragtime and blues rhythms to the forefront, and Clare Hirst, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with mastery over saxophone and clarinet, this trio transforms each performance into a spellbinding journey through musical history. Expect to hear soulful renditions of enduring favourites like"St. Louis Blues"and"Ain't Misbehavin',"along with lesser-known treasures that evoke the essence of the Prohibition-era speakeasy culture. This is no ordinary jazz night; it’s a bold, jubilant affair where vintage glamour meets heartfelt blues, transporting the audience to a world brimming with life, passion, and raw musical talent.
“A truly captivating evening of vintage music, led by an extraordinary vocalist.” – Blues & Roots Radio…
“Ma Bessie’s soulful voice revives the blues like no other.” – Jazz Weekly
Events Calendar
View our events calendar here. If you have a free evening, we would love for you to join us!