Upcoming Events
Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy at the Music Box at Witney
Julia Titus has spent years inhabiting the world of 1920s and 30s blues, most recently touring her acclaimed "Ma Bessie" show — a full immersive theatre piece built around the Bessie Smith story. The Speakeasy Band is a different animal: a tight quartet bringing the raucous, slightly naughty side of the era to an evening at the Corn Exchange, with Titus narrating as much as singing.
The lineup is worth the ticket price alone. Clarinettist and saxophonist Clare Hirst played with the Belle Stars in the early 1980s and has since worked with David Bowie and the Communards — she knows exactly how to fill a room. Pianist George Webster and drummer Luke Trenwith complete the quartet. The programme draws on the music Titus knows inside out: the kind of songs that got played after midnight in places that didn't check your ID.
Twinwood 2026
As "Ma Bessie," Julia embodies the spirit and sound of Blues legend Bessie Smith, bringing the Prohibition era to vibrant life through powerful vocal performances. Her commanding stage presence and rich, soulful voice have captivated audiences at top venues throughout the UK. As well as music from Bessie Smith, classics from Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday feature, amongst songs from other legends.
Ma Bessie at Bunkfest
Ma Bessie’s performance combine Julia’s rich, warm vocal sound with a dynamic group of musicians that look as well as sound the part. Expect classic blues and jazz tunes with a selection of original songs and covers from the last 100 years.
Down at the Abbey
Reading’s own Ma Bessie (Julia Titus) comes home to the abbey ruins with a set of soulful songs, including her original tribute to the king who rests beneath.
Twisted Halo Garden Party II
Angel Bar returns to the beautiful Caversham Court Gardens with one unforgettable day of live music, food, drinks, good vibes and this year we get to start a little earlier! And of course there will be a few surprises to look forward to
Concorde Club presents Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy Quintet
This versatile quintet delivers the atmosphere of a prohibition-era speakeasy with a repertoire spanning from 1920’s classics to contemporary songs with vintage styling. Music from Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday among other legends.
Come dressed for the occasion if you wish, we will be!
Ma Bessie Trio at the Palmer Tavern
We return to the Palmer Tavern. A rare moment when I get to perform with an all female trio.
Friends meeting Group
Just singing a few songs solo with backing tracks. Come along and have a cup of tea and light refereshments.
The Mill in Banbury presents ‘An Evening with Ma Bessie.’
Slip into the hidden world of Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy…
You’ll be transported back to an era where underground bars ruled the night, behind unmarked doors and whispered passwords. You’ll hear all the beloved tunes of the era that kept these secret places swinging, played by an amazing set of musicians under the watchful eye of the matriarch of the group, the heartbeat of the speakeasy, Ma Bessie herself.
Through the feathered headbands and clinking of cocktail glasses, let yourself go and embrace the rebellious elegance of Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy!
Reading Minster presents Timeless Legends
A journey through some of music's greatest icons, outstanding vocalists, exceptional backing band. One stage one extraordinary experience !
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soul and reggae classics as Timeless Legends brings together some exceptional vocalists and an outstanding live backing band to honor some of the greatest musical icons of our time.
From the powerful voice of Whitney Houston to the brilliance of Marvin Gaye and the queen of soul Aretha Franklin, this spectacuar tribute concert celebrates the music that shaped generations.
Feel the heartbeat of reggae with classic hits from Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Alton Ellis alongside the funk and soul of Prince and Chaka Khan.
This is a celebration of music that continues to inspire audiences across generations so join us for a legendary evening of music and timeless memories.
Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy at Crazy Coqs
Slip into the hidden world of Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy. You’ll be transported back to an era where underground bars ruled the night, behind unmarked doors and whispered passwords . You’ll hear all the beloved tunes of the era that kept these secret places swinging, played by our dazzling house band and under the watchful eye of the matriarch of the group, the heartbeat of the speakeasy, Ma Bessie herself. Through the feathered headbands and clinking of cocktail glasses, let yourself go and embrace the rebellious elegance of Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy.
Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy is quickly becoming popular on the London circuit. Multiple weekly residencies at Soho’s finest restaurant Brasserie Zedel, alongside regular slots entertaining audiences across other venues in the city, Boisdale of Belgravia and Soho house included. Work outside the city for the Speakeasy includes Twinwood Festival (Bedfordshire), Blues in the Park (Romania), Lindy in the Sky (Liverpool) and Aberjazz (Wales)
Residency at Cafe Boheme
An afternoon of fun where we try not to misbehave. Come and listen to us rejoice the memory of legendary 'Empress of the Blues' Bessie Smith with 1920s and 30s Prohibition-era blues and Gospel passion
Ma Bessie at Tutu's
Singing in yjr park I grew up in for my local community and it’s free,
Cafe Boheme residency
An afternoon of jazz, blues and a little gospel. Come and enjoy the music, grab a drink or a bite to eat or both.
Oxford Lindy Exchange 2026
We are performing the late night after session, session. Take your time relax and dance to the rhymic Blues. 1 am til 3am on the 14th June
Spirit of the Blues
Upwey Music presents Spirit of the Blues, featuring the excellent Julia Titus singing the blues of Bessie Smith, with a sprinkling of gospel and vaudeville songs. With Steve Graham (Tpt) and Mike Denham (Pno).
Nighthawks Festival
https://nighthawks.info/
A festival of jazz, swing, blues, jump jive and other vintage sounds
22-24 May 2026
Blackpit Estate, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5LJ
Chapel Arts Centre Bath
An Evening with Ma Bessie.
Building on her passion for the Empress of the Blues, Julia Titus performs as Ma Bessie, sharing the music of Bessie Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation of listeners. Julia’s rich, warm vocal sound brings classic blues and jazz tunes from the inter-war years to life, alongside original songs and hand-picked covers.
Building on her passion for the Empress of the Blues, Julia Titus started to perform as Ma Bessie in mid-2015 to share the music of Bessie Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation of listeners.
Mixing Julia’s rich, warm vocal sound with a dynamic group of musicians that 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, bringing the spirit of a bygone era to life.
The 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).
Tickets £15
Cafe Boheme
An afternoon of amazing music from the 1920s-30s prohibition jazz and blues era. Grab a drink or a bite to eat and join us. Entry is free.
Timeless Legends
Get ready to experience an unforgettable night where the music of Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Dennis Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Prince, Marvin Gaye, The Abyssinians and Labi Siffre comes alive.
Performances from professionals and aspiring singers with live band.
Feel the magic of timeless hits played out through generations from the soulful ballads of Whitney Houston to the powerful rhythms of Bob Marley and the romantic lyrics of Dennis Brown.
Rock to the beat of Jimmy Cliff and Marcia Griffiths' unforgettable anthems and lose yourself in the melodies of Marvin Gaye and the Abyssinians along with the electrifying energy of Prince.
A night for all, whether you're a lover of reggae, soul, pop or R&B this concert celebrates the musical legends whose timeless songs shaped the sound tracks of our lives.
A Celebration of Sound
Join us for A Celebration of Sound — a joyful evening of uplifting live music, community spirit, and local talent in support of the Mayor of Reading’s chosen charities.
Burnley Mechanics
An Evening of prohibition jazz and blues with a touch of gospel and a sprinkle of reggae.
Cafe Boheme
Come join us for an afternoon of singing at this great cafe on Old Compton Street
A B Walker Annual Memorial Service
You are warmly invited to join us for a Memorial Service – Sunday 12th April, 3pm, at the Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin, Reading, RG1 2HX.
SOLD OUT Liverpool Philharmonic Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy
Ma Bessie returns for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling, weaving through the intoxicating sounds of the 1920s and 30s Prohibition era. Celebrating the legendary voices of Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and more, this captivating new show will leave you spellbound and wanting more.
Ma Bessie performs with George Webster on piano, Clare Hirst on Sax/Clarinet and Dom Geraghty on Bass and Luke Trenwith on drums.
Reading Easter Festival
Performing with Mat Foster and Dom Geraghty as part of the Easter Festival
Ma Bessie sings the Gospel blues
Returning for another afternoon of music and laughter.
Events Calendar
View our events calendar here. If you have a free evening, we would love for you to join us!