Upcoming Events
Jamaica Society Summer Ball
The Jamaica Society & Friends Reading’s Summer Ball.
In celebration of Jamaica’s 63rd Anniversary of Independence and The Jamaica Society & Friends Reading 20th Anniversary.
7pm-1am
Rum punch reception, three course meal, raffle
Tickets £70
Aberjazz
This year Aberjazz is using Theatr Gwuan as the venue for two amazing concerts.
The first is Ma Bessie's Speakeasy - turning the clock back to the early days of jazz and one of 1930's blues, when Bessie was the most popular female blues singer, nicknamed the "Empress of the Blues". She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
This show brings the excitement of the 1930's jazz scene back to life will be brought back to life with a six-piece band lead by Ma Bessie (Julia Titus) on vocals.
Manchester Swing Dance, Swing North
Entrance is down the alleyway called Stevenson Place and above The Peer Hat.
The first of our brilliant musical acts for August. Julia Titus (aka Ma Bessie) will be joining us with her band at our late night Saturday and Sunday parties.
Saturday 30th August at midnight AATMA 14-16 Faraday Street
Sunday 31st August in the afternoon at 530-7pm Hallé St Peters 40 Blossom Street
Brasserie Zedel
Brasserie Zédel is a grand Parisian Brasserie with an authentic Art Deco interior. Hidden underneath the ZL Café in the heart of Piccadilly, it serves traditional French food at exceptional value. Listen to the beautiful, soulful tones of Julia Titus aka Ma Bessie while you eat.
Cafe Boheme Duo
A duo performance with Ma Bessie on Vocals and George Webster on keyboard. A great way to end the weekend. A mix of prohibition Jazz and Blues and a touch of Gospel.
Cafe Boheme Duo
A duo performance with Ma Bessie on Vocals and George Webster on keyboard. A great way to end the weekend. A mix of prohibition Jazz and Blues and a touch of Gospel.
Ma Bessie Duo
Julia Titus aka Ma Bessie singing the blues accompanied by Matt Foster on guitar.
Twisted Halo Garden Party
Twisted Halo Garden Party organised and hosted by our very special friends at Angel Bar! And they are so special they have offered Date in the Diary members discounted early bird tickets! Sssshhh don’t tell everyone…
So glam up and party at Caversham Court this September, from 5pm onwards, Angel Bar will transform the Caversham Court Gardens into a glamorous hotspot, offering live music, refreshing cocktails, delicious food and non stop entertainment.
The live music line up:
Jewels and the Jacuzzis, a 5 piece band delivering a fresh, upbeat mix of soul, reggae, blues and disco.
Selina and the howling dogs are a reading based upbeat, funky blues rock band.
Plus Ma Bessie peforming Jazz and Blues celebrating the music of Bessie Smith.
And it doesn’t finish there as from 10pm there is a DJ set from Gold Dust Radio who promise to create a ‘party’ atmosphere.
So come and join the fun with a big singles group of Date in the Diary members and let’s party and have some fun again this summer. Discounted tickets are early bird until end of July so get booking to take advantage!
Spirit of the Blues
Actress poet, singer and songwriter Julia Titus with Mike Denham on piano and Steve Graham on cornet, recreate the songs of the great blues and vaudeville singer of the 1920s, Bessie Smith along with a selection of Gospel numbers.
Ma Bessie & her Pig Foot Band
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 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).
Tickets £20
An Evening with Ma Bessie
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 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).
Tickets £15
A Night with Ma Bessie
A night with Ma Bessie with a live band. This is a free event. Experience the soulful sounds of Jazz & Blues.
Cafe Boheme Duo
A duo performance with Ma Bessie on Vocals and George Webster on keyboard. A great way to end the weekend. A mix of prohibition Jazz and Blues and a touch of Gospel.
Spirit of the Blues
Julia Titus, Mike Denham and Steve Graham performing.
Building on her passion for the 'Empress of the Blues', Julia started to perform as Ma Bessie in 2015, sharing the music of Ms Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation of listeners.
Expect to hear classics including 'Careless Love', 'Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out', 'Gimme A Pig Foot (And A Bottle Of Beer)', and of course 'Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight', all delivered with verve and style.
Witney Blues presents Ma Bessie
Building on her passion for the “Empress of the Blues”, Julia TitusJulia Titus formed her Pig Foot Band 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 band that look and sound the part, Ma Bessie and her Pig Foot Band perform classic blues and jazz tunes from the 1930s with a selection of original songs and hand picked covers from the last 50 years of popular music.
Blues at the Bridge
Celebrating the the life and accomplishments of Bessie Smith. A talk and then performance of the music of the Empress of the Blues
Cafe Boheme Duo
A duo performance with Ma Bessie on Vocals and George Webster on keyboard. A great way to start the weekend. A mix of prohibition Jazz and Blues and a touch of Gospel
Tutu’s Community Festival
https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading/whats-on/tutus-community-festival
Cafe Boheme
Ma Bessie sings the blues
Early roaring Jazz and Gospel Blues evoke the spirit of the Prohibition era.
Tribute to Bob Marley
Performing with a live band, some of the amazing music of Bob Marley catalogue.
Ma Bessie and her Pigfoot Band Chapel Arts Centre, Bath
https://chapelarts.org/events/ma-bessie-and-her-pigfoot-band-5/
Are you listening festival
Performing in Reading for the Are you listening festival? Market Place, Reading
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!