Upcoming Events

Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy at the Music Box at Witney
Jul
23

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.

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Twinwood 2026
Aug
31

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.

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Blues Bar Tring
Sept
3

Blues Bar Tring

https://bluesbartring.co.uk/event/ma-bessie-after-hours-show-friday-2/

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Down at the Abbey
Sept
12

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.

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Twisted Halo Garden Party II
Sept
19

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

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Friends meeting Group
Oct
19

Friends meeting Group

Just singing a few songs solo with backing tracks. Come along and have a cup of tea and light refereshments.

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The Mill in Banbury presents ‘An Evening with Ma Bessie.’
Oct
29

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!

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Reading Minster presents Timeless Legends
Nov
21

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.

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Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy at Crazy Coqs
Jul
16

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)

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Residency at Cafe Boheme
Jul
11

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

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Not available
Jun
27

Not available

Private booking

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Not available
Jun
21

Not available

Not avaialable

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Spirit of the Blues
Jun
12

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).

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Nighthawks Festival
May
23

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

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La Creperie, Odiham
May
21

La Creperie, Odiham

An evening of music, eating and laughter.

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Chapel Arts Centre Bath
May
16

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

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Cafe Boheme
May
3

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.

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Timeless Legends
May
2

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.

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Private Quartet event in London
Apr
17

Private Quartet event in London

A night of dinner Jazz and Blues.

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A B Walker  Annual Memorial Service
Apr
12

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.

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SOLD OUT Liverpool Philharmonic Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy
Apr
10

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.

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Private birthday party booking
Mar
28

Private birthday party booking

A private birthday party event.

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Events Calendar

View our events calendar here. If you have a free evening, we would love for you to join us!