
Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra bring blues, swing, boogie woogie and ska live, with special guest Roachford.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra play the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Saturday 14 November, with special guest Roachford opening the show. It's a full evening: doors open at 7pm, the support act runs from 7:30 to 7:55, there's a 20-minute interval, and Jools himself takes the stage from 8:15 until 10:15. Tickets are £64.25.
Holland is a pianist and bandleader rooted in boogie-woogie, who first broke through with Squeeze and went on to shape a live sound that threads blues, swing, boogie woogie, early rock'n'roll and ska. He drives the orchestra from the piano, a left hand setting a tough groove and a right hand firing quick, melodic runs. The arrangements are tight, the tempos brisk and the brass lines push the melodies forward, so the band plays like a modern big band with bright horns, a locked-in rhythm section and room for solos. Setlists typically slip from jump-blues shuffles to New Orleans-leaning vamps and slower R&B shades, with call-and-response hooks and sharp dynamic shifts.
Roachford opens the night. His 1988 hit 'Cuddly Toy' topped the UK charts, and he's been sought after as a songwriter by Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan. He was awarded an MBE for Services to Music, and Holland calls him one of the great soul voices the country has produced. Alongside him on the bill are Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Bournemouth and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
So, the full line-up is Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, with Roachford opening, plus Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Doors at 7pm, support 7:30-7:55, a 20-minute interval, and Jools on from 8:15 to 10:15. Tickets are £64.25.
Date
Saturday, 14 November 2026
19:30
Location
Bournemouth Pavilion TheatrePrice
Paid
Recommended Age
+14 years
Useful Links