Lunchtime Jazz: Mali Sheard

Mali Sheard plays St George's Bristol on Friday 23 October, part of the venue's Lunchtime Concert series. She's a saxophonist and composer, one of the Tomorrow's Warriors Emerging Artists, and she'll be performing with her quintet, Homestead.

Her playing sits between two worlds: the lyricism of folk traditions and the rhythmic drive of contemporary jazz. The quintet's groove-driven originals draw on Brian Blade, Phil Woods and Laura Mvula, and the set will feature material from her debut album, which she was set to release in the second half of 2026. She's also known as a member of Ankora.

The show is part of the Warriors Rise initiative, which supports three emerging Tomorrow's Warriors artists across a seven-date UK run with tour planning and marketing mentoring. Tomorrow's Warriors itself has spent 35 years championing young Black and female talent, with alumni including Nubya Garcia, Moses Boyd, Shabaka Hutchings, Sons of Kemet, Jason Yarde and Denys Baptiste.

The concert is part of St George's Bristol's Lunchtime Concert series, staged in the venue's Grade II listed building as a midday hour of peace, relaxation and escape, presented in partnership with Wards Solicitors in their 120th year. It starts at 1.00pm in the Main Hall; tickets are from £9.50, with a £12 price on the door.