Thu 11 Jun 2026, Smokey Joe's, Cheltenham

Welcome back to Smokey Joes Jazz Club! Its summertime, and were delighted to announce that our special guest this month is the amazing violinist, Ben Holder. We love this recent review about Ben: That man Holder ... If he was playing electric guitar behind a screen, youd swear it was Jimi Hendrix come back to life. So fast. So melodic! (Jonathan Craymer, Grapevine Live). Ben plays like a grandmaster, on fire! Still in his early thirties, Ben has the mastery and wisdom of a jazz guru, and the playfulness and energy of a young lion! Ben started with classical studies at the age of six which were complemented by training at the Birmingham Conservatoire. An introduction to jazz came in his early teens, from classic masters such as Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli, which led Ben to truly find his place as a musician. Ben possesses an innate sense of swing rhythm, breathtaking technical ability, and true showmanship on stage. He offers unbounded musicianship, heaps of energy and personality, and a visible passion for his craft. Hes a sight to behold, and a soundscape to bathe in! Come and check him out at Smokey Joes. Ben will be joined by the Smokey Joes awesome jazz house band, with the barefoot energy, flying socks and passion of Alex Man of Steele on piano; the mighty groove merchant, Mike Cypher on drums, always ready to grab those unexpected beats and turn them into unrivalled rhythmical joy; and the beautifully melodic, lyrical, eloquent and effervescent, Mike Moyk Green on double bass. Were looking forward to seeing you there!