Birmingham Jazz is a promoting organisation which presents contemporary jazz on national and international levels. Formed in 1976 it is funded annually by The Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council and has won the Jazz Promoter Scheme run by Jazz Services five times since 1999. It takes a broad definition of 'jazz' and is interested in collaborative projects that draw on other musics.

There are only two employees, Development Manager Mary Wakelam, a graduate of the Jazz course at Birmingham Conservatoire who works closely with the Chairman Tony Dudley-Evans, on programming, marketing and administration.

The organisation promotes up to 110 events a year in various venues around the city. These include 30 to 35 concerts at various concert halls and arts centres; the CBSO Centre, the M.A.C, the Adrian Boult Hall, the Glee Club and the Recital Hall at Birmingham Conservatoire. As well as the concert series, many acts are presented in club venues, notably the Yardbird Jazz Club, The Jam House and the Rainbow Pub, attracting a large young audience.

They also run the very popular Rush Hour Blues sessions every Friday afternoon in the foyer bar of Symphony Hall. It has showcased many local artists and provides an excellent cross-section of the diverse music happening within the Midlands and has developed a large, loyal following. As well as programming big name acts throughout he year, the organisation supports the local scene by regularly commissioning local artists and showcasing student and graduate bands at various venues.

Collaborations with Cobweb and Birmingham Conservatoire are also in the pipeline so watch this space!