Chamber chief hails ‘remarkable’ Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival that supports economy
One of the top business leaders in the Midlands has hailed the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival as a “remarkable” event that brings “extraordinary music” to the region.
Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, was the keynote speaker at the launch of the 42nd annual festival at the AC Hotel in the Mailbox on Friday (24 July).
She explained how it was “impossible to overstate” the contribution of festival founder and organiser Jim Simpson to the city’s music scene, and that 40-plus years of festivals had also been “good for the economy”.
Ms Brealey said: “For more than four decades, this festival has been bringing extraordinary music to venues across our city and region. It’s a celebration of our heritage, but also our future.
“In an increasingly digital world, there’s something incredibly powerful about being in a room with other people, sharing great music. When many grassroots and hospitality venues continue to face real challenges, festivals like this make an enormous difference.
“They bring people into our town and city centres. They help fill hotels, restaurants, pubs and venues. They support jobs and local businesses. And they remind us that culture isn't just good for the soul – it's good for the local economy too.
“As chief executive of the Chamber, people often assume I spend all my time talking about business growth, investment and infrastructure. But here’s the thing: successful places aren’t built on railways, office blocks and balance sheets alone.
“They're built on people. They're built on character. They're built on the things that make somewhere feel alive. That's why arts and culture matter.
“Not as a nice-to-have. Not as something separate from economic success. But as a vital part of what makes people want to live here, work here, invest here and build their future here.
“Which brings me to Jim Simpson. If you were drawing up a list of Birmingham music legends, Jim would be right at the top. His contribution to our city's music scene is impossible to overstate.
“When it comes to Birmingham's music scene, almost all roads lead back to jazz, blues and Jim Simpson, from the band that created heavy metal to the club that helped create Birmingham’s rock scene.
“Thank you to Jim and everyone involved in making this remarkable festival happen.”
Ms Brealey ended her address by inviting the launch audience to become part of the GBCC’s Brumbassadors network, championing Birmingham and sharing the good news across business, culture and sport.
She added: “Be a Brumbassador. Champion this festival. Come back. Bring friends. Bring colleagues. Bring family. Support the venues. Support the artists. Support the people who work incredibly hard to keep live music thriving.
“Because when we support culture, we're investing in something much bigger than a night out. We're investing in the future of our city.”
More than 100 VIP guests attended the launch of the festival on Friday, with other speakers including Councillor Roger Harmer, leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Deborah Harries, the city’s cabinet member for Culture and Heritage, and Councillor Mona Khurana, of Sandwell Council.
The launch featured live music from the Hit Parade Heroes, a 1950s and 60s rock ’n’ roll and skiffle tribute show led by musician Warren James.
The 10-day festival runs until Sunday 2 August and is featuring 177 live music gigs, with more than 160 of them free admission at 116 venues across Birmingham, Sandwell and surrounding towns. Full listings for the festival are available here.
Jim Simpson, whose Big Bear Music company has organised the annual festival since 1985, said: “I was humbled by what Henrietta and other speakers said about the festival’s heritage, and I’m very proud of all my team who have worked so hard to make it happen.”
He added that there was still “a massive shortfall” to cover the costs of the jazz festival, and that contributions would still be welcomed via this crowdfunder.
