Join us for an immersive evening where music and drawing come together in real time!
Vocalist Sarah Jane Eveleigh and her quintet which features the jazz trumpeter Stuart Henderson and award winning pianist Kate Williams, present a tribute to the iconic and influential singers in the history of jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Berry Carter, Sara Vaughan, Shirley Horn and many more.
Drawing Music is a live event where audiences are invited not just to listen, but to see and respond. As these talented jazz musicians, curated by Guildford Jazz, perform live, you’ll be encouraged to capture the energy, rhythm, and emotion of the music through drawing. Whether you’re an experienced artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, this is a relaxed, welcoming space to explore mark-making, observation, and creativity in a unique setting. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sketchbook or notepad and a pencil to get involved.
Featuring live artists Andrew Curtis and Ronnie Ireland (see under “Who’s On Stage” below for details)
Expect an evening of expressive music, creative experimentation, and a shared atmosphere where sound becomes line, gesture, and form.
This event is part of the Guildford Festival of the Arts
Please click the link below for more details and to book a table
EVENT INFO
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX
Start time 2pm
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, including a 20 min interval
TICKETS
Tickets £21 (Guildford Jazz Members £19)
Prices include all applicable fees & levies.
WHO'S ON STAGE?
SARAH JANE EVELEIGH - vocals
Originally from Manchester, jazz vocalist and songwriter Sarah Jane Eveleigh moved to the south of England to study a diploma in performing arts. Since then, she’s developed her stage craft playing her own compositions in venues across London and the Southeast, as well as working as a singer in bands for high-end private events. Respected for her passionate delivery and interpretations of jazz standards, Sarah is a gifted storyteller who brings a level of style, accuracy and class to her performance
STUART HENDERSON - trumpet
Formerly principal trumpet of The Scots Guards Band in Her Majesty’s Household Division, Stuart played many times for the Royal Family and at State occasions all over the world. Since leaving the services he has become a fixture on the UK jazz scene appearing with many of the country’s finest jazz musicians.
KATE WILLIAMS - piano
Pianist/composer Kate Williams (daughter of guitarist John Williams) has gained a reputation as both a distinctive writer and performer. She has released several CDs, each one to critical acclaim. In 2016 she formed Four Plus Three, an ensemble featuring her trio with string quartet. The following year, they performed at the 606 with special guest John Williams (Kate’s father) on guitar. John also features on Kate’s album with vocalist Georgia Mancio: Finding Home: Kate Williams’ Four Plus Three Meets Georgia Mancio. It won album of the year at the 2020 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.
MARIANNE WINDHAM - bass
The founder and driving force behind Guildford Jazz, Marianne is a distinctive presence on bass. Since becoming a full time musician 15 years ago, she has become a respected and in demand player and performs regularly at leading jazz venues and Festivals across the UK. Awarded the Services to Jazz Award in the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards for outstanding contribution to jazz in the UK, Marianne is also the founder and chair of the Cheryl King Trust which helps fund music lessons for low income families.
ANDREW EVELEIGH - drums
Andrew is a professional drummer and drum tutor, who has played with numerous artists and bands nationally and locally.
Featuring Live Artists:
Andrew Curtis
Based in Guildford since 1993, Andrew is a graduate of the Ruskin School of Fine Art, Oxford University. He was Head of Art at the Royal Grammar School for twenty-six years and is a member of GU Art, a collective of professional local artists. Andrew has drawn jazz and blues musicians in festivals and clubs across Europe and has recently been the official event artist at the Alfold Rock and Blues Festival. His work has been exhibited with the New English Art Club, the Royal Society of British Artists, and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, where he won the 2002 Winsor & Newton Award, as well as in galleries across the UK, Japan, and Europe.
Ronnie Ireland
A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art and The Open University, Ronnie exhibits widely across the South of England. He teaches his own classes and works with numerous art societies, and is an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society.
His practice focuses on the human figure, often drawn from imagination and shaped by allegory and myth, leaving space for the viewer’s own interpretation.
DIRECTIONS
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX
Town centre car parks nearby
SEATING
Select your seat on booking