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The Cutting Edge Big Band
Jazz Swing Speakeasy

The Cherwell School, Oxford, OX2 7EE

Saturday, 16th May 2026
Doors open 7:30pm

Tickets from £14.00* (Members)
at Swing Dance Summertown

* twin tickets (£31 for 2) available – booking charges may apply.

8:00pm - 10:30pm

Step into an unforgettable night of live Jazz Swing at The Summertown Speakeasy Live. The Big Saturday Dance Night Out returns on Saturday 16th May 2026. Head to The Cherwell School North Site, in Oxford as we bring back the ballroom to Oxford.

We will transport you to a vibrant, vintage-inspired atmosphere from the moment the doors open at 8pm. The Speakeasy is where music, dance and community all come together as we conjure the Spirit of The Jazz Age. We keep going until late when the music stops at 11pm. Consequently this special edition of our much-loved Summertown Speakeasy features the electrifying sound of The Cutting Edge Big Band. As a result we welcome their full Orchestra back to the Speakeasy Stage for another great night of jazz swing delivering the rich, powerful sound that defined the golden age of swing.

Tickets are limited. Online booking essential.

To book visit Swing Dance Summertown*.

“The Cutting Edge Big Band delivers a stylish and exciting, big-band sound”

Beautiful melodies and joyously
toe-tapping rhythms from
serious musicians who love playing

MORE INFO

Whether wistful ballads or stomping dance numbers, this is classy entertainment in a variety of settings, with a set list tailored to every event.

The repertoire is rooted in the classic swing era of the '30s and '40s. Those days of romance: glamour, moonshine and tuxedos, the excitement of Harlem and invention of wild, new dance crazes. Think wartime tunes made famous by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and Glenn Miller.

Then there are the mid-century classics that everyone knows - Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Dean Martin; and even the occasional tune from Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, Billy Joel, or the achingly cool Astrud Gilberto. Great melodies that have been sung by everyone from Rod Stewart to Michael Bublé to Robbie Williams.

19-PIECE
LINE-UP

Including 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, full rhythm section, and fabulous band leader. Also featuring guest vocals for added swing.

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

We perform day or night at charity, corporate, private and civic events, including weddings, dinner-dances, gala events, landmark openings, even at riverside pub gardens on balmy summer afternoons.

PERFORMING SINCE 1982

The band is now led by Chris Macklow, a man of easy vintage charm and smooth sophistication. His apparently laid-back style hides a ruthless attention to detail.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Submit your email address and we can let you know
when we're next performing at a public event...

The Cutting Edge Big Band pictured at the Westgate, Oxford on November 11th 2017.

Many thanks to Steve Foster for the pictures and Steve White for the audio recording.

  1. Demo
  2. Fly Me To The Moon
  3. By All Means
  4. Blue Skies

Many thanks to Steve White for the audio recordings.

Cutting Edge Big Band performing at the opening of the Westgate Centre, Oxford.

Lindy hop dancers at the Winter Lights Festival in Witney, Oxfordshire.

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NEXT GIGS

Saturday, 16th May 2025
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Summertown Speakeasy Live

The Cherwell School, Oxford
OX2 7EE, UK
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More public gigs coming soon...

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LINKS

Last Minute Musicians

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Get Tickets

Book for our next dance event

CONTACT & BOOKINGS

EMAIL » info@cuttingedgebigband.com

© 2026 Cutting Edge Big Band