Exciting, vivacious saxophonist, vocalist and composer Kim Cypher returns to the Jazz Arena this year with her brand-new Funky Latin Jazz Party full of lively, uplifting Latin rhythms and funky grooves. Joined by special guest Fayyaz Virji who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, this is the perfect festival celebration! 

A welcome return for Cheltenham's own saxophonist, vocalist and composer Kim Cypher with her band of top UK jazz musicians and special guest Fayyaz Virji. This is sure to have the Arena buzzing with a celebratory, lively selection of Latin, jazz and funky grooves. 

Renowned for her energetic, vivacious style and captivating performance, Kim Cypher is a leading figure and firm favourite on the UK jazz scene with four highly acclaimed albums and sellout shows across the country including world-renowned Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club.

Trombonist, composer, arranger and producer Fayyaz Virji adds his dynamic style and vibrant trombone playing to the mix. 

Kim Cypher is making waves across the UK jazz scene. Having studied with British jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard and legendary US saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, Kim was hailed a “true heart and soul performer” by Pee Wee, who features on her second album Love Kim x and performed with Kim as part of her album tour in 2019. 

Firmly rooted in her love and passion for funky saxophone and jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Kim’s music covers a wide variety of styles including jazz, Latin, swing, reggae and funky grooves. Her all-round ability as a saxophonist, vocalist and composer, together with her lively, entertaining stage presence set Kim apart as a unique performer, described as “a rare musical treasure” by Jazz FM’s David Freeman.

Over the past few years, Kim has been working tirelessly to celebrate and command respect for the work of fellow creatives within the arts,

as well as contributing to the widely celebrated work of Parliamentary Award winners Women in Jazz Media helping to support and create an equal, diverse, safe and healthy Jazz Industry. 

Kim’s creative projects are prolific and have included working alongside some of the most highly respected jazz musicians in the country including Liane Carroll, Ray Gelato, Simon Spillett, Antonio Forcione, Clem Clempson, Peter Lemer, Phil Mulford... 

Kim’s most recent album LIVE and Smiling released last year on limited edition vinyl was recorded as part of her 2025 tour which included her debut performance in the festival’s Jazz Arena. 

Her original music has attracted much interest in the jazz world with music featured on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, Jazz FM plus live sessions and other local, national and worldwide stations. 

"Thank you for bringing such joy to BBC4” Anita Rani BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour 

Kim will appear with her band of top UK jazz musicians featuring Chris Cobbson on guitar, Alex Steele on piano, Rob Rickenberg on bass, Mike Cypher on drums who between them, have performed with artists such as Courtney Pine, Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, Curtis Stigers, Sheila Ferguson (the Three Degrees), Paloma Faith, Van Morrison, Osibisa, Monty Alexander, Spike Robinson, James Brown Horns (Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis), Kylie Minogue, Westlife... 

Plus, Kim will feature special guest performer - trombonist Fayyaz Virji hugely respected for his work with Jools Holland, Jazz Warriors, Carla Bley, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, George Michael, Tina Turner, Lauryn Hill, Donna Summer, George Benson, Ruby Turner, Michael Kiwanuka, to name but a few. 

This is sure to be a hugely entertaining, lively, celebratory performance full of positive energy and wonderful repartee from one of Cheltenham and the UK’s most-loved performers Kim Cypher, together with her all-star lineup and special guest Fayyaz Virji. The perfect way to conclude the Festival.