RNCM Big Band with Dennis Rollins (trombone) at RNCM

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

RNCM Big Band with Dennis Rollins (trombone)

15 December 2023

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Image by Darren Cowley courtesy of the RNCM.
Book now

Celebrated jazz trombonist Dennis Rollins takes the stage with the RNCM Big Band to deliver a toe-tapping evening of standout tunes, sizzling rhythms, and soulful improvisations from his album The 11th Gate. A passionate performer and educator, Dennis Rollins MBE has established a reputation as an artist of excellence, and has lent his unique and stylish talents to some of this country’s — and indeed the world’s — top jazz and pop personalities, such as Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, Jamiroquai, US3, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Monty Alexander, Pee Wee Ellis and Jean Toussaint.

As a bandleader, in 2006 his jazz/funk outfit Badbone & Co won a prestigious BBC Jazz Award in the Best Band category. In the following year he picked up Trombonist of the Year at both the British Jazz Awards and the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards, adding to a growing collection of prestigious accolades from the likes of Parliamentary Jazz Awards and the British Trombone Society.

Image of the RNCM Big Band by Roscoe Rutter.

Working as a solo artist, he has recorded five critically acclaimed albums – three with his award-winning band Badbone & Co and two with his progressive jazz organ-trio, Velocity Trio, who are behind Rollins’ 2011 album, The 11th Gate. Packed with irresistible grooves (often with a hip hop-inflected Latin pulse) as well as some more subtly seductive numbers, the album offers up a rich showcase of Rollins’ versatility and muscular approach on the trombone, as well as his improvisational prowess. It will make for a gripping live show at the RNCM – elevated to new heights in the context of a big band.

Ahead of the performance, RNCM students will have the chance to join Rollins in masterclasses and lessons. Rollins says “Growing up, I was extremely fortunate to have had the most inspiring and dedicated teachers. The skills and compassion I acquired were a result of that education. Teaching feels very natural to me. I feel it’s a duty to pass on my musical knowledge to the next generation.”

Where to go near RNCM Big Band with Dennis Rollins (trombone) at RNCM

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

What's on: Music

Arun Ghosh launches Refract 25. Image courtesy of Dawn Kilner.
MusicManchester
Live Music at Refract 2025

Refract returns to Waterside this July with a genre-spanning music programme that’s as playful and unpredictable as the festival itself – and much of it is completely free.

From £0.00
YAANG Press Image
MusicLiverpool
YAANG at The Jacaranda

The North West’s most fun new band rolls into Jacaranda this July, fresh off the back of their debut EP No and a place on the NME 100 list.

From £11.00

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Blondshell by Hannah Bon.
Music in the North

From Lyra Pramuk’s sacred synths to the sugar rush of YAANG, our latest music picks bring ritual, rebellion and ridiculous levels of fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Monumental sculptures, charcoal confessions and a show of two paintings only - all this and more in this month's exhibition picks.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.