The Count Basie Orchestra live in Coventry

Experience The Count Basie Orchestra live on December 16th

The Count Basie Orchestra will perform at the Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry, United Kingdom on December 16, 2026. The orchestra carries forward the legacy of William “Count” Basie, renowned for a distinctive big band sound rooted in swing music. Their style incorporates elements of blues, and later, funk and contemporary arrangements, characterized by tight ensemble playing, dynamic rhythms, and prominent brass sections. The orchestra initially gained prominence during the 1930s and 40s, becoming a cornerstone of the Kansas City jazz scene and achieving widespread national recognition. Following Basie’s death in 1984, the orchestra continued under the direction of various leaders, maintaining its performance schedule and musical standards.

Warwick Arts Centre is a multi-complex venue located on the University of Warwick campus. Opened in 1974, it functions as both a university arts facility and a public arts centre serving Coventry and the wider region. The centre houses a theatre, concert hall, cinema, gallery spaces and studio theatres. It presents a diverse programme encompassing music, theatre, dance, visual arts and film; frequently hosting both internationally renowned performers and emerging artists.