Gilby and Hunter + Andy Champion (NFOJAiM 2026)

Zoe Gilby with Johnny Hunter (Duo) + Andy Champion (Solo)

The Literary and Philosophical Society (Members Library Reference Room) - Newcastle upon Tyne

Friday 2nd October 2026

Seetickets: £10.00 + Booking and Processing Fee = £11.00

(£12.00 On The Door Subject To Capacity)

Doors: 5.45pm (Music Starts 6.00pm - 7.15pm with a short interval between acts)

Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026

This is a brilliant double bill making up the 9th concert for this years NFOJAiM. And the Members Library Reference Room at The Lit and Phil could be the perfect environment for such engaging and intimate improvised music of this nature.  

Zoe Gilby and Johnny Hunter (Duo)

Zoe Gilby (Vocals and FX)

Johnny Hunter (Drums)

This duo was brought together initially by the respect and admiration of each other's sound. Using loops and effects, the voice and drums work together with different textures and ideas, interspersed with a lyrical edge. They are developing an exciting, shared improvisational language which is anchored by melodic and rhythmic motifs, highlighted with lyrics that encourage the improvisation to move with the words, allowing their ideas to take flight.

The duo's first forays into this new collaborative live performance took place earlier in 2026 on a small tour that included the debut Jazz North East show for Elder Beer in Heaton, so it's delight to be able to present Zoe and Johnny again in this fantastic room at the Lit and Phil.  

Andy Champion (Solo)

Andy Champion (Solo Bass and FX)

Andy Champion is a bass player, composer and improviser from the North East of England. In this solo performance Andy will be delivering a set of improvisations and compositions; utilising extended techniques, loops and effects to create dynamic soundscapes.

Andy has previously performed at Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music playing solo bass in the Loftus Room, for some it was the highlight of the 2024 edition, so it's a welcome return to have him back this time utilising the intimate acoustic surroundings of the Members Library Reference Room. 

www.newcastlefestivalofjazzandimprovisedmusic.co.uk

Presented by Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music alongside Jazz North East and the Literary and Philosophical Society

Venue Details

The Literary and Philosophical Society

The Literary and Philosophical Society, 23 Westgate Road, NE1 1SE

0191 232 0192 / library@litandphil.org.uk

www.litandphil.org.uk

The Literary and Philosophical Society

Age Restrictions / Accessibility / Travel

Age Restrictions: All ages welcome with under 18's accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility: The Loftus Room and Joseph Swan Room at The Lit and Phil are accessible. 

There is a lift at the venue entrance for wheelchair users to access the building and performance space, wheelchair accessible toilets are available in the building.

Accessible toilets are also available at 5 Quarter Cafe Bar to the left as you exit the building.

The Members Library Reference Room is not a wheelchair accessible space and is preceded by a small number of stairs.

Travel: Any Bus and Metro to Central Station which is located less than 300 ft from the venue (approximately 2 minutes walk).

There is limited street parking, the closest car park is at Central Station

(Charges may apply).