Julia Titus is an actress, poet, singer and songwriter. Among her talents is the ability to convincingly put over the songs of that great blues & vaudeville singer of the 1920s, Bessie Smith. Building on her passion for the 'Empress of the Blues', Julia started to perform as Ma Bessie, sharing the music of Ms Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation of listeners. Expect to hear classics including 'Careless Love', 'Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out', 'Gimme A Pig Foot (And A Bottle Of Beer)', and of course 'Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight', all delivered with verve and style. The programme, in this lovely venue, will be completed with a selection of Gospel numbers, another genre in which Julia delights!

Bessie Smith first recorded 100 years ago in 1923, and on many subsequent discs she was accompanied by piano and cornet. On this occasion these roles will be filled by Mike Denham and Steve Graham from the nationally acclaimed Sunset Cafe Stompers. Mike is highly regarded as an exponent of ragtime, boogie and stride piano styles and Steve is considered as one of the country’s leading New Orleans style trumpeters. They have worked together for 30 years and are well known to jazz club and festival audiences.