Rosie Hanley

The massive opening gig The festival opens in the usual fashion: with a large-scale gala concert celebrating jazz vocals. This year’s ‘Jazz Voice’ concert includes a performance from Lisa Stansfield – whose powerful pipes actually adapt remarkably well to jazz – London-based vocalist Zara McFarlane, Portuguese fado queen Mariza and Canadian singer Laila Biali. Also performing is Lea DeLaria, best known for playing Big Boo on ‘Orange Is the New Black’, who’s also an accomplished jazz singer. The masterful Guy Barker will be at the helm, conducting his consistently brilliant 42-piece jazz orchestra. A mainstay of the EFG London Jazz Festival, this night is always pretty darn special. Jazz Voice. Royal Festival Hall. Fri Nov 16. The not-actually-jazz gig One of the world’s best-loved fado singers, Mariza, will perform songs from her self-titled latest album. Though known for her exquisite renditions of traditional Portuguese fado songs that typically express longing and loss, she’s also skilled at working contemporary ideas into the genre. The result? Guaranteed goosebumps throughout. Royal Festival Hall. Sat Nov 17. The gigs for any curious ‘Jurassic Park’ fans Jeff Goldblum, iconic star of our favourite dino flick, is also a pretty decent jazz pianist. He hits the capital to play both Cadogan Hall and Ronnie Scott’s with his band the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Goldblum formed the group around 20 years ago and they’ve been honing their craft in between his many Hollywood roles

In a nutshell... A revered jazz venue which hosts live music seven nights a week. Where is it? The Vortex launched in 1987 on Stoke Newington Church Street, but since 2005 its home has been in the heart of Dalston. What’s the vibe? Unpretentious and welcoming. Volunteer-led and loved by musicians and audiences alike, the Vortex is an intimate space with a lovely unassuming charm. Punters rarely visit just once. What makes it a great venue? Its varied programme means you’re just as likely to catch a seasoned veteran as a young, up-and-coming musician, and both mainstream and avant-garde styles are well represented. Ticket prices are kept around the tenner mark, which helps the Vortex feel like part of the local community. What’s the booze situation? As solid as a veteran jazz band’s rhythm section. You’ll find bars upstairs and downstairs serving ales from the East London Brewery for a fiver, house wine for £4.60 and spirits with a mixer for £4.60. The food is pretty decent too, but really you’re here for the music. What’s good and coming up soon?You can find the full listings for the Vortex Jazz Club here.  RECOMMENDED: More venues you've never been to in London