Snooker legend Steve Davis is set to perform on a brand new stage at this year’s Brecon Jazz Festival.

As the world-renowned Brecon Jazz Festival 2024 celebrates its 40th anniversary this August, the iconic music event will see the debut launch of the Mindset Stage at the stunning Brecon Cathedral, on August 9-11.

Artists such as snooker-turned-DJ legend Steve Davis, plus rising jazz and folk star Rosie Frater-Taylor will perform in front of a 300-person audience at the brand-new Mindset Stage.

On Friday, August 9, speechwriter Simon Lancaster - who wrote speeches for Tony Blair's Cabinet - will give a talk on how having a ‘jazz mindset’ guides his speechwriting.

Following this, Band Pres Llareggub will take to the stage and unleash their infectious energy, blending the rich heritage of Welsh brass band music with the pulsating rhythms of hip-hop and pop. 

Saturday, August 10 will see iconic Barry Morgan, star of Barry Morgan's World of Organs - who featured on BBC’s Nick Grimshaw at Night - entertain with music and comedy.

This will be followed by former snooker world champion-turned Modular Synth DJ Steve Davis, alongside talented bassist Gaz Williams. Expect a night of improvised electronic music and a mindblowing visual show.

Closing the Mindset Stage on Sunday, August 11 is new-school jazz and folk star Rosie Frater-Taylor. Drawing inspiration from icons including Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush, singer-songwriter and guitarist Rosie blends rock, pop, soul, jazz and folk into her unique sound. 

The new Mindset Stage gives a platform not just for jazz artists, but those with a ‘jazz mindset’ - a way of thinking that knows when to play, listen, follow the rules and break them.

Steve Davis OBE said: “I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming performance with Gaz Williams at the prestigious Brecon Cathedral, where we will delve into its rich acoustic through an experimental approach to improvisation using cutting-edge modular synthesizers.

“Our performance will consist of three distinct 20-minute sets, each enhanced by themed visuals. As a special highlight, our final set will feature a surprise addition that promises to captivate the audience.”

Andrew Chainey, creator of Mindset Stage and director of South Wales video production company Tantrwm said: “The Mindset stage is a platform to showcase people who may not be jazz musicians but who definitely live life with that same jazz spirit - creative, adaptable and always open to new possibilities. 

“I'm absolutely thrilled to be bringing this unique stage to the Brecon Jazz Festival on the year of its 40th anniversary, and I can't wait to see you there.”

Tickets for Mindset Stage at Brecon Jazz Festival are available at mindsetstage.co.uk/tickets. For more info please visit mindsetstage.co.uk