Dear jazz-funk fans,
We are tremendously excited to be heading out for seven UK shows featuring the exceptional guitarist Carter Arrington.
Last year, we celebrated the Funkestra’s 30th anniversary with the FUNKOPIA tour. This year, we move into the next chapter with our forthcoming follow-up album, The Exchange.
The new album grew from Carter’s time with the Funkestra in the UK and brings his compositions together with the band’s established sound. These concerts will be the first opportunity to hear material from The Exchange alongside classic Funkestra tracks and some free band improvisation.
The Full Tour Line-Up
We have now confirmed the musicians for every date.
Thomas Kleyn will join us on saxophone, taking over from Piers Green with Piers’ blessing. Tom and I have worked together on numerous Masterlink Sessions, and he recently helped me arrange the three-piece horn sections for Saxofest and the forthcoming Jazz Funk Con Fusion Festival.
Pete Billington returns on keyboards after playing on last year’s tour and will perform on six of the seven dates. Pete has been part of the Funkestra’s inner circle for many years, so it is a pleasure to have him back with us.
At The Civic on 2 October, Emily Francis will take over the keyboard chair—keeping it in the family, as the Emily Francis Trio will also perform at the Jazz Funk Con Fusion Festival.
Long-standing Funkestra drummer Mike Sturgis will share the drum chair with Sophie Alloway, who has played on several of my recent projects. Sophie will perform on the first three dates—18, 23 and 24 September—with Mike taking over for the remaining shows.
And, of course, Carter and I will be there for all seven concerts.
Classic Funkestra and a First Look at The Exchange
The set will bring together classic Funkestra material, Carter’s compositions from The Exchange and moments where the band can stretch out and allow the music to take an unexpected turn.
That combination—strong compositions, exceptional musicians and the freedom to improvise—is what we most enjoy bringing to the stage.
We cannot wait to play this music for you.
Have a look through the dates below, find the town that suits you best and come out for your jazz-funk-fusion fix with the Funkestra.
See you there!
Stefan Redtenbacher
Redtenbacher’s Funkestra
The Exchange UK Tour Dates
Friday 18 September 2026
Ex Cellar Kingston
Kingston upon Thames, Greater London
Wednesday 23 September 2026
PizzaExpress Live, Holborn
London, Greater London
Thursday 24 September 2026
Dawkes Music
Maidenhead, Berkshire
Friday 25 September 2026
Hootananny Brixton
London, Greater London
Saturday 26 September 2026
The Bear Club
Luton, Bedfordshire
Monday 28 September 2026
Jazz Funk con Fusion Fest
The Star Inn, Guildford, Surrey
Friday 2 October 2026
The Civic Trowbridge
Trowbridge, Wiltshire