Jeremy McMurray and the Pocket Jazz Orchestra Play ARC Stockton

Jeremy McMurray and the Pocket Jazz Orchestra at ARC Stockton will fill the venue with jazz standards, Latin rhythms and swing on Thursday 15 October 2026. The 8pm concert also features guest trumpeter Graham Hardy, giving this autumn date a particularly strong North East connection.

Led by McMurray, the ensemble draws on the Great American Songbook while also moving into bebop territory. That makes the evening broader than a single-style standards set: lyrical melodies and rich harmonies sit alongside the sharper rhythmic turns and improvising energy associated with bebop.

Pocket Jazz Orchestra welcomes Graham Hardy

Hardy has become one of Tyneside’s most versatile players. His credits include work with Kathryn Williams and The Unthanks, while he has also performed alongside musicians such as Tim Garland, Bob Mintzer, Andy Sheppard and Mark Nightingale. His presence should add both melodic character and an improvisational edge to the orchestra’s arrangements.

The setting suits a relaxed jazz evening, although the musicianship remains the main attraction. McMurray’s group can shift from foot-tapping swing into Latin material and then return to familiar songbook melodies. Consequently, newcomers have recognisable entry points, while regular jazz listeners can focus on the interaction between the band and its guest soloist.

ARC advertises reserved seating for the performance. The venue also gives an age guidance of 14+, with under-16s accompanied by an adult. Anyone planning food before the show can separately check ARC’s Culture Kitchen arrangements when booking.

For Teesside audiences, the concert offers a chance to hear regional musicians working across an international jazz repertoire in a theatre setting designed for close listening.

Check the official ARC Stockton event page and tickets.

See more upcoming gigs at ARC Stockton.

Event details can change. Please check ARC Stockton and the artists’ official channels before travelling.