Stevie Wonder Tribute Band Will Headline Challengers’ Big Jazz Event

Published on: 12 Apr, 2025
Updated on: 12 Apr, 2025

Jazz on the green: The line-up at a previous festival. The 2025 event takes place on July 20

By David Reading

The Wood Street Jazz Festival is set to return in July, offering a line-up of world-class musicians in aid of Challengers, the Guildford charity dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled children through the power of play.

Headlining the festival will be The Wonder of Stevie, a tribute to the legendary Stevie Wonder. Featured musicians will include Noel McCalla on vocals, the award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash (of Jools Holland’s R&B Orchestra) and their band.

Their performance will take the audience on a journey through Stevie Wonder’s music.

Also taking to the stage will be Jazz Samba, a vibrant celebration of Brazilian jazz inspired by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd’s iconic 1962 album.

Led by Nigel Price, the multi-award-winning guitarist renowned for more than 500 performances at Ronnie Scott’s, and ace saxophonist Mark Crooks, this quintet fuses bossa nova rhythms and jazz improvisation.

The ensemble is completed by the virtuosic Spanish drummer/percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat, pianist John Cervantes and double bassist Marianne Windham, who is the founder of Guildford Jazz.

Now in its 11th year, the Wood Street Jazz Festival has become a permanent fixture of Guildford’s summer events calendar and is organised in partnership with Guildford Jazz. This year’s festival will take place on Sunday, July 20.

All proceeds from the festival will go toward supporting Challengers and providing fun and safe spaces across the South East where disabled children aged 2–18 can come together to make friends, enjoy new experiences and learn valuable life skills.

The impact of Challengers’ work is evidenced by Michelle and her mum Martha. Michelle is a young disabled person with complex needs and challenging behaviour, who faced significant meltdowns before finding support through Challengers’ 555 Service. This service offers support to disabled young people aged 8–19 who are out of education, providing a structured and supportive environment to build confidence and prepare for a successful return to school.

Michelle was transformed by her experiences at Challengers, says her mother

Martha said: “Before Challengers, Michelle was having meltdowns that lasted hours, hurting herself, and it was extremely difficult. A few hours felt like a whole day. And days were never-ending.”

After attending Challengers, the transformation was evident. Her mum said: “When Michelle comes back from Challengers, she’s happier, calmer, and more settled. She comes in and gives me hugs and kisses, and I’ve grown closer with her as a result.”

Being able to attend Challengers meant that Martha could continue working and could care for her other children. And with the support of Challengers, who have guided school staff in how best to support Michelle’s needs, she is now successfully attending school.

Tickets for Wood Street Jazz Festival 2025 are available now. Visit www.disabilitychallengers.org/events/jazz-festival-2025