West Road Concert Hall, 2 Jul 2026
Enjoy timeless classics such as Mona Lisa, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and L-O-V-E brought back to life by the instrumentalists and vocalists of the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra – one of the few UK Jazz ensembles to feature a string section – in a joyful celebration of Nat King Cole.
This is not a tribute show, but rather a celebration of Nat King Cole’s life and music. The show will be a joyful journey through Nat King Cole’s music, from the intimate trio recordings he made early in his career to the later luscious orchestral work with arrangers such as Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins. Compèred by musical director and conductor Mike Paul-Smith, the show will feature anecdotes about Nat King Cole’s life, recreations of some of his greatest recordings, and original arrangements of other Nat King Cole classics penned by members of the Orchestra.
The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading swing ensembles with performance credits including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the London Jazz Festival, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Twinwood Festival. Join them for this one-of-a-kind celebration of a true musical legend in 2026.
more about Down for the Count
The Down for the Count Orchestra is one of the vintage orchestra which performs the music of Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Nat 'King' Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.
More details
One of Cambridge’s premier music venues and is part of Cambridge University
11 West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DP
01223 335 184 / wrch@mus.cam.ac.uk