This special evening at the Howard Assembly Room brings together friends and collaborators to celebrate the life and music of Chris Dawkins, who passed away in May 2025. A renowned session player and original member of Nightmares on Wax, Dawkins was a pivotal figure in shaping the era-defining sound of releases such as Smokers Delight and Car Boot Soul in the early 1990s.

His musical output was characterised by a rich blend of soul, jazz, and hip hop. Beyond his work with DJ E.A.S.E, Dawkins collaborated with artists including Maurice Fulton, Jimi Tenor, and Corinne Bailey Rae, and released three solo albums: Hero’s Journey, Painting Colours, and Rastanaut.

At the invitation of one of his closest friends, Hamlet Luton, the original Nightmares on Wax line-up reunites for this performance. The ensemble features DJ E.A.S.E, Isaac Heywood, Hamlet Luton, Sarah Garvey, Rhianna Kenny, Leigh Kenny, and Dan Goldman.

The event, held in association with Leeds Jazz Festival, includes support from Dawkins' most recent band project, The Flying Hats, and his long-time collaborator Wulls. An additional performance by Jamettone - an improv jazz and hip hop group featuring his daughter Shaneen Dawkins - will take place in the HAR bar following the main show.