British jazz star Emma Smith is returning to Israel for a run of five intimate concerts at Tel Aviv’s Shablul Jazz Club this February, bringing her warm, expressive voice and sophisticated swing back to a city that has already embraced her. Singing five sold-out shows over four nights, including a special double‑show evening, she will present songs from her celebrated albums alongside fresh takes on jazz classics, in one of Israel’s most beloved jazz venues.
EMMA SMITH RETURNS TO TEL AVIV
Emma Smith will perform five shows at Shablul Jazz Club in Tel Aviv on February 16, 17, 19, and two concerts on February 20. The multiple dates reflect the strong response to her previous appearances at the club, where she played a series of sold‑out shows that left local audiences asking for more. Once again, Shablul will host her in its close, club‑style setting, giving Israeli fans the chance to experience one of the UK’s most exciting jazz voices just a few meters from the stage.
Although yesterday I wrote that As I Lay Dying was the first international band to perform in Israel after October 7, they are not the first international artists to return. Emma Smith already came to Israel last year, including performances at Shablul and a wider theater tour in collaboration with Israeli vocalist Isaac Sutton. Her decision to come back again so soon underlines both her connection to local audiences and the importance she places on continuing to perform here.
A RISING STAR OF THE GLOBAL JAZZ SCENE
Emma Smith has built an impressive international career, performing everywhere from London’s Royal Albert Hall to leading jazz clubs around the world. A Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year winner, she has collaborated with artists such as Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum, and members of the Jeremy Pelt / Wayne Escoffery quintet, cementing her reputation as a powerful, expressive presence on the contemporary jazz scene.
Her solo work has drawn particular attention: her album “Meshuga Baby” was hailed as a breakout release, generating millions of streams and strong radio support from tastemakers including Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), TSF Jazz and Jazz FM. In 2025 she followed this momentum with “Bitter Orange,” released on US label La Reserve, becoming the first UK artist to join its roster and further broadening her international reach.
MUSIC THAT BLENDS CLASSIC JAZZ WITH PERSONAL STORY
On stage, Emma Smith brings together classic jazz sensibilities with a modern, personal touch. Her shows will include a mix of songs from her new album, gems that thrilled audiences at her previous appearances, and a “delightful blend” of well‑known jazz standards in new arrangements alongside her own original material. Her performances emphasize melody, groove, and emotional storytelling, weaving together standards and self‑penned songs into a coherent, engaging set.
With roots in a musical family and experience ranging from big‑band singing as a teenager to work with vocal harmony group The Puppini Sisters and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Emma’s music reflects deep knowledge of the jazz tradition as well as a playful, adventurous spirit. Listeners can expect swinging up‑tempo numbers, intimate ballads, and arrangements that refresh familiar tunes without losing their original charm.
EMMA SMITH AND ISRAEL
Emma Smith’s relationship with Israel has deepened in recent years. Beyond the Shablul club dates, she has toured Israeli theaters in the show “Broadway & All That Jazz” alongside Israeli singer Isaac Sutton, performing in venues in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ra’anana, Petah Tikva, Ness Ziona, and more. In coverage of her visits, she has been presented as a Jewish singer coming to Israel “to spread some joy,” with her appearances framed as a way of bringing light, classic songbooks, and a sense of connection to local audiences during challenging times.
Public interviews and profiles describe her delight in performing music by Jewish composers and classic songwriters, and her willingness to keep coming back even as international touring in the region has become more complicated. While she has not turned her concerts into political rallies, her choice to perform in Israel, and to return repeatedly, has been interpreted by many fans here as a gesture of solidarity and a desire to share music, warmth, and normalcy with Israeli listeners.
For Shablul’s February 2026 run of shows, Emma Smith’s return closes a circle: she is not only one of the first international artists to have come back to Israel after October 7, but also an artist who continues to deepen her bond with Tel Aviv’s jazz community, one sold‑out, soulful night at a time.
VENUE DETAILS
Tickets for all five Emma Smith shows are sold out, but you should definitely keep an eye on the Shablul website for future events.
Shablul Jazz Club is located at 23 Karlibach Street in the heart of Tel Aviv, a central spot that makes it easy to reach from all over the city. The club is known as one of Israel’s leading jazz venues and is designed as an intimate, cozy room where the audience sits close to the low stage, creating a feeling that you are inside the music rather than just watching it from afar. Inside, you’ll find full bar and kitchen service, with doors typically opening around 20:00 so guests can eat, drink and settle in before the show starts. The vibe is often compared to classic New York or London jazz clubs: warm lighting, attentive but relaxed staff, and a crowd that is there first and foremost to listen.
Parking around Shablul is relatively straightforward for a central‑city venue. The club itself lists several nearby options: blue‑and‑white street parking on Karlibach, Zacklag and Sa’adya Gaon streets, along with several parking garages including the Even‑Ziv lot on Sa’adya Gaon 22, the TLV Mall parking with an exit via the Karlibach gate directly opposite the club, the Sa’adya Gaon parking on Zacklag 7, and the Givon parking on Aranya 32. Many visitors mention that parking at the TLV Mall just across the road is especially convenient and feels safe, making it a popular choice for evening shows.
