DONOVAN HAFFNER
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# DONOVAN HAFFNER
“ South London’s Donovan Haffner has got off to a flying start – released an album, played with everyone on the UK jazz scene and garnered plaudits and prizes.” — Jazzwise
DONOVAN HAFFNER
on Saturday 18th July @ Ronnie Scott’s Upstairs
18th July 2026 → 2 x Sets 18:20 & 21:00
BOOKINGS → https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/donovan-haffner
'Breakthrough Act of the Year' winner at the 2026 Jazz FM Awards, Donovan Haffner is an alto saxophonist born and raised in South-East London. At 11, he joined the highly respected Tomorrow’s Warriors Young Artist Development Programme, mentored by Gary Crosby OBE, Binker Golding and Alex Davis, quickly establishing himself as a standout talent and touring with multi-award-winning drummer Moses Boyd by the age of 18.
Since studying jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, Haffner has performed with artists including Jay Phelps, Charlie Stacey and Balimaya Project, as well as collaborating with Danish pianist Rasmus Sørensen and Paul Cornish at the EFG London Jazz Festival. He was also selected by Tony Kofi to perform with Charles Tolliver’s Big Band, and remains closely connected to Tomorrow’s Warriors, performing with Nu Civilisation Orchestra and Jazz Jamaica.
Donovan's growing reputation as a bandleader and composer in his own right is set to see Donovan come to the attention of jazz fans across the country. In 2025, he toured with his band across various jazz venues in the UK to a great reception,
Now emerging as a compelling bandleader and composer, Haffner has been building a strong reputation across the UK, including a widely praised 2025 tour. His debut album Alleviate, recorded with his band, is a striking contemporary jazz release that captures his rapidly developing talent.
→ WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO → DONOVAN HAFFNER WEBSITE →
LISTEN TO / BUY DEBUT ALBUM ‘ALLEVIATE’
Note: For a reserved table with the London Loves Jazz MeetUp group bookings must be confirmed by bookings in advance of the gig directly with the venue. For a comprehensive list of jazz gigs in London and environs subscribe to Jazz London Live which lists over 5,000 gigs annually in 250 venues.