In the late 1950s and early 1960s, County Down-born Ottilie Patterson was the rising star of British jazz and blues music. As an acclaimed singer with the Chris Barber Band, she and the band were at the forefront of the Trad Jazz scene packing out jazz clubs all around Britain, and relentlessly touring Europe and America.

Soul singer Dana Masters recounts the story of the "Godmother of British blues" Ottilie Patterson from her beginning in Muddy Water's blues club in Chicago, her time as the acclaimed singer with the Chris Barber Band to her sudden disappearance from the music industry.

This film is Pay What You Can. This scheme invites you to think about your own circumstances and what you can afford to spend at the cinema. Instead of our usual ticket types, for all Fleadh on Film screenings we have a sliding scale with tickets at £4, £7, £10 and £15. Find out more.

This Fleadh on Film screening is presented as part of the Fleadh at Queen’s programme which celebrates the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 coming to Belfast for the first time, and the rich tradition of Irish music and heritage. See the full programme of campus-wide events here.