Press Release

Ready, Steady, Go – Jazz Festival swings into action!

Thursday 1st May

The 7th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival kicked off today, Thursday 01st May as the City tunes up for a weekend programme of top class music and events for music lovers everywhere.

Whether it’s jazz, swing, blues, rock or dance music that you love, it’s all there in this year’s programme which is currently available online on www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com, or by telephoning the event line on (028) 71376545.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s jazz cruise launch on board the Toucan One, Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson said he was looking forward to tremendous weekend of music in the City.

“The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival attracts music lovers to the City and region for the annual Bank Holiday weekend event and is fast becoming a major player on the European Jazz Festival scene. This event has put our city on the map. We have artists and visitors arriving from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond to enjoy four days of quality entertainment. The festival celebrates its seventh birthday this year and I am confident that this will be the best yet. The event has grown so much as far as its reputation and popularity goes and we are proud to be recognised as Northern Ireland’s premier music event.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend a big thank you to our sponsors Guinness, media partners, the BBC and all the friends and supporting bodies of the festival, whose support is greatly appreciated. I would also like to congratulate the festival team on putting together such a fantastic programme of events and wish them the very best for the days ahead.”

One of the most anticipated acts this year is the celebrated jazz musician and recipient of the prestigious ‘International Bassist of the Year’ Award at Ronnie Scott’s, Kyle Eastwood, eldest son of Hollywood star Clint Eastwood. Currently touring Europe to promote his latest album, he will perform his only Irish date at the Jazz Festival on Saturday May 3rd before heading to Ronnie Scott’s for his two sell-out shows there.

The festival is thrilled to hail the return of the Blind Boys of Alabama, back by popular demand and performing at The Millennium Forum on Friday 2nd of May. Singing a fervent blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel music as well as moving renditions of songs by everyone from Tom Waits to Prince this is one gig you don’t want to miss.

The Millennium Forum is the chosen stage for one of the festival’s most exciting events which has been organised in association with BBC Radio Ulster and will take place on the closing night of the festival, Sunday 4th May when the station will broadcast The Ulster Orchestra performing with composer and jazz pianist Brian Byrne and Siobhan Pettit live on air. Brian has composed soundtracks for films such as ‘In America’ and has returned from LA for this evening only to play a selection of music that includes music specially composed for the festival.

To catch some fresh funky Jazz also look out for Les Swingin’ Lovers and Hot Pepper Jazz both of which are performing throughout the weekend as part of the Guinness Free Jazz trail while anyone who enjoys Doo-Wop and groove should check out The Extraordinaires (Sandinos Sunday May 4th) and Oo-Bop-Sh’Bam (various venues as part of Jazz Trail).

The Guinness Free Jazz Trail is undoubtedly one of the most popular aspects of the festival, providing hundreds of hours of free music and entertainment over the weekend. This year sees the addition of Early Evening Jazz kindly supported by the Business and Cultural Animation Programme as well as the ever-popular Late Night Festival Club at the City Hotel.

The festival also recommends Cormac Kenevey, Honor Heffernan, Gay McIntyre, Ronnie Greer and Tommy Halferty, just some of the highly acclaimed artists who will help to make this year’s festival a celebration of Irish talent.

There are still some tickets available for a number of top class concerts taking over the weekend. Please contact the festival office at 028 71376545 for further information.

Programmes are still available throughout the City’s venues or through the festival website www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is funded by Derry City Council and Guinness, and supported by BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Radio Ulster

For information on accommodation please contact Derry Visitor Convention Bureau on Tel: (028) 7126 3511 (048 from the Rep. of Ireland).

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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