The 15th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival gets underway tonight.
The official opening of the five-day extravaganza, which is set to attract thousands to the city, takes place from 6.00pm to 8.00pm in the Guildhall when a wealth of local talent will gather under one roof for a birthday celebration in honour of Derry jazz legend Gay McIntyre.
Among those taking part will be the Paul McIntyre Trio with the event featuring a selection of performances by a number of the city’s jazz artists including Johnny Quigley, George Hasson, Joe Quigley, John and Fiona Trotter, Jim Whiteside, Jim McDermott and Jackie Molloy.
Also tonight, Da Vincis Hotel on Culmore Road will host a night in aid of the Foyle branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, the chosen charity of the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion.
Music will be provided by the Manouche Swing and the Jive Aces (pictured)..
Tickets are £7 and the charity event starts at 9:30pm, with doors opening at 8:30pm.
Headline act, Roy Ayers, will be appearing in St Columb’s Hall on Sunday night.
And, according to festival organiser Andrea Campbell, he is a “must see” act.
“It’s an absolute honour to have the Godfather of Neo Soul, vibraphonist and vocalist, Roy Ayer, play in Derry.
“He’s among the best known, most loved and respected jazz and R&B artists on the music scene today.”
Mayor Cllr McCallion said this year’s event promised to be “something extra special.”
She said: “This weekend our city will be absolutely buzzing as the jam packed programme of first class music kicks off.
“The festival has already become a huge event, but 2016 promises to be something extra special.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and what the North West has to offer on a global scale, as some of the artists play at the best jazz events throughout the world.”
She concluded: “Our festival also coincides with International Jazz Day on Saturday 30 April and what a way to mark this international occasion, with a city that will be alive with the sound of jazz.”
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