Derry will be swinging from next week as the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival welcomes hundreds of musicians for a musical extravaganza like no other.
The Festival is renowned the world over for its eclectic programme embracing an array of musical genres, as well as the spectrum of classic and new age jazz that draws tens of thousands to the event each year - so it’s no surprise that this year it’s branching out even further into the realm of theatre.
This year's Jazz Festival is set to be one of the best yet, with ticket sales outstripping those of last time next year.
Tickets sold out within days for two performances by headline act Van Morrison’s performance at the Millennium Forum.
But jazz fans have been reassured this year’s festival has lots of top acts for them to enjoy.
Commenting on the line up Andrea Campbell, Events Co-ordinator at Derry City and Strabane District Council said: "Among the new acts at this year’s event are Buck Taylor, renowned for his spectacular voice and likeness to the King of Soul the late James Brown; the hot jumpin’ rhythm and blues band The Revolutionaires; swing band Jumpin’ Up, who are travelling all the way from Italy to be part of the festival and one of the UK’s most authentic New Orleans style brass band The Heavy Beat Brass Band."
Other new attractions include the Jessica Radcliffe Quartet; Barrence Whitfield from Boston’s Rumble Club; an eight-piece ska/reggae band from London called The Dualers; Irish jazz and folk singer, Mary Coughlan; the Swing Cats, Darren Beckett Trio and much much more.
Regular festival go-ers will be delighted to hear that many of their jazz favourites such as The Red Stripe Band, The Ska Beat, Jiveoholics, Cat Scratch Fever Featuring Western Valley Hot Club, Paddy Sherlock and Les Swinging Lovers, The Jive Aces and Harry Connolly Band will be making a welcome return to the festival, bringing with them their unique style of musical performance and personality.
In addition to live performances at key locations across the city, festival organisers are delighted to announce a number of new elements to the festival including a new jazz hub at the Great Hall Magee, a bespoke Jazz Show, a North West Show Band Exhibition and a Dance Hall Days celebration event.
Ms Campbell said this year’s festival has a number of new elements aimed at broadening the audience appeal and attracting new followers.
“We are really delighted to be involved in a new Jazz Show entitled “Chezzie’s Chance” that is written and directed by local playwright Dave Duggan and produced by Jonathan Burgess, in partnership with the festival and Blue Eagle.
"It’s a fantastically funny jazz comedy featuring act trumpeter Linley Hamilton that will be premiered to Derry audiences during the festival at the Millennium Forum before embarking on a tour of Ireland.
“Other new elements of the festival that are worth highlighting include the establishment of a new Jazz Hub at the Great Hall Magee that will complement the work already being done by the Playhouse and Bennigan’s Bar to showcase jazz talent during the festival.
“All in all we have a tremendous line up of musical entertainment that will keep audiences jiving and dancing into the wee small hours."
The 18th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival will run from May 3 to May 7.
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