Acclaimed as the biggest and best jazz festival in Northern Ireland, the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is now into its 8th year, featuring jazz, swing and jump jive, blues, big band, salsa and Dixieland. From April 30 until May 3 nearly 300 national and international performers are playing at over 60 venues throughout the city.
Headliners include the now legendary 20-member Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, who play the Millennium Forum on April 30th and May 1, and Elkie Brooks, who plays the same venue on May 2.
A range of music on offer from salsa with the Sabroso Salsa Team, reggae with Manasseh & Brother Culture, swing with James Huish and the infectious dance music of Ska Boom. Other top attractions include the Eri Yamamoto Trio, Soweto Kinch, Moncef Genoud, Kenny Ball, Digby Fairweather, the Sound of Seventeen and regular favourites, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys. The Guinness Free Jazz Trail provides lots of free gigs in pubs and hotels around the city, while the late night festival club at the City Hotel features free music into the early hours.
For further information, visit www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com.
