City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival

The eighth City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival runs from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3. This year’s main attraction is bop-style alto sax player and Londoner Soweto Kinch who guests in a trio with Belfast jazz drummer David Lyttle the Australian Damian Evans on double bass. Other highlights include: veteran Co. Londonderry reedman Gay McIntyre who leads a quartet featuring pianist son Paul McIntyre and renowned jazz trumpter Kenny Ball; Co. Donegal based jazz-funk-soul-blues singer Mirenda Rosenberg performs with her band; and the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra. Other major attractions include singer Elkie Brooks, Digby Fairweather, and Jools Holland [sold out - ed]. The Guinness Free Jazz Trail will provide hours of free music over the weekend, and the festival club at the City Hotel will also offer the weary but happy festival-goer the opportunity to kick back and relax to classy music until the wee small hours of the morning. More: http://www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com