Jazz festival ends on a high note

Tuesday, 2 June 2009

Organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in association with Diageo Northern Ireland, the NITA are now into their 31st year and on the evening the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival scooped the top award in the Best Event category. More Information

Monday, 04 May 2009

Lee Gibson pictured on stage in The Guildhall during the Mayor's Charity Concert. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 30.4.09

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival’s reputation as one of Ireland’s leading music events was underlined over the Bank Holiday weekend as thousands of people enjoyed the many acts on show. Organised by Derry City Council, this was the eighth running year of the four-day musical extravaganza and revellers thrilled to sounds from top class acts from around the globe.
 
Derry City Council’s Festival Director, Gerald McColgan said: "The presence of so many world class performers over the four days has given the city a cultural and economic lift and help underline the festival’s reputation as one of the best musical events in Ireland. Thanks to all the performers, staff, venues and festival goers who helped make the weekend such an outstanding success".
 
Johnny Murray, Festival Co-ordinator echoed these comments thanking sponsors Guinness, E & I Engineering, Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and broadcast partner BBC Radio Foyle and Ulster. Speaking after the event he said:
 
"This year, the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival had an exceptional mix of specialist and returning jazz performers with audiences taking the opportunity to try something new. The festival enjoys such strong support and with our partners and we’ll ensure this prestigious even goes from strength to strength".
 
The range of acts performing was simply staggering. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra had sold out months ago and those who witnessed the energy filled, crowd-pleasing performance now know why as he thrilled audiences at the Millennium Forum Theatre on Thursday and Friday evening.
 
On Saturday evening Elkie Brooks confirmed her reputation as one of the most successful and popular singers of her generation performing some of her classic hits, blues and jazz favourites. Another big hit on Saturday evening was Kenny Ball. Playing with the Gay McIntyre Quartet, Kenny reminded us all just why he’s the most successful jazz trumpeter this side of the Atlantic.
 
For those who wanted their music a little more cutting edge, Northern Ireland’s own David Lyttle combined with Soweto Kinch to produce contemporary jazz blended with hip hop and rap at the Playhouse on Friday night. Other contemporary performances came from Eri Yamamoto Trio and Moncef Gernoud as they delivered razor sharp dynamic performances.
 
Mayor Cllr Gerard Diver who was at events throughout the weekend concluded saying "The festival is proud of the reputation it has earned in programming an event that aims to cater for everyone’s musical tastes. It was a great weekend and congratulations to everyone who helped make it such an exceptional event".

Jools Holland whose first of two sell out shows in the Millennium Forum kicked off the 8th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival last night and continues across the City until Sunday the 3rd of May. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com

This year the festival joined forces with local promoters Celtronic to bring Radio 1’s Annie Mac and DJ Andrew Weatherall to the city, bringing in a youthful crowd to the eclectic blend of people soaking up the atmosphere. As well as the high-profile big name events there were scores of hidden gems to be unearthed on the Guinness Free Jazz Trail, which provided hundreds of hours of free music and entertainment over the weekend.
 
No visit to the festival would be complete without seeing the Jive Aces. Decked out in their distinctive yellow suits, they once again wowed audiences with their high-energy entertaining swing sound. Another outfit that had the audiences on their feet begging for more was The Extraordinaires, their stunning A Cappella harmonies and breathtaking dance moves were a real hit.
 
And the festival one again provided an opportunity for the best local acts to display their talents. Local jazz legend Gay McIntyre continued his long association with the festival, as did many of the favourites from the local music scene who showed again they are such established favourites.
 
Plans are already underway to put in place the arrangements for next year so register at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com and keep up to date with what’s happening at the city’s events and festivals.
 
Ends

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