CITY of Derry Jazz Festival regulars, The Jive Aces, have written a letter, singing the praises of the annual music fest.
Dear All
Well it’s the end of another amazing City of Derry Big Band and Jazz Festival and once again we have to drag ourselves into the tour van to head back feeling sad to leave but with lots of new happy memories and pleasurable moments to keep us thinking of Derry until we return next year.
This was our eighth year here in the festival and it seemed bigger and better than ever. We have personally received nothing but warmth and friendliness from everyone we met as usual and we met lots of new friends as well as catching up with the usual familiar smiling faces.
We even extended the festival starting at the Gweedore on Wednesday night and finishing on Monday lunchtime at the Strand Bar, maybe we can stretch it out all year and we won’t have to leave.
Da Vinci’s was rammed and rockin’ for the finale as was the City Hotel on Saturday night. It seems everywhere was busy and we also met more people from out of town who had travelled to Derry for the festival - good news is obviously spreading! We also played for the kids who will hopefully be the future of the festival at two wonderful schools - where we had lovely school dinners and the kids jumped and jived and threw their jackets in the air.
But I always go one about how much we love Derry and the festival ever since we first came and how friendly everyone is, but maybe you should hear it from someone new, on her first trip to Ireland and her first music tour. You may have heard Lil’ Miss Hayley sing over the weekend.
She has just turned 17 years old and she has been singing and playing the bass with us as a guest since she was 13. Now she has left college to seek fame and fortune and we thought what better place to start than Derry? Here is what she thinks of your fine city and the festival on her first visit:
“I’ve had an amazing time in Derry for the Jazz Festival and now have lots of wonderful memories to take home with me! I felt extremely welcome by everyone there and was astounded by the warmth, friendliness and general feeling of community amongst the whole city! It’s been a great pleasure coming on tour with the Jive Aces and I can’t thank them enough!
The two shows we put on at the schools were unbelievably rewarding and great fun! I hope all the children of Derry keep coming to the festival when they’re older!
As Ian Said, The Gweedore, The Strand Bar, Da Vinci’s and The City Hotel were packed, but there was a brilliant atmosphere amongst the crowd!
What a wonderful introduction to Ireland this has been for me and I will definitely be back here at some point so see the beautiful scenery, the lovely people and to learn more about your city and your home! Thank you all for being so supportive and putting on this amazing event! Hope to see you all again soon!
Thank you”
Lil’ Miss Hayley
Hayley Faulkner
x x x
So there you go, from a 17 year old girl on her first trip, where she met both Jedward and Bill Wyman in one visit, not bad eh? Thank you all, see you next year!
Love, Ian and the Jive Aces
