Celebrate The Jazz Festival In Style With a Cruise Along The Foyle.

Thursday, 26 April 2007

There can be no finer combination than jazz and a river cruise so it comes as no surprise that one of the most popular events at The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is its annual musical extravaganza on board the Toucan One. Starting at 2.00pm on Sunday 6th May the day promises to get off to a smooth start as R Paul sings the best of Sinatra with Johnny Quigley on saxophone and clarinet.

Then the Lee Hedley Band are gonna take you away - quite literally – when they perform with their high energy blend of rock’n’roll based blues. Regulars at the Cork Jazz Festival, this rockin’ four-piece band leave audiences gasping for more wherever they play and are arguably one of the finest blues bands in the country with harmonica genius Lee Hedley out front, charming the audience with his soulful voice.

It’s a non-stop musical ride as the Toucan One makes it’s way along the Foyle out to Greencastle with special guests R Paul belting out the best of Sinatra and Johnny Quigley on saxophone and clarinet.

Speaking ahead of the event, the festival organiser said: “The Jazz Cruise is a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere and ambience of the festival and enjoy the beauty of our city at the same time. This is a great family day out. It’s a chance to do something a bit different while enjoying some of the finest sounds from this year’s festival. Just relax and take in the sights and enjoy the festival and city in style – from the river Foyle.”

A range of refreshments will be available during the cruise before the boat makes its way back to Queens Quay in Derry. Host for the event will be Q102’s Jimmy Cadden, who’ll be making sure guests are tuned in for a night of great entertainment.

Tickets for the Jazz Cruise are available from the Harbour Museum:
Phone (028) 7136 2857. Admission: £8.00 adults/ £5 children.

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is funded by Derry City Council and Guinness, and supported by the BBC and the Northern Ireland Events Company.

For information on accommodation please contact Derry Visitor Convention Bureau on Tel: (028) 7126 3511 (048 from the Rep. of Ireland).
For information about the Jazz Cruise and other events during the 6th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival, go online at: www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com

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