For five days from this Thursday, Derry’s pubs, clubs and cafes will be overrun with musical talent as some of the best local and international performers set up camp for a sheer musical extravaganza in keeping with Derry’s 2014 Music City programme.
Over 38,000 music lovers flocked to last year’s festival, and now in its 13th year, the event continues to draw fans of jazz, blues, swing, soul and rock from all over the world for the city’s biggest annual musical celebration.
This year’s programme features a stellar cast of talent including renowned jazz star Kyle Eastwood, who is no stranger to the limelight thanks to Hollywood legend father Clint.
Kyle Eastwood.
Kyle first visited Derry in 2008, and is looking forward to making his return this year taking to the stunning Spiegeltent for a Saturday night show to remember.
Also starring against the colourful vaudeville backdrop of the Spiegeltent on Sunday evening will be 1990s icon Curtis Stigers, whose reinvention from rock-pop star to jazz aficionado has garnered him international acclaim in recent years.
Other top talents include folk sensation Kate Rusby, who will be captivating audiences in the Millennium Forum on Friday night, and Anthony Strong, whose Jamie Cullum style tunes and polished performance have gained him a dedicated fanbase throughout Europe.
There really is something to suit every taste, with free live entertainment on offer all weekend in over 60 venues as part of the Guinness Jazz Trail.
And the programme features some top class tribute shows to boot including the Glenn Miller Jazz Ball, celebrating the work of the Big Band legend, and Under the Boardwalk, the ultimate tribute to the Drifters, both taking you back to a bygone era for the weekend at the City Hotel.
Curtis Stigers.
This year you can also enjoy some prohibition style glitz and glamour with the festival’s Speakeasy theme, with underground backstreet bars, covert concerts and secret passwords – just make sure you don’t get caught!
The rest of the programme is jam-packed with high energy talent, with appearances from the Puppini Sisters, The Jive Aces, and Carmen Ghia and the Hotrods, all guaranteed to have you on your feet all night long. And dedicated jazz lovers will be delighted to catch local festival favourites Gay McIntyre, Paul McIntyre, David Little, Dana Masters and John Leighton.
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