Kevin Brady Trio
Taking place from 30th April to 5th May 2025, this year’s lineup features an exceptional blend of international talent, cherished local performers, and rising stars from across the jazz spectrum and beyond.
Renowned as one of the festival’s most popular Jazz Hubs, alongside The Playhouse and The Guildhall, Bennigans has established itself as an essential destination for discerning jazz enthusiasts.
The venue’s intimate atmosphere and commitment to musical excellence have made it a magnet for both performers and audiences seeking authentic jazz experiences during the annual celebration.
Getting the festival off to a spectacular start on Wednesday, 30th April at 8pm will be the Garage Boys, who are returning to Derry from their home in Las Vegas.
Festival-goers can expect a high-energy performance and eclectic sound from these returning favourites. This opening gig is free to the public.
Each day will begin with a one-set performance followed by a jam session, creating opportunities for spontaneous collaboration among visiting musicians.
Thursday, 1st May begins with the John Leighton Trio & Jam Session at 5pm, led by Bennigans’ owner and renowned pianist, offering a free platform for musicians and audiences to connect through improvisational jazz. Later that evening at 10pm, The Rubber Plants take the stage with their dynamic Led Zeppelin tribute performance for a ticket price of £15.
The musical journey continues on Friday, 2nd May, starting at 4pm with the Joseph Leighton Trio & Jam Session.
This free event showcases the talent of one of Ireland’s most promising six-stringers. At 8pm, the Murray Brothers Quartet take to the stage with their unique blend of swing and bebop.
Brothers Conor and Michael Murray are no strangers to Bennigans, having played at the venue many times in their formative years.
Now living in London and Amsterdam respectively, they return with new inspiration and a passion for the artform and will be joined by John Leighton on piano and Andrew McCoubrey on drums, tickets are priced at £15.
The day concludes at 11pm with Dublin’s instrumental funk four-piece Chief Keegan, bringing their deep grooves and danceable jams to the bar for £15.
Saturday, 3rd May offers another free John Leighton Trio & Jam Session at 4pm, followed by one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights at 8pm – the Kevin Brady Trio featuring Bill Carrothers.
One of the most interesting and unique jazz trios to have emerged in the last ten years, this international collaboration between Irish jazz musician Kevin Brady, US pianist/composer Bill Carrothers, and bassist Dave Redmond has been critically acclaimed for its dynamism and musicality.
Brady formed the trio in 2006 with the clear aim of creating and producing new contemporary jazz, and the impact was immediate.
Since then, Brady, Carrothers & Redmond have toured regularly and consolidated their worldwide reputation as a compelling live act, winning the appreciation of discerning jazz audiences across the USA, Europe, UK, China and the Azores.
Tickets for this exceptional performance are available now for £15.
Saturday culminates at 11pm with the Jack McHale Trio, an electric guitar-driven ensemble with keys and drums. They play Blues, Funk ‘n’ Soul and are known to rock out on some seriously heavy riffs.
Attendees can expect to hear tracks from the likes of James Brown, The Allman Brothers, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sly and the Family Stone, delivered with high energy and a good party vibe. Tickets are also £15.
Sunday, 4th May begins with the free Lucian McCauley Trio & Jam Session at 4pm. The Lucian McCauley trio consists of Lucian McCauley on piano, James Leaver-Whitfield on bass, and Theo Hayhurst on drums.
Lucian McCauley is a young local jazz pianist studying Jazz Piano at the Guildhall School of Music in London and one of the city’s emerging talents.
As a trio, they are influenced by the great piano trios of Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, and McCoy Tyner.
Their sound relies heavily on interplay and improvisation. In terms of repertoire, the trio enjoy breathing new life into enduring jazz standards by the likes of Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington, as well as showcasing exciting new compositions by the band.
The evening features the hard-swinging Shuffle Boil Quartet at 8pm for £15.
The ensemble gathers four of Ireland’s most well-known and experienced jazz musicians to explore the repertoire of Thelonious Monk, one of the 20th Century’s most unique composers.
This is followed by acclaimed jazz vocalist Sara Oschlag at 11pm for £15.
Sara’s honest stage presence, clear, unaffectedly expressive voice, and effortless sense of swing have made her a firm favourite with jazz audiences across the UK.
An effortlessly hip, intelligent interpreter of songs in the jazz tradition, her vocal influences include both singers and instrumentalists, showcasing her understanding and love for the history and language of jazz.
The festival concludes at Bennigans on Monday, 5th May at 4pm with The Men Who Knew Too Much, festival regulars who are celebrated for their vibrant, eclectic repertoire, with tickets available for £5 on the door.
This is the perfect wind-down to the weekend.
Come and listen to the relaxing sounds of Percy Robinson on dobro guitar and vocals, Egon Callery on guitar and vocals, and Sean McCarron on saxophones and percussion.
John Leighton, owner of Bennigans Bar, is enthusiastic about this year’s line up: “We’ve curated what I believe is our strongest programme yet, showcasing the incredible diversity within jazz and its related genres.
“The mix of established performers, emerging talents, and our signature jam sessions creates the perfect environment for musical discovery and celebration.
“I’m particularly excited to welcome American jazz pianist Bill Carrothers, who’ll be performing with the Kevin Brady Trio in what promises to be one of the festival’s standout moments.”
Aisling McCallion, Jazz Festival Coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, praised Bennigans contribution to the festival: “We’re delighted to have Bennigans Bar as one of our Jazz Hubs during the City of Derry Jazz Festival.
“The combination of international talent alongside our homegrown musicians reflects the festival’s ethos of celebrating jazz in all its forms while nurturing local artistic development. The jam sessions in particular have become legendary for creating those magical, spontaneous moments that festival attendees remember for years to come.”
Tickets for all paid events are available now through the City of Derry Jazz Festival website or directly from Bennigans Bar. Early booking is advised as these intimate performances typically sell out quickly.
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is organised and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY.
For more information go to: cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.
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