It’s hard to believe that it’s been 40 years since the first every Cork Jazz Festival. Each October since then, the streets and venues of Cork have been taken over with the spirit of jazz, from huge name gigs to small, intimate concerts.

This year is set to be as big as ever, and The River Lee will, as always, be participating with some fun events (including the ever-popular Jazz Brunch). From 27^th – 30^th October, there will be over 1000 musicians in hundreds of venues all across the city, so there’ll be sure to be something you’ll be dying to see.

Here are some events that you’ll definitely want to add to your list…

Dee Dee Bridgewater

“Over the course of a multifaceted career spanning four decades, Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz icon DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER has ascended to the top echelon of jazz vocalists.

Ever the fearless voyager, explorer, pioneer and keeper of tradition, the three-time Grammy-winner has always bridged musical genres.”
(Double bill with the Monty Alexander Trio at The Everyman)
Sunday 29^th October @ 8:00PM

Soulé

“London born SOULÉ is a superb singer/songwriter now based in Dublin.
At the beginning of 2015 she joined the major production collective Diffusion Lab and began recording music part-time, between classes in the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Her influences include the likes of Erykah Badu, Macy Grey, Lauren Hill, ASA, Chrisette Michele, and Nneka.
She is deeply inspired by gentle and soulful music, but is also drawn toward the excitement of drum and bass and alternative electronic sounds, making her a diverse and thoughtful artist.”
Cyprus Avenue, Friday October 27^th at 8pm

Belleville Hot Club

“Belleville Hot Club are a group of London based jazz musicians who together recreate the vibe and atmosphere of the swing jazz period.

Combining the sounds and spirit of Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France, with the sweet tones of Sidney Bechet's clarinet, the Belleville Hot Club’s repertoire includes Dixieland classics, burning gypsy jazz numbers and popular jazz standards… something for every jazz fan.”
The River Lee, Friday 27^th October 9.30pm – 11.30pm, Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th at 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

Sue Rynhart Trio

“Dublin vocalist and composer Sue Rynhart is a lecturer at the Newpark Music Centre, Dublin on the Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance Degree Course.

Sue’s debut album Crossings (Songs for Voice & Double Bass) with Dan Bodwell, an American based in Dublin, received critical acclaim from RTÉ Lyric FM, The Irish Times, the respected American website All About Jazz, The Independent, BBC Radio Ulster and The Sunday Times UK.”
Triskel Christchurch, Sunday 29^th October @ 8PM

Jack O’Rourke
"Jack O'Rourke will provide a unique brunch experience - singing originals as well as unique interpretations of Dr. John, Tom Waits, Billie Holiday and even Bowie for a special jazz brunch at the grand piano."
Pre bookings required €35.00pps 021 493 7790
The River Lee, Sunday 29^th October

There are a series of jazz events running at The River Lee each and every day of the festival. As well as the Belleville Hot Club, the New York Brass Band, Lamorotte, The Art Crimes Band, The Sleepwalkers, Mayday Jazzband and the OhnO Jazzband are all playing, as well as the Jazz DJ.

You can see more information about all of the events on the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival website.