Ireland’s biggest and best Jazz Festival returns this May Bank Holiday weekend, from 27 April - 1 May 2023.
The 22nd City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival will return this year and the celebration of jazz and big bands will be even better featuring artists from all over the world and welcoming more than 70,000 revellers over the bank holiday weekend. Among the popular acts performing at the festival this year are Mission Impossible, Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats, The Jiveoholics, Red Stripe Band and many more!
For full listings and much more Festival info visit www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com or download the What’s On DS App from the App Store or Google Play.
WELCOME Fáilte Bienvenido Witamy Willkommen Bienvenue
Our Jazz Hubs return this year, to Bennigan’s Bar, The Playhouse and The Great Hall, Magee. Relax, unwind and enjoy the authentic Jazz experience across three Jazz Hubs in the city.
Bennigan’s Bar
Famed for its weekly Jazz programme, curated by pianist and owner John Leighton, Bennigan’s will host multiple acts daily over the five days of the festival. Tickets are available at the Bennigan’s Bar Box Office by calling 028 71 269 127 between 5pm and 9pm.
Fri 28 April
Phil Robson Trio 7pm £15 from Box Office 5-9pm
The Playhouse
There’s plenty of top jazz acts at the Playhouse this year! To book tickets visit derryplayhouse.co.uk or contact the Playhouse Box Office on 028 7126 8027.
Thurs 27 April
Michael Barkley Quartet 8pm £8
Fri 28 April
John Street Quintet 8pm £8
Sat 29 April
Feelin’ Good: Victoria Geelan sings the songs of Nina Simone 2pm £8
Joseph Leighton / Meilana Gillard Quartet ft. Gene Calderazzo 8pm £8
Sun 30 April
Paul McIntyre & Special Guests 3pm £6
Trí – Darren Beckett / Conor Murray / Riley
Stone Lonergan 8pm £8
Mon 1 May
The Joel Frahm Trio 8pm £8
The Great Hall, Magee
The Great Hall, Magee hosts our third Jazz Hub! Join musical geniuses for what is set to be an amazing few days, with performances from a host of stellar line up of locally and internationally acclaimed jazz musicians. All Magee events are free
Sat 29 April
Lewis Smith with Special Guest Suzanne Savage 3pm - 5.30pm
Richard Wilson Trio with Ciaran Wilde –joined later by Linley Hamilton 8pm – 10.30pm
Sun 30 April
Magee University Jazz Band 3pm
Michael McDowell Sextet 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Michael Barkley Quartet
Michael Barkley is a versatile trumpet and flugelhorn player who has worked with a diverse range of artists across different genres, including Van Morrison, the Brian Irvine Ensemble, and some great local musicians. At the heart of the Michael Barkley Quartet’s music is a commitment to melody, exploring the depth and complexity of human emotions, harmonic textures, and sounds and respecting the tradition of jazz music. Led by Michael Barkley, and featuring the alto saxophone and bass clarinet of Cathal Roche, this chordless quartet delivers a rich and captivating sound that is both intimate and expansive. The rhythm section of James Anderson on drums and Rohan Armstrong on double bass provides the perfect foundation for the quartet’s musical explorations.
Gene Calderazzo
Currently residing in the UK, the New Yorker has established himself as one of the busiest drummers on the International Jazz scene. Notable performances have included Steve Lacy, Pharoah Sanders, Steve Grossman, Eddie Henderson, The NDR, Mike Gibbs, Bekhim Mseleku, UMO, Sting, Radiohead, James Moody, Phil Woods, Benny Golson, Ulf Wakenius, Gary Husband, Wayne Krantz, Bobby Watson, Eddie Gomez, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Evan Parker, Randy Brecker and brother Joey Calderazzo, Bheki Mseleku, Hans Koller, Crass Collective, Phil Robsons’ Six Strings and the beast among others. Gene is currently touring with Partisans, Zoe Rahman, and the Julian Siegel quartet. Gene is also a visiting tutor at The Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music and The Guildhall.
Hannes Riepler
Hannes Riepler grew up in Austria, studied jazz guitar in Amsterdam and moved to London in 2006, where he dived into the vibrant scene and played all over the city alongside fellow jazzers young and old. An energetic and inventive guitar player, spirited composer and host of the renowned Vortex Downstairs Jazz Night jam session, he has become a mover and shaker of jazz in London himself. Riepler’s music is rooted in jazz tradition, contemporary and melodic, but always immediate and hot. Freewheeling at times, it thrillingly swings in New York Downtown style, which is perfectly matched by the fine musicians in his Quintet.
Joel Frahm Trio
Joel Frahm is known to all jazz-lovers as a modern icon of the tenor saxophone. An unsurpassed emotional projection and technical ability always characterize his playing which draws on the breadth of the American musical tradition including jazz, funk, rock and blues. Joel’s new trio is an international affair, consisting of Toronto’s most prolific bandleader Ernesto Cervini (Myriad3, Turboprop) on drums and composer / bandleader /bassist Dan Loomis (of The Wee Trio, TS Monk) on bass. The Joel Frahm Trio released their latest album, “The Bright Side” (Anzic Records) in 2021 to rave reviews across the globe including a 4-star review in Downbeat Magazine and a feature on NPR’s “Fresh Air”.
Local Legends of Jazz Opening Night
Thurs 27 April • Guildhall 6pm Free
The Mayor, along with local Jazz legends will officially open this year’s Jazz Festival. Enjoy performances from The Paul McIntyre Quartet, George Hasson, John and Fiona Trotter, Jim Whiteside, Jim McDermott, Joe Quigley and Johnny Quigley. Everyone is welcome to enjoy top quality Jazz in stunning surroundings!
Donations are welcome at the event, in aid of the Mayor’s Charity, First Housing Aid and Support Services. Donations can be made online at Mayors Charity, www.investmycommunity.com, or by scanning the QR code below.
An Afternoon with the Mayor & The Jive Aces
Fri 28 April • Main Hall 2pm £5
Come along and enjoy the big band sound of the Jive Aces hosted by the Mayor, Cllr Sandra Duffy. Tickets £5 pp available at cityofderryjazzfestival.com. All proceeds in aid of the Mayor’s Charity, First Housing Aid and Support Services.
T: 028 7137 6508
E: mayor@derrystrabane.com
Céilí & Two-Hand
The brilliant accordion player Martin Duggan will be at the Guildhall to provide live music for an evening of craic agus ceol.
Fri 28 April 8pm £10 at door
Jazz Themed Arts & Crafts
Sun 30 April 1pm - 5pm Free
Bring your little ones along to create some ‘Jazz Hands’ and make some music at the musical instrument table. Sensory equipment and a quiet area also available.
Dance Workshops
Sat 29 April • City Hotel Ballroom
4pm - 5pm Free
Sun 30 April • Foyleside Food Quarter
1.30pm - 2pm Free
Get your dancing shoes at the ready and come along for a fun weekend filled with iconic Jazz Dance Workshops in Lindy Hop and Swing. Delivered by Fireworks DDDTA, they are not to be missed!
Dance Classes
4, 11, 18 & 25 April • City Hotel Ballroom
7.30pm - 9pm
The much-loved FREE Jazz Dance Classes make a triumphant return this year, in their new home at the City Hotel Ballroom, delivered by Fireworks DDDTA. Prepare for this year’s festival by getting your dancing shoes on and learning some new moves. Booking is essential and places are limited. Book your place at cityofderryjazzfestival.com/tickets.
Gay McIntyre Woodwind & Brass Masterclass Series
Thurs 27 April • Foyle College 1pm Free
A Masterclass focusing on saxophone skills and skills on other woodwind and brass instruments hosted by Hyde Park Brass Band. This popular masterclass returns again this year hosted by Foyle College.
Jazz at MAPA NWRC
Thurs 27 April • Foyle Theatre, NWRC, Strand Road
1pm Free
Lunchtime concert by Music & Performing Arts students and staff at the Foyle Theatre.
3pm - 4.30pm Free
A beginner’s guide to jazz featuring a series of workshops and concerts from both professional Jazz musicians and MAPA graduates. Here, they will share their knowledge and experience in a series of micro-sessions.
7pm - 9pm Free
Evening concert featuring Richard Nelson Quintet (support by James Graham) in a snappy series of micro-sessions.
Ryan Quigley Masterclass
Fri 28 April • Lumen Christi College 10am
Ryan Quigley is an award-winning jazz and lead trumpet player and in-demand studio musician, composer, arranger and educator. The Derry born, Glasgow based musician, has recorded and toured with Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr., George Michael and many more.
Live Music Now
Over 2000 children across Derry and Strabane will get into the swing ahead of this year’s festival and receive a fun and funky ‘taste of jazz’ with Live Music Now’s schools programme in the run-up to the 2023 festival.
Between March and May, pupils at 15 primary schools will experience interactive jazz taster performances in their school hall, delivered by renowned jazz pianist John Leighton and singer / saxophonist Meilana Gillard as well as acclaimed local singer Victoria Geelan and pianist Neil Burns. All four musicians are familiar faces on the Northern Irish jazz scene and these short performances are interactive and fun, include familiar jazz standards, and are a perfect introduction to jazz for young people.
Since 2017 Live Music Now has reached over 9000 children through the festival’s outreach programme, with a rapturous response from pupils and teachers alike. In the 2022 programme, one child commented “This music has made my day! They are so cool.”
Live Music Now is the leading outreach and musicians’ development charity, which places musicians in a range of education, community and healthcare settings. For more information or for your school to register interest please email alice.lewis@livemusicnow.org.uk.
Gay McIntyre Woodwind & Brass
Masterclass Series with Hyde Park
Brass Band 1pm
Foyle College
Lunchtime concert with MAPA, NWRC 1pm
Foyle Theatre, NWRC Free
Jazz Crash Course at MAPA
Beginners Guide to Jazz Workshop
3pm • Foyle Theatre, NWRC Free
Jazz Gazette & Joan Talbot 4pm
Foyleside Shopping Centre
Jaydee Brass Band 5.45pm
Guildhall Square
Local Legends of Jazz Opening Night 6pm
Guildhall Main Hall Free
Jazz Crash Course at MAPA
Evening Concert ft. Richard Nelson
Support: James Graham 7pm
Foyle Theatre, NWRC Free
The Maiden City Tease
(Burlesque Night) 7.30pm
Sandinos £15
www.wegottickets.com
Doghouse 7.30pm
The Bentley
Conal Gallen 8pm
Alley Theatre, Strabane £25
www.alley-theatre.com
Michael Barkley Quartet 8pm
The Playhouse £8
www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
The Doris Day Story 8pm
Millennium Forum £25
www.millenniumforum.co.uk
Irish Traditional Session 9pm
The Derby Bar
Matthew Crampsey 9pm
Da Vincis
Paul McIntyre Quartet 9pm
Bishop’s Gate Hotel
Harry Connolly Band 9.30pm
City Hotel Lobby
Mick Hagan Irish Folk 9.30pm
The Grand Central
Back Chat Brass 10pm
Guildhall Taphouse
Dan & James 10pm
Brickwork
The Motown Sensations 10pm
Silver Street
The Ska Beats 10pm
The Bentley
We Love Sax 10.30pm
Dungloe Bar
All that Jazz by Drive 105 DJ Silver
Fox 8am - 12noon
Sandwich Co.
Ryan Quigley Masterclass 10am
Lumen Christi
Anna Nolan Trio 1pm
Sandwich Co.
Ricky Cool & The In Crowd 1pm
Foyleside Shopping Centre
Jazz Gazette & Joan Talbot 1pm
Bishops Gate Hotel
Tuned In Project 1.30pm
Da Vincis
An Afternoon with the Mayor & The Jive Aces 2pm
Guildhall Main Hall £5 Tickets at: wwwcityofderryjazzfestival.com/ tickets
Red Stripe Band 2pm
Ardnashee School
Jiveoholics 4pm
Silver Street
Flair 5pm
The Embankment Bar & Grill
Jim McDermott & Friends 5pm
Bishops Gate Hotel
Kooskoos 5pm
Da Vincis
Paul McIntyre Quartet 5pm
City Hotel Lobby
String Empire 5pm
The Bentley
Wild 5.45pm
Blackbird
Bobby Mac 6pm
The Maldron
Hyde Park Brass Band 6pm
Shipquay Street / Waterloo Street /
Waterloo Place
Joka 6pm
Tracys Bar
The Ska Beats 6pm
The Metro
The String Ninjas 6pm
Sandinos
Ronnie & Racheal 6pm
Guildhall Taphouse
Harry Connolly Band 6.30pm
Millennium Forum Piazza
Strabane Unplugged 6.30pm
Alley Theatre £8
www.alley-theatre.com
Calgach Singers 7pm
Foyleside Shopping Centre
Paul McIntyre Quartet 7pm
Walled City Brewery
Peter Price 7pm
The Grand Central
Phil Robson Trio 7pm
Bennigans £15
For tickets call (028) 7126 9127
Red Stripe Band 7pm
Silver Street
Jaydee Brass Band 7.15pm
Millennium Forum Steps
Atomic Band 7.30pm
The Embankment Bar & Grill
Buck Taylor 7.30pm
Link 48
Darren Doherty 7.30pm
Link 47
Doghouse 7.30pm
City Hotel Ballroom
Mindbenders 7.30pm
Gweedore Bar
Soul Town Groove 7.30pm
Dungloe Bar
Bluez Katz 8pm
Da Vincis
Céili & Two-Hand -
Music by Martin Duggan 8pm
Guildhall, Main Hall £10 at door
Celebrating 10 Years of ‘Jazz with a Twist’ - An Evening with Anne Tracey, Michael Corey & House Band 8pm
Holywell £12
For tickets call (028) 7126 1941
Colin Murphy 8pm
Millennium Forum £21.50
www.millenniumforum.co.uk
Cosmic Treacle 8pm
Sandinos
Jiveoholics 8pm
The Bentley
Flair 8pm
Guildhall Taphouse
Stephen McKeever 8pm
The Gate Bistro
John Street Quintet 8pm
The Playhouse £8
www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
The Garage Boys 8pm
Rosie Joes
Leanne & Dan 8pm
Timberquay
The Motown Sensations 8pm
The Thirsty Goat
William & Caitlin 8pm
City Hotel Lobby
Mons Wheeler 8.15pm
Blackbird
Joe Quigley & Sharon Quigley
8.30pm • The Rocking Chair
Mireanda Rosenberg 8.30pm
The Metro
Back Chat Brass 9pm
Walled City Brewery
King Rat 9pm
Waterfoot Hotel
Micky Doherty 9pm
Spaghetti Junction
Special Brew 9pm
The Maldron
Wild 9pm
Collon Bar
Brothers Inc. 9.30pm
The Argyle Bar
NJ & McCool 9.30pm
Brickwork
Paul McIntyre Quartet 9.30pm
Nacional de Cuba
The String Ninjas 9.30pm
City Hotel Ballroom
Western Valley Swing 9.30pm
Bishops Gate Hotel
Buck Taylor 10pm
The Magnet Bar
Daniel Ferguson Blues Quartet
10pm •The Grand Central
Hannes Riepler 10pm
Bennigans £15
For tickets call (028) 7126 9127
Kooskoos 10pm
Link 47
Mark Conaghan 10pm
The Phoenix
Roddy Lynch 10pm
Badgers Bar
Sweet Beans 10pm
Sandinos
We Love Sax 10pm
Rosie Joes
Dee White 10.30pm
Jack’s Bar
DJ Smitty 10.30pm
The Metro
Johnny Quigley Band 10.30pm
Guildhall Taphouse
Juram 10.30pm
City Hotel Lobby
Michael McCullough 10.30pm
Tracys Bar
Mission Impossible 10.30pm
Da Vincis
Ricky Cool & The In Crowd 10.30pm
Silver Street
Stephen McKeever 10.30pm
The Derby Bar
The Revolutionaires 10.30pm
Link 48
Red Stripe Band 11pm
Dungloe Bar
Soul Town Groove 11pm
The Bentley
Two Degrees 11pm
The Thirsty Goat
The Roaring Forties 11pm
Blackbird
Doghouse 11pm
The Rocking Chair Bar
The Ska Beats 11pm
Gweedore Bar
Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats
11.30pm • City Hotel Ballroom
Open Stage Jam Session 12am
Bennigans Free Entry
DJ John Henderson 12.30am
Link 48
Tuned in Project 11am
Gay McIntyre Stage, Guildhall Square
Legenderry Pop-Up Market
11am - 5pm • Guildhall Square
Ardnashee School Choir & Band
12noon
Gay McIntyre Stage, Guildhall Square
DLD Second Line Parade 12noon
Departing from Diamond
Dougie Breslin Quintet 12noon
Craft Village
Cafe Jazz Project 1pm
Foyleside Shopping Centre
Harry Connolly Band 1pm
Craft Village
St. Cecilia’s Jazz Band 1pm
Gay McIntyre Stage, Guildhall Square
Ursula & Co. 1pm Sandwich Co.
Bobby Mac 2pm
Walled City Brewery
Boom Strutt Brass Band 2pm
Derry Girls Mural
Ricky Cool & The In Crowd 2pm
City Hotel Ballroom
Feelin’ Good: Victoria Geelan
sings the songs of Nina Simone with full band 2pm
The Playhouse £8 www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Gerry McGinley 2.30pm
City Hotel Lobby
Cellofella 3pm
Guildhall Taphouse
Foyle College, Lisneal, EA Jazz
Ensembles 3pm
Gay McIntyre Stage, Guildhall Square
Jazz Gazette with Joan Talbot 3pm
The Maldron
Jim McDermott & Friends 3pm
Badger’s Bar
Kooskoos 3pm
The Rocking Chair Bar
Lewis Smith with Special Guest
Suzanne Savage 3pm
Great Hall, Magee
Limavady Big Band 3pm
Craft Village
Mindbenders 3pm
Rosie Joe’s
Paul McIntyre Quartet 3pm
Sandinos
The Roaring Forties 3pm
Foyleside Shopping Centre
The Revolutionaires 3pm
Blackbird
Jaydee Brass Band 3.45pm
Millennium Forum Steps
Dance Workshop 4pm
City Hotel Ballroom Free
Back Chat Brass 4pm
Shipquay Street, Castle Street, Waterloo Street, Waterloo Place
Juram 4pm
Silver Street
Micaela 4pm
Brickwork
The Ska Beats 4pm
Collon Bar
Jiveoholics 4.30pm
Dungloe Bar
Buck Taylor 5pm
The Thirsty Goat
Daniel Ferguson Trio 5pm
The Embankment Bar & Grill
Dougie Breslin 5pm
Gweedore Bar
Eastwood Trio 5pm
The Grand Central
Hyde Park Brass Band 5pm
Walled City Brewery
Over and Out 5pm
Da Vincis
Jive Aces 5pm
City Hotel Ballroom
John Leighton Trio 5pm
Bennigans £15 For tickets call (028) 7126 9127
King Rat 5pm
Nacional de Cuba
Rusty Jacks 5pm
The Bentley Special Brew 5pm
Craft Village
