Christmas is fast approaching, but the events elves at Derry City Council are already busy planning well ahead for 2015 as we look towards the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival – and the chance to see none other than jazz sensation Jamie Cullum!
Jamie will be jetting in to the city in May, when he will take to the stage at the Millennium Forum for a show stopping performance of jazz classics performed in his distinctive contemporary style.
Pupils at St Mary’s School got a sneak preview of Jamie’s talents just last year when he dropped in for a special jamming session with the pupils. The warm welcome he received on his flying visit left such a lasting impression on Jamie that he jumped at the chance to stage his first major show in the city during the festival.
Welcoming the news, Mayor of Derry Councillor Brenda Stevenson said: “I am thrilled at the announcement that Jamie Cullum is to headline the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. Jamie has a huge following and has made jazz more accessible to a whole new generation of listeners.
“And he’s no stranger to Derry of course – last year St Mary’s school choir were thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with him – so it will be lovely to bring him back to the city.
“I know the tickets will be much in demand and they will make the perfect Christmas present for music lovers.”
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Jamie, who has recently launched new album Interlude, said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to headline at the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. I visited Derry last year during the city’s year as UK City of Culture, and I was really impressed by the wealth of young musical talent.
“Music is something that clearly lies at the heart of the city and I’m really looking forward to bringing my music to a wider audience there this time round. I hope the welcome will be just as warm as the one I received on my last visit.”
The concert will take place on Monday May 4 at 8pm, and is the highlight in a packed five day programme of music taking place right across the city.
Jamie’s concert is among a whole host of events already included in the fantastic Jazz Festival programme, which draws tens of thousands of music lovers to the city each year.
Other acts already confirmed in this year’s line up include ‘A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ starring cast members from the West End smash ‘The Jersey Boys’, and the Stars of the Commitments, who bring their gritty brand of Dublin influenced blues and jazz back to the city.
Tickets for the event will be available from the Millennium Forum Box Office from Thursday December 18, priced between £35 and £45, Tel: 02871 264455 or go to www.millenniumforum.co.uk
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