The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Elisha McCallion launching the programme with Orla Mullan, BBC Radio Ulster presenter Walter Love and Andrea Campbell, Events Officer, Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Photo Lorcan Doherty Photography
INTERNATIONAL Jazz Day celebrates its 5th anniversary on Saturday 30 April and the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, which takes place from 28th April to 2nd May, will be marking the occasion with a range of activities throughout the city.
International Jazz Day aims to celebrate the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people.
Not only will Derry be a thriving jazz scene with a staggering 95 gigs taking place on the day, but the festival will lend support by bringing together communities and working with the city’s schools and musicians to celebrate jazz and discover its roots.
A special event will mark the day with the BBC Radio Ulster Jazz Showcase taking place in the Guildhall, with John Toal introducing the Ulster Orchestra live.
They’ll be joined by a host of talent, including jazz percussionist Ed Dunlop, winner of BBC Northern Ireland’s Young Musicians’ Platform Award, and our big-hitting jazz performers Dana Masters, Scott Flannigan and Linley Hamilton. Please note this event is fully booked.
Andrea Campbell, festival organiser with Derry City and Strabane District Council says it’s great that the festival coincides with international jazz day. “It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the festival and our local talent and be part of a wider international celebration that helps promote jazz music across the world.
For further information on the City of Derry Jazz Festival visit www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com or Twitter @derryjazzfest or contact the Festivals office at Derry City and Strabane District Council, 028 71253253.
