The City of Derry Jazz Festival is just weeks away and Derry is looking forward to a bumper Bank Holiday weekend of music featuring some of the biggest names on the jazz circuit, from May 01 – 05.
Now turning 24, the festival has established itself as one of the very best platforms for up and coming talent, welcoming new artists to the line up each year who relish the opportunity to play alongside some of the greats.
Among the new wave of talent this year is award winning Sligo pianist Nils Kavanagh, already a sensation on the circuit, after scooping the title of Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year in 2022.
Nils will play alongside acclaimed local Jazz legend and academic, Dr Paul McIntyre, in the EY Jazz Lounge in one of the city’s most iconic music venues, St Columb’s Hall. The late night shows offer the chance to kick back and enjoy some of the very best music in an intimate and atmospheric setting, perfect for soaking up some authentic jazz.
It’s festivals like this that give younger performers the opportunity to learn from more seasoned artists as Paul explains. “The Derry Jazz Festival provides wonderful opportunities for young jazz performers to cut their teeth! On Saturday 3rd May, Nils will be performing with the Quartet in the EY Jazz Lounge, which I’m really looking forward to. Welcoming junior players keeps jazz vibrant and fresh.
“While teaching in Universities and Music Schools I’ve found and encouraged many young players as I can over the years. The legacy of supporting young jazz players goes back to my father Gay McIntyre, who always encouraged and showcased up and coming jazz players including Darren Beckett and Joseph Leighton.”
Nils first became interested in jazz at the age of 16 through the Sligo Jazz Project Festival, and with a bit of gentle persuasion from his parents. After some initial reluctance, he joined the SJP summer school, and has never looked back, as it opened up a whole new world of music. “It’s safe to say it’s changed my life,” Nils admits. “I had never heard music being played like that before, with such joy and excitement. From then on, I was completely hooked.”
As Nils continued his academic studies he realised that his love for music would lead naturally into a career.
So he took a year out from education, practiced hard, and eventually was accepted to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Winning the Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year award in 2022, and reaching the finals of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2024, has led to even further opportunities to perform and bring his own material to audiences.
As well as studying and teaching music, Nils also leads an energetic and innovative trio of Ireland’s top jazz performers. “It’s honestly been transformative for my career.
“It gave me the clout and confidence I needed to book an Irish tour in 2023, playing six dates across the country with my trio.
“The award also included a bursary, which I used to cover some of the costs of recording my debut album, which is releasing on May 14th, with some dates in Ireland set to happen later in the year, including playing in Bennigan’s Bar, Derry, on the 1st of November 2025.”
Since it first launched 24 years ago the City of Derry Jazz Festival has always had a strong focus on inspiring and showcasing new talent, with opportunities to perform through the Live Music Now programme in local secondary schools, and the recent addition of the Gay McIntyre stage where younger performers can shine. And opportunities like this really do make a difference according to Nils.
“Events like the City of Derry Jazz Festival are so important for introducing younger people to Jazz music.
“If I hadn’t gone to a similar festival in my own home town, I would have gone down a whole other career path. As someone who was directly affected by a Jazz Festival, I can with confidence say that events such as these are pivotal for the development of the Jazz scene.
“If I would give one piece of advice to young musicians, it would be this – don’t be afraid to ask. This industry and scene is all about putting yourself out there.
“Ask that older musician if they would like to play with you. Ask that venue for a gig. Ask the person you admire for a lesson, or some constructive criticism.
“You would be amazed how much you can get just by asking, and the worst that can happen is that someone says, “No”! In that case, you move on, and then in a couple years time, you might be ready.”
You can catch Nils Kavanagh as he plays with the Paul McIntyre Quartet on Saturday May 03 in the EY Jazz Lounge at 11pm, featuring Curtis Efoua (Paris) on drums and Brian Questa (ÚSA) on Double bass, Phil Robson (UK) on Guitar on Sunday and the guest vocalist on both nights is the acclaimed Winnie Ama!
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.
Tickets for the EY Jazz Lounge events, taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May at 11pm, are priced £10 and will be available to buy online at: www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com/tickets
For regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz Festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.
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