It’s almost that time of year again!
The eagerly awaited Guinness Cork Jazz Festival has just announced exciting new acts for its 2024 line-up.
Revealed at last evening’s programme launch, fans can now look forward to performances from more artists including iconic pioneers of alternative hip-hop from New York, De La Soul & Special Guest, dynamic Chicago-based brass band Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and The X Collective and Friends, Irish artists who push boundaries across genres, combining elements of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B.
Also announced is UK-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Maya Delilah. Signed to Blue Note Records since 2020, she is known for her smooth R&B sound and jazzy guitar riffs. She’ll be supported by Cuban-Irish singer Qbanaa for a very special show in St Luke’s Church. Also included are Le Boom, jarjar_jr, and Todd Terje, with his unique blend of Euro sounds, deep funk, and Latin jazz.
Bricknasty will host the Nasty Sessions with some of the most exciting young artists working in jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop scene in Ireland today including Shiv, F3miii, Curtisy and more special guests to be announced.
One of the highlights of the festival promises to be an exclusive curated show – We Almost Lost Detroit – The Music of Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson – with Brian Jackson himself, joined by Detroit heroes Moodymann and Theo Parrish. Jazz fans will be in for a treat at Triskel with Hungarian classical guitarist and Norwegian jazz saxophonist Zsofia Boros & Trygve Seim, and Jakob Bro Trio featuring Joey Baron & Thomas Morgan.
Danish guitarist Jakob Bro leads this trio, blending delicate guitar work with the intricate drumming of Joey Baron and the deep, resonant bass of Thomas Morgan, crafting atmospheric jazz soundscapes. Tickets for these performances, which take place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend, are now on sale.
This year’s festival will also see Tom Keating present Flash Harry: A Celebration of Queen, Mad Ferritt – The Definitive Oasis Tribute, and Jenny Greene & Special Guests, along with Mack Fleetwood at Cork City Hall.
Fans can also look forward to a swing set with Luke Thomas and Una Healy, as well as masterclasses and music workshops at Cork School of Music, offering students the chance to learn from industry experts.
For a unique experience, the festival introduces Brass Band Boat Cruises, in partnership with The Good Room. French masked brass band Santa Machete and Cork’s Rebel Brass will bring lively performances aboard Cork Harbour Cruises, turning the river into a floating stage over the jazz weekend.
The festival is also launching Blue Note 85, a collaborative exhibition celebrating 85 years of the legendary jazz label Blue Note Records in the beautiful setting of St. Peter’s Church. The interactive exhibit will feature the label’s iconic artwork and the label’s first-ever Irish pop-up store curated in collaboration with The Record Hub.
Additionally, The Kino has been added as a new venue in partnership with ChoiceCuts, focusing on emerging Irish talent like The X Collective, Projective & DeCarteret, and Cooks But We’re Chefs & Rachael Mae Hannon. It will be a family-friendly platform.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place from Thursday, 24th October to Monday, 28th October 2024, over the October bank holiday weekend.
Headline venues include Cork Opera House, The Everyman, Live at St. Luke’s, Triskel, Cyprus Avenue, Kino, and Cork City Hall. This year, the festival will expand its renowned jazz music trail, offering free performances in 74 pubs and clubs throughout the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or just love the festival atmosphere, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival offers a perfect balance of world-class jazz and crowd-pleasing performances, complete with boat trips, surprise appearances, and an electrifying vibe.
Tickets for the new acts just announced are now on sale on the festival’s new website www.guinnesscorkjazz.com, which is packed with all the information and latest news that festival goers need.