St Mary’s choir to support Jamie Cullum

The festival will mark the official start of summer in Londonderry as thousands of music fans descend on the city to sing, swing and enjoy the very best local hospitality, with over 250 events taking place in over 60 venues.

Organised by Derry City Council, the festival will take place from April 30 until May 4.

This year Londonderry will welcome modern jazz sensation Cullum – the highlight event in five days of Jazz, Jump, Jive, Swing, and Blues delivered on note by some of the best artists in the business.

The concert, which takes place on Monday, May 4, will have a special local element as Jamie has invited none other than the St Mary’s School Choir to support him live on stage.

The artist has a special connection with the school after he dropped in on the choir last year for a jamming session as part of the BBC Radio 4 Piano Pilgrimage series.

Launching the programme Mayor of Londonderry Brenda Stevenson said the festival provided the perfect excuse to visit the city.

“I am delighted to launch our programme for the 2015 City of Derry Jazz Festival, and as always it’s jam packed full of top quality entertainment.

“The festival draws music fans from far and wide each year and it’s the perfect event to showcase the wealth of local musical talent and our city’s fantastic hospitality.

“I would encourage people to book now as accommodation always fills up fast and start planning a musical celebration to remember.”

Festivals and Events manager with Derry City Council, Karan Leonard, said the programme had even more to offer music fans this year.

“We are delighted to welcome Jamie Cullum, who is of course recognised as one of the most exciting young jazz artists on the music scene. I know Jamie will attract a diverse range of music lovers to the festival, as he’s well known for his unique jazz interpretations of current music.

“That includes his young fans at St Mary’s School who will be thrilled to meet up with him again and actually perform at the concert.

“He got a fantastic reception on his first visit to the city and I have no doubt his return will be equally as popular.

“The programme this year offers music lovers of all ages the chance to sample a wide array of musical genres, performed by the highest calibre of artists including Louis Stewart, Charlie Wood and Camilla George.

“Local talent is well represented as always with performers such as David Lyttle, Dave Martin and John Leighton, and we have some international artists who will be travelling from across Europe and as far away as the US.”

The Festival opens appropriately on International Jazz Day and what better way to celebrate than with a selection of first rate performances from the cream of local jazz talent.

Between 6pm – 8pm on April 30 a series of indoor and outdoor sets will take place at the Guildhall featuring the Paul McIntyre Trio, Gay McIntyre, George Hasson, John and Fiona Trotter, and lots more.

For those of you left standing at the edge of the dance floor last year now is your chance to shine. There are a few places still available at the jive lessons led by Jive and Ballroom champions David and Kathleen Cummings at the Guildhall and the Alley Arts Theatre in Strabane.

Over four weeks participants can pick up a range of steps and learn how to adapt to a variety of rhythms, including Jazz, Swing, Boogie Woogie, and Big Band sounds.

To book a place for the Guildhall Dance Lessons, please contact the Cash Desk at Derry City Council, Strand Road, or you can pay by credit or debit card on 028 71376627.

To book a place for the Alley theatre Dance lessons, please go to the Alley Theatre or pay via the telephone on 028 7188 4760.

For more information on all the events featured in this year’s Jazz Programme go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com or visit the City of Derry Jazz Festival Facebook page.