Former Rolling Stone's Rhythm Kings to jazz it up

The acclaimed bass guitarist brings his current outfit The Rhythm Kings to the city on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 as part of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival.

An evening of blues, jazz, rock and rhythm'n'blues from this all-star award-winning group is promised. The Rhythm Kings are renowned for their popular live performances and their visit to the Forum will be greeted with much excitement by local audiences, particularly in the run up to the Jazz Festival.

Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum, David McLaughlin, said: "We are delighted to welcome this iconic musician to our stage for what promises to be a magical evening for music fans.

"Over the years, in association with Derry City Council, we have hosted many world class acts as part of the City of Derry Jazz Festival and I have no doubt that this event will reinforce the Festival as being one of the premier music festivals of Ireland.

"Bill Wyman is sure to be the highlight of yet another outstanding week-end of music at its very finest and we are confident that it will attract many visitors from beyond the city to what is guaranteed to be a sell-out event."

The Mayor Cllr Paul Fleming said he was delighted to welcome such a high profile artist to this year's event. He commented: "The City of Derry Jazz Festival is Northern Ireland's premier Jazz and Big Band Festival and is fast becoming a major player on the European Jazz Festival scene and is renowned for its fun and exciting Bank Holiday weekend programme.

"This year's festival offers a host of top class events and musical performances to suit all tastes with a wide range of musical performances throughout the four-day event.

"The Bill Wyman gig promises to be a very special occasion for music lovers in the city and help us to promote the festival to a wider audience."

BILL WYMAN'S RHYTHM KINGS perform at the Millennium Forum on Fri 30th April and Sat 1st May. Tickets go on sale from the Box Office at 9.30am on Friday 5th February. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.