Gay to grace festival once again in 80th birthday year

Gay will be joining other local legends including John Trotter, George Quigley, Jim McDermott & Friends, Portabello, and the Palais Swing Band during the hugely popular annual festival between May 2 and May 6.

Headliners - announced on Wednesday (March 27) - include Soul Rebels (New Orleans), who have been described by Rolling Stones Magazine as ‘utterly uninhibited hip-hop hybrid, not to be missed.’

UK Jazz Musician of the year – the Neil Cowley Trio, the frontman of which is also the UK City of Culture’s musician in residence - will also feature as will Pink Martini (Portland, Oregan) who performed at the Governor’s Ball at the 80th Annual Academy Awards- or the Oscars as they’re better known.

Also performing over the weekend are The Overtones, the all male vocal group who bring their blend of classic 50s harmonies with a modern pop twist to the Millennium Forum; and The Puppini Sisters who have performed alongside Michael Bublé and will be bringing their intoxicating mix of music and style to the Grand Vintage Ball.

Mayor Kevin Campbell said: “With nearly 300 events, the wealth of international, national and local talent that will descend on the city’s venues over the May Bank Holiday is incredible.

“The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is one the people of this city look forward to year on year; as well as being an event that visitors to the city plan their Bank Holiday arrangements around.

“Accommodation is already at a premium with the City of Culture 2013 accolade giving an added boost to this year’s event and with a programme like this music lovers will not be disappointed.”

Derry City Council’s Elaine Griffin, who is playing a key role in organising the gigs, said: “We have been fortunate to have been able to bring together a programme that has wide appeal.

“There’ll be plenty of beat on the city’s street over the bank holiday weekend as we welcome new faces and old friends to the festival.”

One of the many highlights is sure to be the Vintage Fair which will take place in the grounds of Ebrington Barracks on Saturday, May 4, when vintage enthusiasts of all things retro can browse and sample the food, fashion, design, music and culture of bygone days.

Preparations have been ongoing over the past number of weeks with dance classes and various workshops, all building up to the Grand Vintage Ball which takes place in The Venue.

Also making a welcome return will be the Guinness Free Jazz Trail, which year on year offers a programme of incredible talent and all for free.

Seasoned festival goers will recognise familiar names such as The Jive Aces, Harry Connolly, Wild, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, The Jazz Ladds, whilst new faces this year include the Ronan McCullagh Trio and Ruth James.