Cork Jazz kicks off with surprise performance from Macy Gray at Coughlans Bar

Ahead of her sold out show at the Cork Opera House on Thursday night, the star treated fans to a secret intimate gig at Coughlans Bar

Macy Gray surprises fans with an electrifying intimate pop-up performance at Coughlans to kick of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Picture: Darragh Kane

This year’s Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is already off to a flying start, with a surprise performance from American singer Macy Gray kicking things off on Wednesday night.

Ahead of her sold-out show at the Cork Opera House on Thursday evening, the star treated fans to a secret intimate gig at Coughlans Bar in Cork city.

The Grammy Award winner performed tracks from her new album The Reset as well as older favourites.

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Macy Gray is one of the many talents — both international and Irish — that are set to perform across the city and further afield for the annual jazz festival. Officially kicking off on Thursday, Cork will host five days of music and entertainment.

As the festival celebrates its 45th year, this year's event promises to be the biggest and best yet with an extended programme of over 100 ticketed shows and 500 musicians from 40 countries. 

The Guinness Music Trail promises to deliver something for everyone with everything from ska to swing and jazz to brass as the trail leads you to more than 73 venues across Cork City, Douglas and Kinsale. As well as that, there will be plenty of pop-up events, collaborations, late-night parties and a brass band marching through the city.

• Cork Jazz takes place from Thursday, Oct 26 – Monday, Oct 30. See guinnesscorkjazz.com

Some of the highlights:

Thursday, October 26

Macy Gray - Cork Opera House 

Friday, October 27

Kurt Elling - The Everyman 

Jazz Boat Journey with Jerron Paxton - Cork Harbour Cruises 

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - 50 Years of Hip Hop - Cork Opera House 

Matthew Halsall - The Everyman 

The Charlatans with special guests Pillow Queens - Cork City Hall

Brandee Younger - Triskel Arts Centre 

Opening of WeGotTheJazz presents Evolution exhibition (all weekend) – St Peters Saturday 

Saturday, October 28

Amaro Freitas - Triskel Arts Centre 

Tony Hadley ex Spandau Ballet & Special Guests - Cork City Hall 

Karen Underwood - Cork Opera House 

Morcheeba - Cork Opera House Cork 

Jazz All Stars XCLSV23 - Cork Opera House 

Jazz Boat Journey with Jerron Paxton - Cork Harbour Cruises 

Sunday, October 29

Corinne Bailey Rae - Cork Opera House 

Gilles Peterson - Cyprus Avenue 

Fred Wesley & the New JBS - The Everyman