In the swing as festival off on right note

IN weather more likely to make one sing the blues, the world renowned Guinness Cork Jazz Festival got into its swing in venues across the city yesterday.

Thousands of people flocked to what is now one of the highlights of the country’s music calendar.

Over the weekend more than 40,000 music fans are expected to watch 120 acts with more than 1,000musicians from 27 countries in 80 clubs, pubs and hotels as well as master classes and fringe events around the city.

The entire event is expected to contribute up to €7m to the local economy.

Among the highlights will be award-winning musician YolanDa Brown, acclaimed saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders and rockabilly singer Imelda May as well as the more widely known band, the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Irish four-piece favourite Delorentos.

Last night the festival was kicked off in style top acts such as The Sun Ra Arkestra, Director and Route 66 Big Band.

As well as the headline events, there will be a number of crowd-pleasing shows in the fringe festival including “Music on the Move” which will include some of Europe’s top marching bands parading through the city, a family big jazz concert at 10am this morning at the Cork Institute of Technology School of Music and a jazz photographic exhibition at the Cork Vision Centre. There are a number of master classes and workshops held at venues throughout the city, such as Pulse Training with drummer Stephen Keogh at the Guinness Festival Club on Sunday at 11am, Jazz Guitar Magic with Louis Stewart at the Firkin Crane at 3pm this afternoon.

It is just as well most of the events over the weekend are indoors as heavy showers and strong winds will be a feature for much of the next three days. However, on a more positive note the sun will make some appearances and temperatures are expected to be reasonably high.

For booking and information visit www.corkjazzfestival.com