40,000 festivalgoers to jazz up Cork

Headline acts for next month’s Guinness Cork Jazz Festival include the Coronas, Gary Numan, and The Drifters.

The organisers expect 40,000 visitors to attend the festival, which takes place from October 22 to 26, and will feature more than 1,200 musicians performing in excess of 400 sessions in more than 60 pubs, theatres, clubs, and hotels in the city.

Renowned as one of the best jazz festivals in Europe, it continues to grow each year and this year’s line-up also includes The Darius Brubeck Quartet, Grace Kelly, and Marcus Miller.

Now in its 37th year, the festival has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and more.

Among the highlights at Triskel are GoGo Penguin, the highly rated Manchester trio who mix contemporary jazz sounds with influences from electronic music and club culture.

The Phil Ware Trio play Triskel Christchurch on Sunday, October 26, as part of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

This year, pubs across the city will play an important role in the lineup, with top-notch acts planned for the Guinness Music Xtra Trail.

They include The Pearly Whites, The Busquitos, Divine Intervention, Blues Brothers Banned, and The Jabronis.

Back by popular demand, the Jazz Fringe will feature free attractions all over the city including a food market, open-air jam sessions, and street bands.

Four of Europe’s top street bands will perform on the main thoroughfares including the Lamarotte Jazz Band, Oh No Jazz from Holland, 38 Tonnes from France, and the New York Brass Band from Britain.

Sunday will see the colour and vibrancy of the festival take to the streets of the city with a jazz parade at 3pm.

Eighties synth-pop star Gary Numan plays the Opera House

For budding enthusiasts, Cork School of Music will play host to a jazz camp featuring workshops and masterclasses presented by stars of the festival.

Rory Sheridan, head of Diageo Europe sponsorship, said Guinness is delighted to continue its support for the festival.

“It has been fantastic to see it develop to become a key cultural event in the Irish music calendar,” said Mr Sheridan.

“While we have seen many changes over the last 37 years, some things remain the same: The sense of excitement and community spirit that this event brings to Cork each year is remarkable.”

For full festival details and to purchase tickets, log onto guinnessjazzfestival.com