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Must see shows at this year's Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
Get into the rhythm with a guide to this year’s festival highlights.
AMERICAN COMPOSER GEORGE Gershwin said, “Life is a lot like jazz, it’s best when you improvise.” This weekend, the spirited freedom and exuberance of jazz music returns to Cork.
Now in its 44th year, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is a calendar highlight for music enthusiasts up and down the country. Taking place over the Halloween Bank Holiday, the festival programme is packed with over 32 unmissable acts – both emerging and established, Irish and international – across 7 of the city’s most prestigious live venues such as Cork Opera House, The Everyman Theatre and Live At St Luke’s.
Previously, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival has welcomed a host of legendary voices and musicians of jazz including Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck and Sonny Rollins. As well as giving fans of the genre an opportunity to see pioneering figures of jazz, the programme
Included, also, in the festival is their Music Trail, taking attendees across Cork City and introducing them to the wonderful live venues. Go between the many brilliant live venues for great tunes and atmosphere.
As well as platforming artists and acts from different generations, the Guinness Jazz Festival does well to broaden the musical range across the weekend. Dublin-based quartet and two-time guests on The Late Late Show With James Corden, Pillow Queens will no doubt bring the noise with their indie rock hooks, while Cork-born (and Don’t Worry Darling’s Florence Pugh approved) Yenkee offers some glistening bedroom pop sprinkled with gorgeous 70s motifs.
Included in the incredible international descending on Cork City for the music-filled weekend are Seun Kuti & Fela’s Egypt 80, the youngest child of Fela Kuti, a leading force in melding funk with jazz music which birthed afrobeat in the 1970s. The New Power Generation will also make an appearance at the Cork Opera House with their tribute to their former boss and frontman, Prince. The group played with the Purple Rain pop star between 1990 and 2013, before reuniting in 2015 to play on Prince’s final studio album before he passed away the following year. The New Generation has toured on several occasions to celebrate Prince’s countless timeless hits and enduring legacy.
As the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival gets underway in the Rebel County, we look at some of the unmissable shows taking place over the weekend.
1. Experience Berlin collective Jazzanova’s extraordinary reimagining of works from Detroit’s Strata Records
What: Earlier this year, Berlin-based collective Jazzanova, with DJ Amir and 180 Proof Records, shared Sound of Detroit, a special LP featuring extraordinary reimaginings of works from the catalogue of the cult jazz label Strata. The collective took on some of the Detroit-based label’s beloved material, originally released during its brief lifespan in the 1970s. Covering artists such as Kenny Cox and Sam Sanders, Jazzanova continues to give these important works a second life on stage for this special performance.
Where: The Everyman Theatre, 15 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork
When: October 28, show at 6pm
Tickets: From €31, Book here
2. Booka Brass Band bring their brilliantly infectious New Orleans-infused style to the Cork Opera House
What: Stalwarts of the festival scene, Dublin-based Booka Brass Band have thrilled audiences with their interpretation of New Orleans-inspired instrumentation since forming a decade ago. During that time, their excellent musicianship led to collaborations with James Vincent McMorrow and Lisa Hannigan, amongst others. Having played on the stages of Glastonbury and Electric Picnic, Booka Brass Band will take to the renowned stage at the Cork Opera House for a magical set featuring special guests.
Where: Cork Opera House, Emmett Place, Centre, Cork
When: October 28, show at 6pm
Tickets: From €26.50, Book here
3. From Jimmy Kimmel Live to Cork’s Everyman Theatre, Icelandic modern jazz sensation Laufey is one of the most exciting new acts to catch
What: Modern jazz singer-songwriter Laufey is one of many emerging artists featured on this year’s programme that’s not to be missed. The Icelandic-born and Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer has many strings to her bow. A recent graduate of the Berklee School of Music, Laufey brings a contemporary air to her compositions which caught the attention of global superstar Billie Eilish.
Where: The Everyman Theatre, 15 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork
When: October 3o, show at 6pm
Tickets: From €26, Book here
4. Join Toshín for a tremendous celebration and tribute to Aretha Franklin
What: Dundalk-based singer Toshín is a lifelong Aretha Franklin fan. So great is her love for Aretha’s singular voice, she has worked on a very special tribute performance of the Queen of Soul’s extraordinary repertoire for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Along with her band, Toshín will no doubt leave a lasting impression on audiences with her sublime vocals.
Where: The Everyman Theatre, 15 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork
When: October 29, show at 2pm
Tickets: From €21, Book here
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