The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival’s popular Jazz Hub initiative will make a welcome return to four venues across the city - it has been announced.
Northern Ireland’s biggest Jazz Festival is back this Bank Holiday Weekend from Thursday, April 28 to Monday, May 2 after two years in a virtual format and is expected to attract over 70,000 revellers to the city centre over the five days.
The hubs at Bennigans Bar, The Playhouse and Magee’s Great Hall cater for jazz aficionados seeking an authentic experience however they can be enjoyed by anyone.
Read more: Girl's amazing portrait of loving granda goes viral
They will feature over 25 mainly local acts over the five days including the Jack McHale Trio who kick things off in Bennigans on Thursday at 8pm, the National Youth Orchestra at Magee and The Randy Ingram Trio at the Playhouse.
Bennigans owner John Leighton will bring his Quintet to the venue at 5pm on Saturday while a smaller trio ensemble will take to the stage at 8pm on Sunday night.
Festival and Events Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Andrea Campbell, said they were delighted to bring the hubs back to a live audience for the first time in three tears.
“The Jazz Hub initiative was traditionally one of the most popular elements of the programme before we had to host the festival virtually for the last two years due to the pandemic,” she said.
“We have secured a stellar line-up at each venue and we are particularly pleased to offer the platform to mainly local acts whose opportunities to perform to a live audience have been severely impacted by Covid.
“The intimate venues are an ideal place to relax, unwind and enjoy the authentic Jazz experience so why not access the programme now and book your tickets for your chosen hub performance?”
Tickets for Bennigans Bar range in price from £5 - £10 and can be booked by calling the Box Office at 028 71 269127, tickets for the Playhouse, priced £6 and £8 can be booked online by calling 028 71 268027 or online at derryplayhouse.co.uk.
The events at Magee’s Great Hall all have free admission.
For a full listing of the 2022 Festival visit HERE.
Read more: Lisa McGee stunned as The Simpsons pays tribute with Derry Girls reference
Read more: Nadine Coyle on growing up in Northern Ireland and chasing her dreams
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
