It’s one of the biggest musical events of the year, and the line-up has now been released for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Taking place from October 28^th – 31^st, the festival features the finest musical performers from all around the world, and turns the city of Cork into a positive wonderland of jazz.

Cork Opera House is the scene for the larger gigs, with some corkers coming up this year. There are smaller gigs all around the city, as well as fringe concerts taking place. Here are a few gigs to put on your list… 

Loudon Wainwright III

Cork Opera House - Monday 31^st October
Loudon Wainwrights is one of the classic performers of our time. With a classically folk voice (as well as super famous children) Wainwrights is set to be one of the best gigs of the festival.

Robert Glasper Experiment

The Everyman – Saturday 28^th October
Hailing from Houston, Texas, Robert comes from a huge array of musical styles and backgrounds, from pop to jazz, rock to hip-hop.

Dick Oatts Allstars

The Everyman – Sunday 30^th October
One of the top jazz stars in the states, Oatts is a musical superstar, who is also a professor and the director of jazz studies at Temple University, Philadelphia. This gig will feature other jazz “Allstars”.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Cork Opera House – Sunday 30^th October
These amazing guitarists will leave audiences enthralled with their blend of Latin, jazz and rock.

Beat on the Street

Cork City Centre – Duration of Festival
You won’t only hear music at gigs. Throughout the whole festival, there will be free live performances on the street. This year, you can see the OhnO Jazzband  (Netherlands), New York Brassband (UK), Mayday Jazzband (Netherlands), Bare Brass Band (UK) and Lamarotte (Netherlands).

There will also be live music all weekend at The River Lee, including a fantastic Jazz Brunch on the Sunday. The music kicks off on Friday 28^th October, with the New York Brass Band starting proceedings at 5pm, before a range of other artists and a late night DJ. On Saturday, the music will start at 1.30pm, so you can spend the whole day listening to some fantastic jazz. On Sunday and Monday, the music starts at noon, with excellent DJs and jazz groups playing into the evening. And the best news? All of the gigs in The River Lee are free. The Jazz Brunch is set to be a corker – held from 1pm – 4pm; the brunch will feature top class musicians as well as a beautiful brunch menu. Tickets cost €30.

You can see more about the festival, including the full line-up, at www.guinnessjazzfestival.com.

The River Lee is just a short walk from all the venues for the Cork Jazz Festival. You can see more, including rates for the weekend, on the website. https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-river-lee-hotel