The eagerly awaited Guinness Cork Jazz Festival has just announced exciting new acts for its 2024 line-up. Revealed at this evening’s programme launch, fans can now look forward to performances from more artists including iconic pioneers of alternative hip-hop from New York, De La Soul & Special Guest, dynamic Chicago-based brass band Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and The X Collective and Friends, Irish artists who push boundaries across genres, combining elements of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B.
Also announced is UK-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Maya Delilah. Signed to Blue Note Records since 2020, she is known for her smooth R&B sound and jazzy guitar riffs. She’ll be supported by Cuban-Irish singer Qbanaa for a very special show in St Luke’s Church. Also included are Le Boom, jarjar_jr, and Todd Terje, with his unique blend of Euro sounds, deep funk, and Latin jazz. Bricknasty will host the Nasty Sessions with some of the most exciting young artists working in jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop scene in Ireland today including Shiv, F3miii, Curtisy and more special guests to be announced.
One of the highlights of the festival promises to be an exclusive curated show – We Almost Lost Detroit – The Music of Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson – with Brian Jackson himself, joined by Detroit heroes Moodymann and Theo Parrish. Jazz fans will be in for a treat at Triskel with Hungarian classical guitarist and Norwegian jazz saxophonist Zsofia Boros & Trygve Seim, and Jakob Bro Trio featuring Joey Baron & Thomas Morgan. Danish guitarist Jakob Bro leads this trio, blending delicate guitar work with the intricate drumming of Joey Baron and the deep, resonant bass of Thomas Morgan, crafting atmospheric jazz soundscapes. Tickets for these performances, which take place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend, are now on sale.
These acts join an already star-studded line-up that includes West Africa’s legendary dance band Orchestra Baobab, and Malian duo Amadou and Mariam, who played at last week’s Paralympic Closing Ceremony, will be debuting their new single Mogolu. Also performing are jazz trumpeter Takuya Kuroda, the female-powered collective Les Amazones D’Afrique, the Staples Jr. Singers’ uplifting soul, Celebrating Alice Coltrane – Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarp Collective featuring Brian Jackson, and Ireland’s own jazz and blues icon Mary Coughlan, celebrating 40 years in music.
This year’s festival will also see Tom Keating present Flash Harry: A Celebration of Queen, Mad Ferritt – The Definitive Oasis Tribute, and Jenny Greene & Special Guests, along with Mack Fleetwood at Cork City Hall.
Fans can also look forward to a swing set with Luke Thomas and Una Healy, as well as masterclasses and music workshops at Cork School of Music, offering students the chance to learn from industry experts.
For a unique experience, the festival introduces Brass Band Boat Cruises, in partnership with The Good Room. French masked brass band Santa Machete and Cork’s Rebel Brass will bring lively performances aboard Cork Harbour Cruises, turning the river into a floating stage over the jazz weekend.
The festival is also launching Blue Note 85, a collaborative exhibition celebrating 85 years of the legendary jazz label Blue Note Records in the beautiful setting of St. Peter’s Church. The interactive exhibit will feature the label’s iconic artwork and the label’s first-ever Irish pop-up store curated in collaboration with The Record Hub. You’ll find limited edition Blue Note merchandise, including prints, canvas artwork, a special anniversary book and the acclaimed film Blue Note Records Beyond The Notes. The store will also feature a selection of curated stock from Ireland’s own vinyl emporium, The Record Hub, making it a must-see part of the Guinness Cork Jazz Fest!
Additionally, The Kino has been added as a new venue in partnership with ChoiceCuts, focusing on emerging Irish talent like The X Collective, Projective & DeCarteret, and Cooks But We’re Chefs & Rachael Mae Hannon. It will be a family-friendly platform.
At the programme launch of the festival at Cyprus Avenue Cork this evening, Festival Director Mark Murphy said, “This year’s line-up is a blend of internationally renowned acts and local talent, showcasing the best of jazz across a wide range of venues, including new additions like The Kino and Cork School of Music. The line-up will resonate worldwide and put us on par with the greatest jazz festivals internationally. Gregory Porter sold out two shows at the Cork Opera House pre-Christmas and is the biggest voice of jazz internationally. We’ve curated shows for fans of all jazz styles—from swing and bebop to fusion and traditional jazz—while also celebrating the genre’s influence on hip-hop, R&B, and dance music. The expanded Guinness music trail will provide a platform for local talent and create an unforgettable experience for festival-goers.”
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle, emphasized the festival’s economic impact: “The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival continues to boost our local economy while establishing Cork as a global hub for music and culture. It’s an inclusive celebration, bringing world-class talent to our city.”
Rory Sheridan, Head of Partnerships at Diageo Ireland, said: “Following the outstanding success of last year, when over 100,000 people came to the city to experience the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, our goal this year is to further elevate the Festival’s profile both nationally and internationally. We know that the Festival will once again draw jazz lovers and festival-goers from all corners. With its vibrant jazz culture and deep-rooted heritage, Cork remains the ideal setting for this dynamic event, beloved by both locals and visitors.”
Fiona Collins, Chair of the local Jazz Festival Committee, who run the Big Fringe bringing music to the streets of Cork said, “The Big Fringe is a big part of the heart and soul of the festival, where music spills onto the streets, bringing spontaneous, free performances that everyone can enjoy. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the infectious energy of live jazz, inviting people of all ages to experience the magic of the festival in the most unexpected places.”
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place from Thursday, 24th October to Monday, 28th October 2024, over the October bank holiday weekend. The festival has been a highlight of Ireland’s music scene for over 46 years, combining electric performances from jazz legends with cutting-edge acts who are pushing the boundaries of the genre. Following a record-breaking 2023, this year promises to be even bigger, with over 100,000 attendees expected and performances spanning 80 venues across Cork, Douglas, and Kinsale. Expect surprise appearances, late night jam parties, unique venues, and an electrifying festival vibe on the stages and streets of Cork over the weekend.
Headline venues include Cork Opera House, The Everyman, Live at St. Luke’s, Triskel, Cyprus Avenue, Kino, and Cork City Hall. This year, the festival will expand its renowned jazz music trail, offering free performances in 74 pubs and clubs throughout the city.
The ever-popular Big Fringe also returns. Organised by the local Cork Jazz Festival Committee, the FREE program will feature impromptu soulful moments of jazz, big brass bands, and spontaneous performances by some of Ireland and Europe’s finest jazz talent. Young and old are encouraged to join in the fun and music as the streets of Cork City come alive with the sounds of incredible live jazz.
Don’t miss the excitement at the Metropole Hotel, the original home of the festival, where the iconic Metropole Festival Club will host show-stopping performances throughout the weekend.
Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or just love the festival atmosphere, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival offers a perfect balance of world-class jazz and crowd-pleasing performances, complete with boat trips, surprise appearances, and an electrifying vibe.
Tickets for the new acts just announced are now on sale on the festival’s new website www.guinnesscorkjazz.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is supported by Diageo, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork Airport. For more on the festival or to book tickets see GuinnessJazzfestival.com.
