Who to see, where to go and what not to miss this October Bank Holiday Weekend
Cork is set to swing into festival mode as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival returns! Taking place from this weekend from Thursday to Monday (22nd–26th Oct), more than 500 musicians from Ireland and around the world will perform across more than 80 venues.The festival will bring five days of live music to Cork city, and fringe events to Douglas and Kinsale.
From headline concerts and emerging Irish artists to free gigs in pubs, street performances and late-night sessions, there’s plenty to discover, whether you’re a dedicated jazz fan or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere.
Fiona Collins, Chair of the Jazz Festival Committee, says she’s looking forward to this year’s festival.
She says the gigs at the Triskel will be very special. “Jasmine Myra is playing there on Saturday, and I think that gig is going to be fabulous. She’s a rising star.”
She is also excited to see The Music of John Coltrane & Miles Davis by Keyon Harrold and Marcus Strickland. “Courtney Pine will also be amazing, I have seen him play at the festival before and he is fabulous.”
Fiona is also a disco fan, so she’s looking forward to Annie Mac and Boney M featuring Maizie Williams. “If I can get to see them, as well as Masters at Work, I’ll be happy. There’s so many people to see, it really just comes down to the type of jazz you want, whether it’s more traditional or something that has more hip-hop and funk thrown in, there’s something for everyone across the weekend.”
There are many Irish acts not to miss out on too, she adds. “There’s TBL8, a brass band from Dublin, who will play as part of The Fringe. You also have Rebel Brass, a local brass band, with a phenomenal sound. Code of Behaviour is another band to watch out for on The Fringe. To see that local talent is great.”
Fiona adds that there’s also local legends like Paul Dunlea and Harry Connolly, with the latter being a founding member of the festival and playing the festival for all 48 years of its existence. “You can see what the festival means to local artists as well as all the international artists we bring in.”
It will be a busy few days for Fiona, who says she might not be able to see all the acts she wants, but she is planning on dipping in and out of different gigs where she can. “An important element is to see the crowds happy. Seeing people enjoy the music and hearing people have loved the weekend is what it’s all about.”
Corkonians can get out and enjoy their homeplace, while visitors get to explore the city and soak in the atmosphere, Fiona adds. “It’s really rewarding seeing people engage with the festival, it’s just super. The festival brings so much to the city, and the city gets so much out of it.”
Read on for our insider’s guide to this year’s festival, from unmissable acts to new pop-up pub events…
Follow the free Guinness Jazz Trail
Some of the best festival experiences don’t require a ticket. Live jazz will fill more than 70 pubs and venues across Cork, with most performances free to attend.
Make a beeline for familiar festival favourites such as Seventy Seven, Deep South, The Oliver Plunkett, Arthur’s Bar at Clancys and The Shelbourne, or explore the trail and discover a new favourite along the way.
Explore the official Guinness Jazz Trail here.
Headliners not to miss
With tickets for several headline shows already sold out, it’s worth checking availability and booking early if you can.
Thursday night gets the festival off to a memorable start with The Music of John Coltrane & Miles Davis – a bespoke festival curation by trumpeter and composer Keyon Harrold and saxophonist Marcus Strickland. Harrold is one of the most influential musicians of his time and will fly out to LA the following day to play with Jay-Z.
Younger audiences will love Jaz Karis and 2FM Rising artist Jessica Doolan on Friday night at Live at St Lukes.
Good news for fans of Luke Thomas and the Swingcats, as a second late show has been announced for Saturday evening at The Everyman, after their first show sold out.
Jazz enthusiasts should also make sure to catch Yussef Dayes at Cork Opera House, one of the defining figures of the new British jazz generation, as well as Jason Moran and his acclaimed signature solo piano show at Triskel.
Rounding out the weekend on Sunday night are festival favourites Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, supported by Cooks But We’re Chefs, at Cork Opera House.
Discover emerging talent
The festival is also an opportunity to catch the next generation of Irish artists before they reach bigger stages.
Keep an eye out for Maya Libbey, Solène Laurence, Tyra-Lee Spry, Muireann Bradley, Ezra Williams, Zaska, Winnie Ama, Mirrors, Aisling, Diamond, and Yankari Afro Beat Collective, doing a tribute to Fela Kuti. From fresh takes on jazz to sounds that cross genre boundaries, these artists reflect the breadth of Ireland’s contemporary music scene.
New pop-up pub events
Two new pop-up pub events have just been announced for the festival.
Off the back of an amazing summer series, Snug Sessions heads to Guinness Cork Jazz Festival on Friday 23rd October, from 5pm – 7pm in Arthur’s Bar. This episode puts the country’s brightest emerging artists in the spotlight, with Tolü Makay headlining.
Kumar Klub, known for curating standout cultural experiences, is also heading to the festival on Saturday 24th October, from 12:30am – 2:30am in The Oliver Plunkett.
The line-up will be led by founder and DJ Tara Kumar, with exclusive sets from Cork’s own Tuáthla and Aisling.
Both of these events are not ticketed and entry is on a first come, first served basis.
Catch free jazz on the streets
Beyond the ticketed programme, The Big Fringe, organised by the local Jazz Festival Committee, brings free music and festival energy onto the streets of Cork. Expect impromptu performances, jam sessions and marching brass bands as the city takes on the feel of one giant open-air stage.
One of the highlights is the Oliver Plunkett Street Jazz Stroll, taking place on Friday 23 October at 6.30pm. Some of the world’s finest marching bands will parade along the street in a lively celebration of brass, rhythm and improvisation.
At Elizabeth Fort, the Jazz in the Fort stage will host live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 5pm. Elsewhere, the programme includes a Jazz Gospel Service, talks and performances at the Rory Gallagher Music Library, the Big Jazz Bus and plenty more.
See the full line up here.
Jazz Market
For a break between gigs, head to the Jazz Market on St Patrick’s Street, produced by Goldiefish Events.
Running from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, the market will bring artisan makers, craft producers and Cork food traders to the city centre. Expect handmade gifts, freshly prepared street food and sweet treats, making it an ideal stop for a bite to eat while taking in the weekend’s buzz.
Distinctive venues
Few festival experiences can rival seeing an intimate performance beneath the vaulted ceilings of Triskel or St Luke’s, or on the historic stage of The Everyman. Together with Cork Opera House, Cyprus Avenue, and Cork City Hall (presented by Tom Keating), these iconic venues create a concert experience that is uniquely Cork.
Raise a glass
A Lovely pint of Guinness and a little people-watching are part of the Cork Jazz experience. Between gigs, take time to settle into a pub, listen to the music and enjoy the atmosphere that spreads throughout the city over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Whether you opt for a Guinness or Guinness 0.0, the festival’s official sponsor is never far from the action.
Jazz Festival Club
For many regulars, the music doesn’t stop when the headline concerts end. The Jazz Festival Club at The Metropole Hotel, the festival’s original home, remains a key meeting point for musicians and festival-goers alike.
With a programme running throughout the weekend, it’s a natural destination for those looking to keep the music going into the night. The Imperial Hotel and The River Lee Hotel are also worth exploring for their festival jazz programmes.
Take a trip to Kinsale
The festival atmosphere extends beyond Cork city, with Kinsale hosting its own fringe programme throughout the weekend.
Around 30 minutes from the city, the picturesque harbour town offers a change of scene, with intimate pub sessions and street performances adding to its appeal. It’s a worthwhile detour for festival-goers keen to make a weekend of it and discover more of the music on offer across the region.
- The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place from 22nd-26th October. Tickets and full programme details are available at guinnesscorkjazzfestival.com. Supported by Diageo, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork Airport. Visit drinkaware.ie.
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