‘There’ll be fun for everyone’
Jazz fans, get ready as a West Cork festival is taking shape!
The Ballydehob Jazz Festival is back in full swing for its 17th edition this May bank holiday weekend with an incredible line-up of gigs, art, and activities that promise to be the best yet!
Fans of music and almighty craic will descend on the West Cork village to partake in its world-renowned Ballydehob Jazz festival, from Friday 28 April-Monday 1 May.
Music lovers can look forward to unique live original shows, a free music trail of over 30 Irish and international acts, a jazz poetry slam, swing dance lessons, a late night jazz club for adults, a circus school for kids, flower and food workshops, a craft market, the famous Ballydehob Jazz New Orleans Jazz Funeral Parade and many other treats and surprises.
Not to be missed is the world premiere of Swedish-born Camilla Griehsel’s new studio album show Mamasongue Source, alongside exceptional musicians all the way from the Congo and South Africa.
Headlining on Saturday is the wildly anticipated TarantaCeltica; a multi-instrumentalist high energy musical collaborative that combines the rhythmic percussions of southern Italy with traditional Irish jigs and melodies that guarantee to have the crowd on their feet.
The village’s vibrant community has been pulling together to channel Ballydehob’s energy though the legendary New Orleans-style Sunday Funeral Parade, this year themed the Carnival of Creatures. It will be led by Modh Coinníollach (The Good Mood) muppet, a physical manifestation of the village’s sunny predisposition. Expect muppets in every shape and size, from the beautiful and majestic to weird and spooky alongside music, spectacle and lots of colour.
BJF Creative Director Joe & owner of local music venue Levis Corner House said: “It’s amazing how the festival has evolved from a bunch of jazz enthusiasts wanting to bring music of world stage standard to our small village 18 years ago, to a true celebration of the wild energy of jazz interpreted by an incredibly talented creative community, alongside local and international acts like Donal Dineen, the Canibal Dandies, Tacla, The Schmoozenbergs, Eve Clague, Duelling Pianos, Mafia Cats. How this village pulls together is incredible.”
“There’ll be fun for everyone; circus school and music for kids, and for the second year running the Jazz Poetry Slam with amazing young poets and spoken word artists. For those who like to let loose, we have the Moonshine Shindig Club with late night jazz DJs and loads of great food options at the craft market with local fares, and of course more live jazz,” he concluded.
Full information and booking can be found at Ballydehobjazzfestival.org.