Gay McIntyre, Kyle Eastwood and Curtis Stigers lined up for jazz festival

Mayor Martin Reilly pictured with special guests at the launch of the 13th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival which took place in the Playhouse. Included are Elaine Johnston from event sponsors Diageo, local singer Ursula McHugh, acclaimed jazz musician Linley Hamilton, and members of the FireFemme group.

Kyle’s exciting contemporary style will have jazz fans queuing up for the fabulous Spiegeltent which this year will provide the sumptuous setting for a number of amazing gigs.

Nineteen nineties music fans can also catch Curtis Stigers’ soulful blend of jazz and rock amidst the mirrored vaudeville splendour of the Spiegeltent, which is renowned the world over as a truly alternative festival venue.

Add to this the formidable talent of rising star Anthony Strong, Mercury Music Prize nominated folk star Kate Rusby, and the astounding voice of Frankie Valli soundalike Stephen James and you have one serious line up.

As well as the big names, the festival will provide a stage for some of the city’s most promising young talent as they enjoy some first class music mentoring, workshops and tutorials led by some of the best industry professionals, including none other than jazz maestro Neil Cowley.

The Music Hothouse sessions will take place in the Nerve Centre, April 21 – 25, with a special showcase performance in the Craft Village on May 3.

Speaking on behalf of Derry City Council, Festival and Events Manager Karan Leonard said she was looking forward to a weekend of top quality entertainment.

“The team has spent months putting together the programme so it’s really exciting to finally reveal the line-up for this year’s event,” she said.

“Now in its 13th year we are delighted to see the festival continuing to grow and following on from our fantastic City of Culture year we’re looking forward to welcoming even more visitors to the city.

“We are delighted to see the return of some of our festival regulars such as Gay McIntyre, Dana Masters, and Carmen Ghia and the Hotrods, and we’re thrilled to welcome Kyle Eastwood and Curtis Stigers to the stunning Spiegeltent in the Guildhall Square for what promise to be some really special gigs.

“The city will be absolutely buzzing and with some great value accommodation deals now available it really is the perfect time to visit Derry,” she added.

Over 90 per cent of the events will be free this year as part of the Guinness Free Jazz Trail and spokesperson for event sponsors Diageo Northern Ireland, Elaine Johnston, said: “The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 2014 is a showcase for the fun and exciting city that Derry has become which was so apparent during its term as UK City of Culture in 2013.

“The festival continues to grow in stature and it is a great example of how Derry is building on the legacy of 2013 and establishing a reputation as a city of great entertainment and opportunity for people from all over Ireland and beyond.

“Diageo is committed to supporting local pubs and growing a dynamic tourism sector and the festival supports both those objectives.

“I’ve no doubt the city and in particular the hospitality sector in Derry will be great hosts for the wide international audience it will attract.”

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is run by Derry City Council, and sponsored by Diageo, Department of Culture and Leisure and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

For more information on the full Jazz Festival line-up go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com