LIMERICK Jazz Festival 2024 runs from Thursday September 26 to Sunday 29 and once again presents the cream of Irish and international talent across the city with headliners performing at the Belltable Arts Centre and Dolan’s.
John Daly, Chair of Limerick Jazz Society spoke at the launch of the 13th Annual Limerick Jazz Festival at The George Hotel.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of the committee, because this committee works tirelessly, they’re punching well above their weight. Our theme this year was to bring some younger jazz musicians from around the globe to Limerick.”
Headline acts include the award-winning young British saxophonist Emma Rawicz (BBC Young Jazz Musician Award Winner, “ She was a violinist before she switched to sax, and within four years, she’s playing with all people in the jazz world, which is an incredible achievement.”), Irish guitarist Chris Guilfoyle with his band Oxygen Thief and vocalist Aleka, along with Vienna-based guitarist Andreas Varady who makes a welcome return to Limerick where he started his musical career.
Andreas has shared stages with George Benson and Quincy Jones and was the youngest headliner in the history of Ronnie Scott’s, London in 2010.
He has released five albums, including one for the Verve label featuring collaborations with Gregory Porter, Roy Hargrove and Dirty Loops.
“Andreas is 27, an amazing guitar player, and he’s coming back to his hometown to play here.”
Other performers include US composer and saxophonist Benjamin Boone, who was present at the launch, and Brazilian Music Night with Kasia Eliasz and Her Band.
“We have Dr Benjamin Boone here all the way from California. We had a great time last July, recording a brand new album, which will be launched at the festival.”
Benjamin Boone, a Professor of Music at California State University Fresno, collaborated with an all-star band of John Daly (drums), Joe O’Callaghan (guitar), Dan Bodwell (bass) and JaYne (voice) on the new album ‘Confluence’ while a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in 2023.
This year’s festival includes many free events all over the city in venues such as Lucky Lane, Steamboat Music, the George Hotel and the Terrace Dolans.
John Daly concluded, “We are delighted to be presenting many stars of the future in our 13th Limerick Jazz Festival. With fringe events popping up in even more venues across the city, we’re reaching out to every music lover. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Arts Council and Limerick City and County Council for making this possible.”
September brings a celebration of rhythm, melody, and soul at Limerick Jazz Festival 2024. For more information and tickets, visit www.limerickjazz.com for full details.
