LIMERICK Jazz Festival 2024 runs from Thursday, September 26 to Sunday, September 29, showcasing top Irish and international talent at Belltable and Dolan’s. Here are some highlights:
Benjamin Boone Confluence Band (Friday, September 27 at Dolans)
American saxophonist and composer Benjamin Boone will perform with his Confluence Band, featuring Joe O’Callaghan (guitar), John Daly (drums), Dan Bodwell (bass), and vocalist JaYne.
A Professor of Music at California State University Fresno, Boone’s latest project was inspired by his tenure as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar at the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
His set will feature tracks from the new Confluence album, blending his adventurous jazz style with Irish folk influences. Expect to hear pieces like ‘The Clash of the Ash,’ ‘She Moved Through the Fair,’ and ‘On the Banks of the Shannon.’
Boone describes recording the album as a joyful experience and is eager to present it live. His work has garnered critical acclaim, including a #3 spot in DownBeat Magazine’s Readers Poll and recognition from the JazzStation Awards.
Boone has collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Branford Marsalis and Chris Potter, solidifying his place in contemporary jazz.
Brazilian Music Night with Kasia Eliasz Band (Saturday, September 28 at Dolans)
Kasia Eliasz and her nine-piece band will bring the vibrant sounds of Brazil to the stage, with a setlist that spans a range of styles, from samba to bossa nova, frevo, and forró.
Eliasz’s performance is more than a concert; it’s an immersion into Brazilian culture. The band promises to transport the audience with the energetic rhythms of samba and the smooth sensuality of bossa nova, paying homage to Brazil’s rich musical heritage. This show is not just for Brazilian music enthusiasts; it’s for anyone looking to experience a night of infectious beats and melodies that embody the spirit of Brazil.
Five to Two (Live) / Peter Curtin / Bill Baramus DJ Sets (Friday, September 27 at Record Room)
Dublin-based trio Five to Two, comprising Matthew Breen (piano), Jonah Byrne (double bass), and Finn Mac Anna (drums), will bring their unique blend of jazz, hip-hop, and modern beats to the Record Room.
Their recent album, Talk Soon, showcases their innovative sound, which balances sincerity and playfulness.
Supporting them will be Peter Curtin and Bill Baramus of Prima Volta. Peter Curtin is a DJ, record collector and radio documentary maker. He has been involved in radio for over ten years. He currently presents a weekly music show on RTÉ 2XM.
Andreas Varady Trio (Sunday, September 29 at Dolans)
Limerick-raised guitar prodigy Andreas Varady returns to the festival with his trio to promote his fifth album, ‘Sunrise’. At just 27, Varady has already performed at major venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival and New York’s Blue Note Club, mentored by Quincy Jones.
His trio includes MOBO-nominated drummer David Lyttle and Irish bassist Neil O’Loghlen, both accomplished musicians in their own right. Together, they will deliver a performance that blends contemporary jazz with traditional roots, highlighting Varady’s growth as an artist and the trio’s exceptional chemistry.
