It’s that time of year again! Not quite Hallowe’en, not quite in the zone for Christmas shopping, possibly still lusting after summer days, kids back to school, nights closing in- you’d be forgiven for wanting a bit of energy, excitement and light in your life. Allow us to save you from the impending winter bleakness with a reminder that the best festival of the year-the Cork Jazz Festival is hitting our streets the October Bank Holiday weekend. Deemed by many as the best weekend of the year to visit the Rebel City, we’d be inclined to agree.
Nothing quite beats the buzz and ambiance of the Cork Jazz Festival-that sense of literally anything happening! It has to be seen to be believed. And, regardless of whether or not you are a die-hard Jazz fan, there really is something for everyone.
Of course, our boutique hotel is bang in the centre of it all too. Look no further for a place to stay within walking distance of all of the city’s countless events. Worried about not getting a reservation in one of the city’s restaurants? Fear not, we have you covered with both our award-winning Greenes Restaurant beside the city’s only waterfall or Ireland’s number one cocktail bar, Cask and its ever-changing seasonal menu.
Still in need of some persuasion? Here are some of our top picks for this year’s festival:
Show-stopping headlining acts:
World renowned for the rich calibre of talent it attracts, this year looks to be even bigger and better than last year’s festival, which attracted over 100,000 visitors to the city. Macy Gray, Corienne Bailey Rae, Morcheeba, Matthew Halsall and Grammy award winning Kurt Elling are just some of the big names making their way to the banks of the Lee next weekend.
The Big Fringe:
Of course, it’s not just the big names that make Cork Jazz special. It’s those hidden gems, the spontaneous moments where you just ramble into a random bar or behold something magical on a street corner that adds that special je ne sais quoi to the experience. From library gigs to jazz at Elizabethfort to the gospel services at St Anne’s Church, you just never know where your next big find will be.
Cork Jazz Boat:
If jazz on the move is more your thing and fancy escaping the city for a few hours-hop aboard the Cork Jazz Boat for a few hours of music and motion on the shores of Cork harbour.
Jenny Greene at City Hall:
Despite the name, the Jazz Festival is really about so much more than the actual Jazz. It simply is just a fantastic opportunity to let loose in the city and have a good time. And Jenny Greene’s gig in the City Hall is just one example of an event that is sure to rise the roof this festival! Mack Fleetwood and a whole host of other DJs will also be performing so if you’re in need of a respite from the Jazz, you know where to go…..
Karen Underwood:
What a stunning lady! A favourite on the Cork Jazz scene, her moody renditions of Nina Simone classics will reduce you to tears or shivers depending on your emotional wavelength.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble:
A firm favourite at the Cork Jazz Festival – Hypnotic Brass ensemble are back for some toe-tapping, soul snapping groove. Definitely one of the ones to watch out for!
Jazz Bus:
Just fancy a stroll around the city to soak up the ambiance? Maybe engage in a bit of retail therapy at the same time? Take in some of the buskers? Don’t miss one of the festival favourites with brass bands playing atop a moving open-top bus! Bringing music in motion to a whole new level!
Jazz on the Plaza:
Nothing quite beats free entertainment especially free live outdoor entertainment. And that is just what the city rolls out for the festival! Right outside the city’s famous Crawford Art Gallery, engage in a bit of culture over the Saturday and Sunday afternoon on the Super Dome Jazz Stage.
