Arguably Ireland’s premier music festival, the mighty Cork Jazz Festival – which even Covid could hardly lay a punch on – returns to full strength this year, kicking off the October bank holiday celebrations on Thursday.
The festival only missed 2020 due to the pandemic; managing a truncated slimmed down, but still defiant, edition in 2021. But, it is back to a full programme for 2022.
Running since 1978, Cork Jazz has steadily grown into one of Ireland’s most respected arts events, building an impressive international reputation.
It’s worth an estimated €45m to the local economy, every year, and has attracted – over the years some of the biggest names in jazz (including Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Buddy Rich, Dave Brubeck, Cleo Laine, Stephane Grappelli and Oscar Peterson).
In recent years, the line-up has become more eclectic (if the likes of Elton John and Status Quo can play the Montreaux Jazz Festival, why not?!), drawing the likes of Blur/Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn and Gregory Porter.
This year is no different – with Fleetwood Mac tribute act Mac Fleetwood appearing, alongside the real deal in the form of the remnants of Prince’s 1980s backing band The New Power Generation and Seun Kuti, son of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer and legend Fela Kuti.
Also featuring are UK trio Gogo Penguin, and Brazilian acts Amaro Freitas and the veteran Hermeto Pascoal, who was extremely highly regarded by the legendary Miles Davis.
What: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
Where: Various venues around Cork city
When October 27-31