The Sligo Jazz Festival and Summer School takes place 23 – 29 July, with a main series of events taking place in Hawkswell Theatre, and with a Jazz Trail of free events visiting a number of venues throughout the month of July. The programme brings together a number of international acts, creating a fusion festival of jazz and world music, opening with a performance by Indian tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and the Masters of Percussion. Tuesday’s concert features the Scandanavian/British piano trio Phronesis, with the Nigerian-born guitarist Femi Temowo’s world music group appearing later in the week. The main concert series finishes with a performance by the visiting teachers of the Summer School, led by Rufus Reid.

The Summer School features a week of workshops, talks and ensemble practice. Beginning with an assessment session, participants can attend afternoon masterclasses in their own instrument, and will have a chance to perform and practice in ensembles. The teaching faculty includes Diana Torto (vocals), Rufus Reid (double bass), Brian Priestley (piano), Matthew Halpin (saxophone), Michael Janisch (electric bass) and Mike Nielsen (guitar), among others.

For full details of the programme and for booking details, see the Sligo Jazz Festival website.

sligojazz.ie