Galway Jazz Festival 2019
Galway Jazz Festival 2019 returns from 2-6 presenting 55 events across more than 20 venues.
This year's festival has at its heart a focus on sustainability and environment, and incorporates several unusual events alongside a cracking line-up of performers. Three special GJF commissions will be premiered, Lauren Kinsella's SAOIRSE, an exploration Conamara sean nos through a prism of contemporary composition ; Sean Carpio will present BOG BODIES, a fusing of new music and field recordings, and playwright Donal O'Kelly has created ROXY'S HEAD IS MELTED – a jazzwords musical contemplation on the state of the world as seen through the eyes of Greta Thunberg's dog, Roxy.
International visitors include the extraordinary bandoneon player from Italy, Daniele De Bonaventura and his songs of resistance, Norwegian hardanger fiddle player Nils Okland and his band will play in the glorious acoustic of St. Nicholas' Church, two grand pianos in the hands of Slovenian duo Kaja Draksler and Eve Risser, and Trish Clowes MY IRIS, representing the vibrant new wave of young British improvising musicians. And make sure to bring your boa for the London Gay Big Band, who will delight you over Sunday brunch.
Music in healthcare once again is a vital part of the festival, and we are honoured to continue the relationship with In Flow gamelan project, and The Galway University Hospital Arts Trust presenting The Johnny Taylor Trio in the foyer during visiting hours on Sunday.
The current crop of fabulous homegrown talent is represented by The Cormac McCarthy trio, Zrazy, Anna Mullarky, Joe O'Callaghan, Sue Rynhart, Dermot Dunne, and many more. Young Limerick Wunderkind, Andreas Varady, currently taken under the wing of the legendary Quincy Jones will play a headline gig in An Taidhbhearc on Friday 4th.
And plenty too for our smallies! Emilie Conway presents THE SMASHING RED KITE'S BLUES, workshops and masterclasses with visiting musicians, and a bat walk, where you can listen to the music of our flying friends as they dart about the city.
And a rather unusual event on Sunday morning THE ART OF THE TREE-O...– GJF is honoured to work with the Chapter of St. Nicholas' Church to replant an area of the grounds, filling it with bee and insect friendly plants, as a lasting legacy of the festival. Putting the Bee back in Be-Bop.
An altogether jam-packed and joyous celebration of jazz, improvised music and our wonderful
planet, with something for everyone, and a welcome for all.