All that Jazz - and More
It’s not all about jazz at this year’s Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Runnning from October 26th to 29th, the annual extravaganza has secured such international names as the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Miles Smiles (who plays a double-bill with drumming prodigy Chris Dave), Phronesis, Christine Tobin and Anna Maria Jopek. But you can also hear eclectic alternatives like De La Soul, Cathy Davey, The Walls, The Hot 8 Brass Band, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and Prince Fatty with Hollie Cook.
The accompanying fringe festival features the free Beat on the Street (a demonstration by Europe’s best marching bands) and events in local libraries, churches, bars and arts centres. Jazz geniuses will give Cork Jazz Camp workshops at the Cork School of Music on Union Quay.
It has the makings of an unforgettable long weekend, especially if you stay at one of the fine hotels in Cork that are offering great music onsite. Stay at the landmark Metropole Hotel, for example, and enjoy unlimited access to jazz on a choice of six different stages at the Guinness Festival Club.
Soak up the atmosphere in the beating heart of the action and book a room at the Imperial Hotel, which also offers exceptional in-house entertainment. The Clarion, an airy modern hotel in the centre of the city, is the ideal venue for an evening of jazz with the likes of the Des Hopkins Dixieland Spectacular. With other central venues including the Cork Opera House, Triskel Christchurch, Everyman Theatre, Triskel Auditorium, Crane Lane and The Pavillion, you’re within walking distance of great hotels like The Maldron, Jury’s Inn, and Hotel Isaac’s.
For the best of all worlds, you can stay on the outskirts of the city, enjoy the charm of this southwestern gem, and still immerse yourself in great music. The Silver Springs Moran Hotel, set in leafy surroundings just five minutes from the city centre, for example, will be providing free jazz for its guests. Listen to Pat Elgart, or Ace Minsky & the Wireless Operators.
Escape to the coast for a jazz festival with a difference on the same weekend. The Kinsale Fringe Festival is a boutique version of the city celebration, offering a great lineup of superb jazz & blues in a charming and intimate setting. Try the Carlton Hotel or the Trident, and this being Kinsale, you can accompany all those great sounds with exceptionally fine dining for a weekend to remember!
You can sample both jazz festivals with ease if you rent a car. Kinsale is within easy reach of Cork City and Cork Airport, so car hire makes perfect sense for a hassle-free weekend away. Music to your ears!
