Boom time as jazz fest drowns out economic blues
on 26/10/2009 00:00:00
Ticket sales for this year's festival were up 35% on last year. Over 1,000 musicians from some 29 countries are playing at over 80 venues around the city in the event, which is now ranked as being in the top three jazz festivals in Europe.Michael Whelan, chief executive, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, said that since its inception more than 30 years ago, the people of Cork have warmly welcomed in excess of one million visitors to the event.
The line-up for the weekend featured many of the top names in the business, including Pharoah Sanders, Kurt Elling, Jack DeJohnette, The Bad Plus, Monty Alexander and Al Di Meola.
Other highlights included The Fun Lovin' Criminals, the Gilad Atzmon Jazz Quartet and Imelda May.
Many musicians who fall outside the jazz remit converged on Cork for the four-day celebration, which ends today.
A spokeswoman for the festival said bookings were up on previous years and the number of overseas visitors was up too.
"A 91-year-old man from Virginia, USA, was out here on the street at the food market, listening to the music. He said he has travelled to jazz festivals all over the world and that this was the best he had been ever been at," said the spokeswoman.
Each year, Guinness presents awards in various categories to recognise the best of the festival performers. The inaugural Cork Jazz Futures Competition winner was Organic Wings. Jack De Johnette was the recipient of the Guinness Jazz Legend Award, joining such luminaries as Jimmy Smith and the late Humphrey Lyttelton.
The Guinness Personality of the Festival is Al Di Meola. The Jazz in Europe Award went to John Surman and the 2009 Guinness Rising Star Award went to Eldar. The Best Young Band Award was presented to Dana Leong's Milk & Jade and the Best Young Irish Musician Award went to Mark McKnight.
Live music continues today in over 80 venues, not just in Cork city centre but in Blarney, Kinsale and in the city suburbs.
Charlie Sheil, general manager of the Clarion Hotel in Cork, described the 32nd festival as being a recession-beating event.
"There was a good crowd in the city and also in the suburbs. There is a great line-up at the hotel and around the city. I think people are going to put their troubles and worries behind them and get on and enjoy a good weekend. That is certainly what we are gearing up for."
As well as large venues such as the Triskel Arts Centre, the Everyman Palace Theatre, the Metropole Hotel and the Savoy showcasing top acts, virtually every pub in Cork has been taking part in the music trail, providing live entertainment.
Last night offered a choice between two tenor sax players, veteran Pharoah Sanders in the Everyman and newcomer YolanDa Brown in the Savoy.
Guinness has sponsored the festival for 28 years.
The Cork Jazz Festival first took place in 1978 and was organised as a last-minute replacement for a cancelled bridge tournament.