International Cinema Festival of India

Visitors to Cork city in Ireland are often amazed that, in a country which is noted for tradition, culture and a fondness for all things Gaelic, the city has become the centre for one of the world’s greatest international music festivals. A city which is steeped in Irish history plays host to an international music celebration for a full weekend.

One of the biggest jazz music events in the world is held in Cork city every year. It is always held on the long Bank holiday weekend at the end of October which gives three days and nights of official events but the music and festivities usually continue for most of the week. Last year almost 50,000 people attended to hear almost one thousand musicians of about thirty nationalities performing.

This jazz festival is considered to be among the best in the world and many of the top musicians have played there during its 34 years. Some of the big names include Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck, Cleo Laine, Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Oscar Peterson and many more. Every year brings its new stars and 2010 saw the appearance of the Esbjorn Svenson Trio, Mose Allison Quartet, Gary Burton – Richard Galliano Quartet and The Blind Boys of Alabama among others.

The city has many suitable venues for staging music events of all sizes. The big bands and more famous artists usually play in the large venues like The Metropole Hotel, The Cork Opera House and The Everyman Theatre. Many of the smaller acts appear at lounge bars, pubs and smaller theatres. Throughout the city you can find many bands and musicians playing on the street. There are also music workshops, talks, comedy and theatre events all through the weekend.

Although Jazz was considered mainstream, especially in America in the 1930s and 1940s it is very much a minority musical genre nowadays although it experienced a revival in the 60s and 70s with new experimentation and various mixtures of Jazz and Rock.

There are over twenty festivals in Cork during the year including the Cork Folk Festival, The Cycling Festival, The Choral Festival and the Arts Fest but none can compare for sheer volume of visitors and excitement with the Jazz Festival.

October weekend (28th – 30th) is the date for the 2011 Cork Jazz Festival and indications are that the recession has not dampened enthusiasm and similar numbers as in previous years are expected to arrive. This means that there will be the usual pressure on accommodation with hotels and b&bs being fully booked. Intending visitors should book their accommodation in plenty time.

Visitors to Cork Jazz festival can book Cork Hotels or Cork Bed and Breakfast at Stay in Cork