All the free outdoor Cork Jazz performance locations for this weekend
Some of the best Cork Jazz craic is found outdoors.
And if you’re lacing up the comfy shoes and heading into the city in search of al fresco entertainment this weekend, there’s plenty to be found… if you know where to look.
The Big Fringe, which takes place beyond the headline stages and venues, is always a festival highlight. The mainly free programme will see impromptu soulful moments of jazz, big brass bands, and unique performances with some of Ireland and Europe’s finest jazz talent spill onto the streets of Cork City and beyond from Thursday right through ’til Monday.
The line-up, which is organised by the local Cork Jazz Festival Committee, includes fantastic international and national acts and you can catch them all al fresco, hopefully in the late October sunshine (provided the weather plays ball).
These are the key locations to catch the best outdoor jazz this weekend:
Emmet Place: If it’s the big energetic acts you’re after, you’ll find New York Brass, Lamarotte JazzBand, Hyde Park Brass Band, Brass Kings, TBL8 Brass, Stomptown Brass along with Cork’s own Code of Behaviour, Rebel Brass, the Barrack Street Band and Blarney Concert Band performing on the Plaza Super Dome Jazz Stage at the Opera House Plaza on Emmet Place from 1pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Don’t miss the Jazz Jamboree here at 5pm on Saturday.
Harley Street: Jazz @ The VQ will take place again this year, with the Harley Street Line-Up on the newly pedestrianised street from 1pm-4pm from Friday to Sunday. Jazz will also spill from venues along the MacCurtain Street area throughout the day from noon.
All over town: The open-top Big Jazz Bus is also returning due to popular demand, which always gives shoppers and visitors alike a festival vibe as it tours the city from Friday to Sunday with fun jazz bands on top.
Shandon: On Sunday there will be a Jazz Gospel Service at the iconic St. Anne’s Church in Shandon at 10.45am. The spiritual Harvest Jazz Service will feature Carrigtwohill Gospel Choir and Hyde Park Brass Band.
Kinsale: Lamorotte Brass Band is performing on the streets of Kinsale from 2pm on Saturday and other acts lined up to perform over the weekend at venues throughout the weekend include Martin Ryan, Andy Dunne, the Ciara Stacey Band, Alleycats, Crosbie Noonan and O’Brien, The Crew, and King K.
