West Cork village set to revel in New Orleans vibes over May bank holiday weekend

For those feeling the ill effects of the worsening global trade situation, musical relief is at hand as the Ballydehob Jazz Festival is to bring New Orleans vibes to the West Cork village this May bank holiday weekend.

Regarded as the world’s biggest small jazz festival, the weekend of May 2-5 in Ballydehob is being presented as an antidote to the escalating woes around the world at the moment.

“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to Ballydehob,” said festival director Joseph O’Leary. 

“With everything going on globally — the cruelty, oppression, and negativity we see daily — it feels more important than ever to gather, celebrate, and share joy.

“This festival is about freedom of expression, community, and making magic together.”

International event 

Run almost entirely by a team of volunteers, the Ballydehob Jazz Festival has grown from humble beginnings into a beloved, international event. Acts travel from all corners of the world to perform in the village, renowned as the home of Levis Bar which is acknowledged as one of the country’s top venues for live music.

Among the highlights of this year’s festival will be the concert on Friday night of multi-award winning Benji Bower, which features a collaboration of musicians from the UK and West Cork. These include local singer Molly O’Mahony, Leoni Evans and Kathleen Frances of the UK.

Internationally renowned artistes such as Canibal Dandies from Montpelier and Belgian combo Blue Mockingbirds are also returning to the Ballydehob festival and they will bring their brand of swing, blues and old time jazz to the late night festival club, Moonshine Shindig.

These gigs will be followed by DJ sets from Donal Dineen on Saturday night and Hewan Mulgeta on Sunday.

Family

An event for all the family is promised with the performance by Belfast’s Tumble Circus of their aerial show in the village’s playground while Sunday’s Carnival of Creatures Parade will contribute to the joyful and surreal atmosphere in the village.

Dozens of workshops will take place in schools around Ballydehob to foster a spirit of year-round community and add to the sense of festive celebration.

For more information visit: https://ballydehobjazzfestival.org.