Jazz at Johnstown Festival

The countdown has begun to the annual Jazz at Johnstown festival, which takes place across the luxurious Johnstown Castle estate in Wexford, June 20, 21 and 22. Last year we celebrated the art of the trio and this year we are celebrating collaboration and new pairings: one of our evening headliners is the Grammy nominated New York guitarist Jay Azzolina. This is this first ever Irish gig for a legend who has performed and recorded with Carly Simon, Donna Summer, The Manhattan Transfer, Herbie Mann, Rickie Lee Jones, Jaco Pastorius and Chuck Mangione. Jay’s trio will include drummer Kevin Lawlor.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brilliant Koln concert by Keith Jarrett, pianist extraordinaire Terry Byrne will revisit its essences and
abstractions in the gorgeous Ballroom. Improvisation at the piano will continue with the delectable pairing of Wexford vocalist Imelda Kehoe and the mercurial Killian Browne. We are also looking forward to a unique interpretation of The Beatles catalogue by a trio sizzling with genius: Scott Flanigan, Cormac O’Brien and Kevin Brady. Also on site will be singer Kasia Eliasz and her trio, continuing Jazz at Johnstown’s mission to celebrate the female voice in jazz, further explored by a first visit to Wexford by Dublin sextet Bossa Nua (main picture).

There will be revelations too: exclusives from Carole Nelson’s forthcoming recording. This is just the tip of the ice berg: there is much more jazz to add to our programme and to look forward to. Watch this space. The day programme is free to members of Johnstown Castle. Admission to the estate for non members includes access to the day time programme.