THE Limerick Jazz Festival continues over this weekend with free Saturday afternoon performances, an intimate duo concert at the People’s Museum, a Greek vibraphonist’s Irish debut, and a Sunday finale featuring Ireland’s youngest jazz competition winner alongside the celebrated vocalist Cormac Kenevey.
Saturday begins with free performances across the city at 3:00pm, featuring Peter Hanagan & The Limerick Jazz Workshop Band at The George Hotel, Birgit Burhenne & Eddie O’Donovan at the Savoy Hotel, and The Quarter Dozen at Steamboat Music. The Workshop Band showcases the finest local talent under the guidance of American Southwest native Hanagan, who has been foundational to Limerick’s jazz scene since 2001.
At 1:30pm, the People’s Museum of Limerick hosts the captivating duo Ant Law & Brigitte Beraha (€10.62). The Guardian-acclaimed guitarist teams with the Milan-born vocalist for “Ensconced”, their spellbinding collaboration featuring poignant originals and reimagined standards.
Beraha’s rich lyrical storytelling, from wistful French childhood memories to the tale of gifted horse ‘Clever Hans’, pairs perfectly with Law’s inventive acoustic artistry.
Saturday evening brings Greek vibraphonist Dimitris Angelakis and his quartet to Dolan’s Upstairs (8:00pm, €20). The Fulbright Scholar, who has collaborated with internationally prominent jazz musicians including Petros Klampanis and Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, makes his Irish debut with high-energy performances and soulful compositions.
The festival concludes with a compelling double bill at Dolan’s Upstairs (2:30pm, €20). Eighteen-year-old Rory Conneally, the youngest winner of the Young Irish Jazz Musician competition, leads his trio featuring his diverse influences from Stevie Wonder to Thelonious Monk. The afternoon continues with celebrated Irish jazz vocalist Cormac Kenevey and his quartet, fresh from collaborating with Guy Barker and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, delivering his signature blend of smooth phrasing and effortless swing.