Jazz fans are in for a treat this weekend as one of the largest festivals of its kind returns to the Granite City.
The Aberdeen Jazz Festival kicks off today, with 50 bands lined up to perform at venues across the city over the next 10 days.
Organisers hope this year’s line-up of blues, hip hop, soul and funk will appeal not only to existing fans, but also attract new audiences too.
The programme includes Ali Affleck’s Night in New Orleans Show, Hamish Stuart from the Average White Band, pianist Fergus McCredie and Chicago blues guitar star Melvin Taylor.
This weekend’s line-up includes the Aberdeen Youth Jazz Showcase tomorrow at the Blue Lamp from 12.30pm, and a rare chance to hear the innovative duo Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie from 7.30pm in the same venue.
Later, 10-piece classic funk and R&B group Funk Connection will entertain the crowd at the Blue Lamp from 11pm.
On Saturday, highlights include the Colin Steele Quartet playing Joni Mitchell at Queen’s Church and jazz fusion group Hamlet in The Blue Lamp, both from 7.30pm.
Sunday is the centrepiece of the festival, with the hugely popular Jazz on the Green expected to bring the crowds in once again.
Set up across six stages, there will be music playing for free from 1pm – with acts including Aberdeen University’s jazz band and orchestra, DopeSick Fly, Full Fat band, the Guarana Street Band, and Leppard and the Big Cats.
In a similar vein next weekend, The West End Blues Trail will give fans the chance to see acts – such as Ferry Jablonski Electric Band, Jed Potts and Hillman Hunters, Dixie Fried, Toby Mottershead and Nicole Smith – at four different west end venues all for one ticket price.
Keith MacRae, chairman of Aberdeen Jazz Festival, said: “The festival is on a roll – it really creates a special atmosphere now. Thanks to the city council and Aberdeen Inspired, we’re able to spread our wings and put on events that break down the barriers – Jazz On The Group and The West End Blues Trail are great examples.”
Aberdeen Inspired’s chief executive Adrian Watson said: “The Granite City comes alive when the Aberdeen Jazz Festival comes to town and we’d encourage everyone to take in the great music and explore the city as you go.”
To view the full programme, or for tickets, visit www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com
