Limerick Jazz Festival
LJ
Limerick Jazz Festival
Limerick, Ireland
Warm stage lighting casting amber and deep blue tones across a jazz performance space, with microphone stands and instruments silhouetted against a dark backdrop

Meet the Artists

From legendary international names to emerging Irish talent — discover the musicians who bring the Limerick Jazz Festival to life.

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Headliners & Notable Acts

The festival has welcomed an extraordinary range of jazz artists across its seasons, spanning classic legends, contemporary innovators, and celebrated Irish performers.

Intimate black-and-white portrait of a saxophonist in soft side light, deep shadows and warm midtones
Saxophone

David Sanborn

Grammy-winning alto saxophonist whose soulful, expressive sound has defined contemporary jazz for decades. Performed at the 2014 festival.

Moody close-up portrait of a male vocalist in warm amber and deep brown tones, dramatic stage lighting
Vocal

Van Morrison

Belfast-born legend whose blend of jazz, blues, and soul has earned worldwide acclaim. Featured in the 2014 festival lineup.

Warm-toned portrait of a female vocalist with a hat, soft golden light against a dark background
Vocal / Quintet

Sarah Gillespie Quintet

London-based singer-songwriter blending jazz, folk, and blues with sharp lyrical storytelling. Performed Friday 27 September 2019 at Dolan's Upstairs.

Abstract textured artwork in deep indigo and muted gold, evoking a contemplative musical atmosphere
Ensemble

Sankhara

An inventive jazz ensemble bringing rich textures and exploratory improvisation to the festival stage.

Dynamic group shot of a jazz ensemble in performance, warm amber stage glow with deep navy shadows
Large Ensemble

Dublin City Jazz Orchestra

Ireland's premier big band, delivering powerful arrangements and swinging performances. Part of the 2014 festival programme.

Close-up portrait of a male jazz musician in subdued natural light, earthy brown and charcoal tones
Saxophone

Michael Buckley's House of Horns

A horn-driven powerhouse led by one of Ireland's most respected saxophonists, blending tight arrangements with fiery solos.

More Artists & Ensembles

The festival has showcased a wide range of talent across its history, from intimate trios to full orchestras.

  • Portrait of a female jazz musician in soft, warm light against a dark backdrop
    Mary Coughlan Ireland's leading jazz and blues vocalist, known for her raw, emotionally charged performances.
  • Quartet of jazz musicians in performance, warm amber stage lighting with rich dark tones
    Nigel Mooney Septet Dublin-based guitarist and bandleader bringing swinging, blues-inflected jazz. 2014 festival performer.
  • Jazz musician portrait in moody low-key lighting, deep blacks and subtle warm highlights
    Richie Buckley / Julian Siegel Sextet A transatlantic collaboration of Irish and UK jazz heavyweights. Featured in the 2014 lineup.
  • Duo of jazz performers in atmospheric stage lighting, muted gold and charcoal tones
    Ant Law Quartet UK-based guitarist known for intricate compositions and virtuosic improvisation.
  • Jazz ensemble in performance, warm stage glow with deep shadowed background
    Beats And Pieces Manchester-based contemporary big band pushing the boundaries of large-ensemble jazz.
  • Duo portrait of two jazz musicians in intimate, warm-toned lighting against a dark backdrop
    Steve Hanks & Joe O'Callaghan Performed at Dr. John's during the 2013 Jazz Pub Trail on Friday 27 September.
  • Square-format portrait of a jazz musician in subdued, earthy lighting
    Tuxedo Jazz Featured at Flannery's on Saturday 28 September during the 2013 Jazz Pub Trail.

Online Artists

The festival has featured dedicated online performances, bringing jazz directly to audiences beyond the live venues. Explore digital sets and streamed concerts from past seasons.

Browse Online Artists

Concert Seasons

Delve into performance archives from previous festivals, including the 2014 season (25–28 September) and the 2019 programme. Each season brought a distinct mix of international and Irish jazz.

Explore Seasons

The Limerick Jazz Festival has built a reputation for presenting an exceptional cross-section of jazz talent, from internationally acclaimed headliners to emerging voices reshaping the genre. Audiences have been treated to performances spanning traditional bebop, soul-infused contemporary jazz, and bold experimental works. The festival's programming philosophy embraces diversity in style and generation, ensuring that each season offers something for both purists and newcomers. This commitment to curating a broad musical landscape has made the event a vital gathering point for jazz lovers across Ireland and beyond, with each concert adding a new chapter to the festival's growing legacy of memorable live music experiences.

Beyond the main stage performances, the festival has consistently championed Irish jazz artists alongside international stars. This dual focus creates a dynamic where local musicians share the spotlight with global innovators, fostering cross-cultural exchange and artistic growth. The festival's support for Irish talent has helped elevate the country's jazz scene, providing a platform for homegrown artists to reach wider audiences. These collaborations between visiting international acts and Irish performers often yield spontaneous musical moments that define the festival's unique character, reinforcing its role as a bridge between the local jazz community and the wider international scene.

Education and artist development form a cornerstone of the festival's mission, with workshops and masterclasses offering rare opportunities for students and emerging musicians to learn directly from touring professionals. These educational sessions complement the concert programme by creating space for deeper engagement with the music and its creators. Aspiring instrumentalists and vocalists gain insight into improvisation, composition, and the practical realities of a career in jazz. The festival's investment in these learning experiences ensures that its impact extends far beyond the performance schedule, nurturing the next generation of jazz artists who will shape the music's future direction.

The visual and archival elements of the festival offer audiences a way to revisit past performances and discover the breadth of artists who have graced its stages. Photographs, video footage, and written materials capture the energy and artistry of each season, preserving the festival's evolving story. This documentation serves both as a historical record and as a resource for fans and researchers interested in tracing the festival's artistic journey. The gallery of past performers reveals the thoughtful programming that has defined each edition, showcasing the festival's consistent dedication to presenting jazz of the highest calibre while maintaining an atmosphere of warmth and accessibility.

Ready to experience it live?

See the full festival programme with dates, times, and venues — and secure your tickets.

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