Sligo Jazz Project 2025 Artist in Residence

Chilean-born saxophonist Melissa Aldana, a Grammy nominated trailblazer, is renowned for her virtuosic command, emotive storytelling, and boundary-pushing contributions to contemporary jazz. She’ll be joined by regular bandmate, drummer Kush Abadey, pianist Pablo Held and others from the SJP 2025 faculty.

The Richie Buckley Quartet return to their Thursday Night Residency Jazz Gig at Frank Ryans Pub in Smithfield.

Live Jazz Jam Session in the heart of Cork City every Thursday from 9pm. Hosted by a house band of some of Cork’s finest jazzers & humans. All are welcome to participate for a tune or two. If that’s not your bag then simply take in the atmosphere with some food & refreshments served until late.

9:30pm Fureys

Lee Meehan: guitar,
Scott Flanigan: keys
Paul Clarvis: drums

10pm (After Show) Hawk’s Well Theatre Lobby

Catch some spontaneous performances featuring the 150 or so summer school participants who flock to Sligo each year for the love of jazz! You’d never know who might show up to join in.

Lyons Cafe, 2pm

Lee Meehan, guitar

Scott Flanigan, keyboards

The Lillies Sessions in partnership with The White Hag

Welcome to our daily 4:30 session where you can catch some of Ireland and Europe’s finest jazz musicians in an informal setting.

Joseph Leighton: guitar
Conor Murray: bass
Paul Clarvis: drums
Micheal Murray: saxophone

5pm – 7pm Hawk’s Well Theatre Lobby

Catch some spontaneous performances featuring the 150 or so summer school participants who flock to Sligo each year for the love of jazz! You’d never know who might show up to join in.

5.30pm Thomas Connolly

One of Sligo’s most popular sessions featuring a merry troupe led by a legend of the Sligo music scene Gerry Grennan, playing good time western swing and gypsy jazz

The Boyne Music Festival is thrilled to return to the beautiful expanse of Boann Distillery for an evening fusing chamber music and jazz. The festival is grateful to the Cooney family, founders of Boann Distillery, for opening its doors once again to give guests the opportunity to hear great music in a truly unique space.

Sligo Jazz Project Guest of Honour 2025

Jazz bass royalty — from Gillespie to Getz — takes centre stage, leading a thrilling collaboration and closing with a big band showcase of his iconic works.

Rufus Reid: bass
Kush Abadey: drums
Freddie Hendrix: trumpet
Pablo Held: piano and special guests

Pizza Jazz are a new four-piece comprising some of Dublin’s most exciting jazz players. Expect the music of Sun-Ra, Charlie Mingus, Hermeto Pascoal and Ornette Coleman alongside traditional and modern standards from the quartet, who cut their teeth playing a lively residency at ‘Luckie’s on Meath Street in the city.

10pm (After Show) Hawk’s Well Theatre Lobby

Catch some spontaneous performances featuring the 150 or so summer school participants who flock to Sligo each year for the love of jazz! You’d never know who might show up to join in.

Grammy-winning “musical alchemist” Francesco Turrisi joins SJP in genre-defying collaborations. Plus, Australian trombone powerhouse Shannon Barnett (now Cologne based) delivers soul-stirring brass mastery.

A revolving roster of jazz and blues acts featuring some of Ireland's finest musicians from Richie Buckley and Chris Comhaill to Ben Prevo and Karl Clews. Expect fabulous music as the perfect backdrop to your Saturday afternoon.