Culture Night at the Belltable – Sep 21

Limerick Jazz is taking over the Belltable Arts Centre for Culture Night.  The first ever Limerick Jazz Festival takes place over the last weekend of September and we’re warming up the previous Friday with three great FREE events at the Belltable.

First up at 7pm is musician and broadcaster Chas Meredith AKA Rock Fox of the Merrion Gates. Chas will bring you through some of his thoughts on the history of jazz, with particular reference to our 7.45 screening of the movie ‘Round Midnight (1986) directed by Bertrand Tavernier. The film’s protagonist, Dale Turner, is an amalgam of the characters of a number of African American musicians who spent extended stays in Europe. What makes the movie remarkable is that Dale Turner is played by one of those musicians, saxophonist Dexter Gordon, who received an Oscar nomination for his first ever acting role.

Just in case you’re wavering, Herbie Hancock won the best original score Oscar for his contribution and Martin Scorcese plays a cameo as Dale’s manager. We’ve even found the trailer for you!

10pm sees live music from Honor Heffernan and Phil Ware. Honor Heffernan has been performing as both a singer and actress for over 30 years now. Her Jazz singing career began in 1983 when she was invited by Songwriter, TV and Radio presenter Shay Healy to join with the Jim Doherty Trio in an experimental programme, where musicians from different backgrounds performed together. The experience lead to long associations with renowned jazz musicians Jim Doherty, Noel Kelehan and Louis Stewart, and many more of Irelands leading jazz musicians.

Check out Honor performing Joni Mitchell’s “Be Cool” at her 2009 Limerick gig.