Emerging Jazz Talent Takes Center Stage at City of Derry Jazz Festival
Table of Contents
- 1. Emerging Jazz Talent Takes Center Stage at City of Derry Jazz Festival
- 2. Nils Kavanagh: A Rising star
- 3. Mentorship and Chance
- 4. A Life-Changing Experience
- 5. Investing in the Future of Jazz
- 6. Performance Details
- 7. Festival Support
- 8. Counterargument
- 9. FAQ
- 10. What role do jazz festivals play in supporting the careers of emerging jazz musicians?
- 11. Emerging Jazz Star Nils Kavanagh on the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the Future of Jazz
April 28, 2025
The City of Derry Jazz Festival, a celebrated event on the international jazz calendar, is poised to showcase a new wave of talent during its upcoming Bank Holiday weekend of music, running from May 1–5. Now in its 24th year, the festival has distinguished itself as a vital platform for emerging artists, offering them a chance to perform alongside established jazz icons.
Nils Kavanagh: A Rising star
Among the standout performers this year is Nils Kavanagh, an award-winning pianist hailing from Sligo, Ireland. Kavanagh has already garnered notable attention, having been named Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year in 2022. His participation underscores the festival’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent. He is set to release his debut album May 14th, with gigs following in Ireland commencing in November.
Kavanagh will share the stage with renowned local jazz legend and academic, Dr. Paul McIntyre,at the EY Jazz Lounge,located within the historic St. Columb’s Hall. These late-night performances promise an intimate and atmospheric experience, ideal for immersing oneself in authentic jazz sounds.
Mentorship and Chance
Festivals like the City of Derry Jazz Festival play a crucial role in providing invaluable learning opportunities for young performers, allowing them to connect with and learn from seasoned artists.
Dr. McIntyre emphasized the importance of such events,stating,”The Derry Jazz Festival provides wonderful opportunities for young jazz performers to cut their teeth! On Saturday 3rd May,Nils will be performing with the quartet in the EY Jazz Lounge,which I’m really looking forward to. Welcoming junior players keeps jazz vibrant and fresh.”
mcintyre further highlighted his personal commitment to mentoring young musicians, adding, “While teaching in Universities and Music Schools I’ve found and encouraged many young players as I can over the years. The legacy of supporting young jazz players goes back to my father Gay McIntyre, who always encouraged and showcased up and coming jazz players including Darren Beckett and Joseph Leighton.”
A Life-Changing Experience
Kavanagh’s journey into the world of jazz began at the age of 16, sparked by his involvement with the Sligo jazz Project Festival, fueled by his parents encouragement. Despite initial hesitation, he enrolled in the SJP summer school, a decision that he describes as transformative. “It’s safe to say it’s changed my life,” Nils admits. “I had never heard music being played like that before, with such joy and excitement. From then on, I was completely hooked.”
This experience solidified his passion for music and led him to pursue formal training at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. His accolades, including the Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year award in 2022 and reaching the finals of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2024, have opened doors to numerous performance opportunities and allowed him to showcase his original compositions.
Beyond his studies,Kavanagh leads a dynamic trio,comprised of some of Ireland’s leading jazz musicians. “It’s honestly been transformative for my career,” he says. “It gave me the clout and confidence I needed to book an Irish tour in 2023, playing six dates across the country with my trio. The award also included a bursary, which I used to cover some of the costs of recording my debut album, which is releasing on May 14th, with some dates in Ireland set to happen later in the year, including playing in Bennigan’s Bar, Derry, on the 1st of November 2025.”
Investing in the Future of Jazz
From its inception, the City of Derry Jazz Festival has prioritized the progress and promotion of emerging talent. Through initiatives such as the Live Music Now program in local secondary schools and the establishment of the Gay McIntyre stage, the festival provides platforms for younger performers to shine.
Kavanagh emphasized the profound impact of such opportunities, stating, “Events like the City of Derry Jazz Festival are so significant for introducing younger people to Jazz music.If I hadn’t gone to a similar festival in my own home town, I would have gone down a whole other career path. As someone who was directly affected by a Jazz Festival, I can with confidence say that events such as these are pivotal for the development of the Jazz scene.”
He offers aspiring musicians valuable advice: “If I would give one piece of advice to young musicians, it would be this – don’t be afraid to ask. This industry and scene is all about putting yourself out there. ask that older musician if they would like to play with you. Ask that venue for a gig. Ask the person you admire for a lesson, or some constructive criticism. You would be amazed how much you can get just by asking, and the worst that can happen is that someone says, “No”! In that case, you move on, and then in a couple years time, you might be ready.”
Performance Details
Nils Kavanagh will be performing with the Paul McIntyre Quartet on Saturday, May 3, at 11 p.m. in the EY Jazz Lounge. The quartet features Curtis efoua (Paris) on drums and Brian Questa (USA) on double bass, phil Robson (UK) on Guitar on Sunday, and the guest vocalist on both nights is the acclaimed Winnie Ama!
Festival Support
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is organized and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with support from Diageo and EY.
| Festival | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| City of Derry Jazz Festival | May 1–5, 2025 | Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Newport Jazz Festival | August 1–3, 2025 | Newport, RI, USA |
| monterey Jazz Festival | September 19-21, 2025 | Monterey, CA, USA |
Counterargument
Some critics argue that jazz festivals should focus more on established artists to guarantee ticket sales and attract larger audiences. However, prioritizing emerging talent is essential for the long-term health and evolution of the genre. by providing a platform for young musicians, festivals like the City of Derry Jazz Festival ensure that jazz remains vibrant, innovative, and accessible to future generations.
FAQ
- what are the benefits of attending jazz festivals for young musicians?
- Jazz festivals provide young musicians with opportunities to perform, network with established artists, and gain exposure to new audiences, fostering their development and career advancement.
- How can I support young jazz musicians in my community?
- Attend their performances, purchase their music, donate to music education programs, and advocate for increased funding for arts initiatives in schools and communities.
- What role do mentors play in the development of young jazz talent?
- Mentors provide guidance, support, and inspiration, helping young musicians navigate the challenges of the music industry and develop their artistic skills.
- Where can I buy tickets for the EY Jazz Lounge events?
- Tickets for the EY Jazz Lounge events, taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May at 11pm, are priced £10 and are available for purchase online at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com/tickets.
- How can I stay updated on the City of Derry Jazz Festival?
- For regular updates, follow the City of Derry Jazz Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and X @derryjazzfest.
What role do jazz festivals play in supporting the careers of emerging jazz musicians?
Emerging Jazz Star Nils Kavanagh on the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the Future of Jazz
Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Nils! It’s a pleasure to speak with you today, especially with your performance at the City of Derry Jazz Festival fast approaching. For our readers who might not be familiar, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey?
Nils Kavanagh: Thank you for having me! I’m a jazz pianist from Sligo, Ireland. My journey started when I was 16. I found myself at the Sligo jazz Project Festival, which was a real turning point. I was fully hooked on jazz from then on. From there, I went on to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and, well, here we are! I was named Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year in 2022, and I am beyond excited to release my debut album on May 14th.
Archyde news Editor: That’s quite a journey! The city of Derry Jazz Festival is renowned for giving platforms to emerging artists.How does it feel to be part of such a prestigious event, and what are you most looking forward to?
Nils Kavanagh: It’s a real honour. Festivals like Derry are crucial for the jazz scene. It’s all about giving up-and-coming musicians a chance, and that’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.I’m most excited about performing with Dr. Paul McIntyre’s quartet at the EY Jazz Lounge on Saturday, plus, getting to play alongside such talented musicians as Curtis Efoua, Brian Questa, Phil Robson, and Winnie Ama is an amazing possibility.
Archyde News Editor: You’ve highlighted the importance of mentoring. Dr. McIntyre also spoke a lot about the role of mentorship. Can you share any experiences of mentors who’ve helped shape your career, and what advice would you give to young musicians just starting out?
Nils Kavanagh: Mentorship is absolutely vital. My parents encouraged me to get involved with the Sligo jazz Project, which gave my career a rocket boost. I’ve learned so much from my tutors at RWCMD. My advice for young musicians is this: don’t be afraid to ask. This industry is about putting yourself out there. Ask that older musician to jam with you. Ask for a gig. Ask for advice. The worst you can get is a “no,” in which case you move on.
Archyde News editor: Your success, including the Young irish Jazz Musician of the Year award, has allowed you to tour and record your debut album. How critically important was this recognition in propelling your career forward?
Nils Kavanagh: It was transformative. The award boosted my confidence and gave me the platform I needed. Being able to book an Irish tour across six dates in 2023 with my trio was a dream come true. Plus, the bursary helped me record my debut album, so it was incredibly significant.
Archyde News Editor: Given your personal experiences, what do you think is the greatest benefit of jazz festivals for young musicians?
Nils Kavanagh: exposure, networking, and learning from the best. Festivals like this help introduce younger people to Jazz and give them an opportunity to witness musicians performing and growing in their craft. Without the Sligo Jazz Festival, I wouldn’t be where I am today. If I hadn’t found that scene, I would have gone down a completely different path in life.
Archyde News Editor: Looking ahead, where do you see the future of jazz, and what role do you hope to play within it?
Nils Kavanagh: Jazz is constantly evolving, and I believe its future lies in embracing new influences while honouring its traditions. I hope to continue creating and performing original music, collaborating with diverse artists, and inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians.I hope to continue to perform and offer opportunities for the younger generation.
Archyde News Editor: That’s inspiring! where can our readers purchase tickets for your performance at the EY Jazz Lounge, and how can they keep up with your music?
Nils Kavanagh: Tickets for the EY jazz Lounge performances are available at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com/tickets. To stay updated on my gigs and album release, follow me on social media. I share updates on Instagram and X @NilsKavanaghJazz.
Archyde News Editor: Nils, thank you so much for your time and insightful answers. We wish you the best of luck with your performance at the City of Derry Jazz Festival!
Nils Kavanagh: Thank you for having me!
