Top female artists join Ursula in Company at the Jazz Festival

Top female artists join Ursula in Company at the Jazz Festival

11 April 2024

This year's City of Derry Jazz Festival has a distinctly feminine note with an evening celebrating female artists who, over the past 20 years, have helped make the Jazz Festival the success that it is.

The fabulous Ursula McHugh heads up an incredible array of female musicians and singers set to dazzle audiences on Sunday, 5th May, 8pm at the Guildhall.

A regular favourite at the Jazz Festival, Ursula will host a show with a difference in a special evening of conversation and song that no doubt will include the magic of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Anita O'Day.

"The women I have invited to join me for this unique evening of music, song and conversation are Joan Talbot, Anne Tracey, Fiona Trotter, Victoria Geelan, Dee Doherty and Jude Murphy," Ursula reveals.

"I've admired these leading women over the years and their contribution not only to the Jazz festival but the arts in general. They don't just turn up to sing and play but always create and produce high end, sophisticated, theatre style events to enchant and delight audiences.

"Jude Murphy is a bassist/vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, and is a welcome newcomer to the Jazz Festival this year. She will be accompanied by her life-long friend Dee Doherty, pianist and assistant musical director. A musical match made in heaven!"

Looking ahead to the event, Ursula said it offered the opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of the uniquely talented local women on the jazz scene, who will share their stories and insights in the night.

"With the festival going into its 23rd year I felt it was time to pay homage to the uniquely talented local women on the jazz scene. Our conversations, songs and chat on the evening will highlight how music connects us all and the key role it plays in enhancing our overall sense of wellbeing.

"The idea of a sofa session is one I've had for a few years now. Dee and I have already worked with Kieran Griffiths on a pilot show [broadcast online] during Covid, when my guests were Ruth McGinley, Joseph Leighton and Comrade Hat. I'm delighted to say that Kieran will be producing Ursula in Company on May 5th."

Audiences will know that Ursula has a wonderful ability to draw out her guests and create the perfect forum to share experiences. She promises that this exciting and intimate evening of chat, song, tunes, stories and craic, will delight and inspire. Tickets are already selling fast!

Tickets to join Ursula in Company in the Main Hall at the Guildhall are on sale now priced at £15, available to purchase at Eventbrite https://UrsulaInCompany.eventbrite.co.uk and Guildhall Reception.

Details of this year's Jazz Festival programme can be found at cityofderryjazzfestival.com For regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.