BRAY JAZZ FESTIVAL 2008 KICKS OFF THIS MAY

Issued 10 April 2008

Bray Jazz Festival returns on the May Bank Holiday weekend with yet another busy programme of top quality contemporary jazz and world music from Ireland and abroad.

The festival, which is now in its 9th year, will this year include performances by jazz funk legend Maceo Parker and his Band, by the celebrated European jazz supergroup Mare Nostrum, and by the Paris based Orchestra National de Jazz.

Featuring a programme of more than 40 concerts, recitals and pub shows, amongst the other visitors will be artists from the UK, Cuba, the United States, Italy, Denmark, China and Sweden, together with many of Ireland's leading jazz greats.

Commenting on this year’s acts, Festival Director George Jacob said, “Established in the Millennium year, the festival has hosted performances by artists at the very cutting edge of contemporary jazz from at home and abroad - including performers from across Europe, the United States, South America, Africa and the Far East.”

He added, “Since it's earliest days Bray Jazz has also attracted widespread public support - and the event has become a 'date in the diary' for an ever increasing number of music lovers from both across Ireland and abroad. To all of our sponsorship supporters, and to you, the public who have backed the festival, we are indebted.”

Full details are available on the festival are available on the festival's web-site at : www.brayjazz.com.  Telephone 01-2724030 for bookings.