5 Reasons To Check Out This Year’s Bray Jazz Fest

Bray Jazz Festival returns from 29 April to 1 May for its 17th year, with another packed programme. 

You can expect plenty of jazz from leading international players as well as some of Ireland's top improvisers. Bray Jazz has previously been described as "one of the very best small jazz festivals in Europe", and that's no lie.

Here are five reasons you should definitely check out Bray Jazz Festival later this month...

Bray Jazz will host artists from the US, UK, France, Ivory Coast, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Mexico

Performers at this year's festival include Nordic jazz legends e.s.t.'s drummer Magnus Öström and West African Grammy Award winning chanteuse Dobet Gnahoré.

There'll also be gigs featuring Norwegian ECM Records Nils Økland & Sigbjørn Apeland, Shetland Islanders Catriona McKay and Chris Stout, French avant-pioneers Chromb!, and Swiss trio Vein with American sax star Greg Osby.

There's a Jazz Trail for anyone who just wants to go with the flow

There will be 20 shows taking place at a dozen different venues on this year's Bray Jazz Festival trail. 

Sponsored by local producers, Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company and Black Castle Drinks, you can find out exact times and locations of the Jazz Trail here.

This year's festival will also have a great new live performance venue 

The medieval town centre St. Paul's Church (The Well) playing host to a lunchtime piano recital, afternoon concert and night-time gig.

There's a rake of brilliant restaurants in Bray for whenever you get hungry

Whether you're looking for pub grub, something quick or a fancy sit-down dinner there's a load of different options. 

Our personal faves are Box Burger, Pizzas 'n' Cream or a bag of chips with extra salt and vinegar from Henry & Rose. Check out a full list of deadly places to eat here. 

You can see the Kenny Werner Trio perform live

Kenny Werner is a fluently inventive pianist and leader of one of the most acclaimed and influential piano-trios in contemporary American jazz. 

Seeing the trio perform live in the Mermaid Centre is an absolute must for any self-respecting jazz fan.

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