Bray Jazz Festival 2025

About this event

Now in its 24th year, Bray Jazz Festival returns from May 2nd to May 4th, bringing a stellar lineup of international and homegrown talent to the picturesque seaside town of Bray, Co. Wicklow.

With artists from the US, UK, France, Belgium, Japan, Italy, Finland, Norway, and more, this year’s edition promises a truly global celebration of jazz. Supported by The Arts Council of Ireland, Wicklow County Council, and an array of sponsors, Bray Jazz Festival continues to uphold its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading jazz events.

A Weekend of World-Class Performances

The festival boasts an impressive selection of concerts across multiple venues, including the Whale Theatre, Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Town Hall, and the Harbour Bar. Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the weekend:

Friday, May 2nd

• Xhosa Cole (UK) – Whale Theatre, Greystones: BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year (2018), Xhosa Cole, will open the festival with his dynamic saxophone-led performance.
• Nubya Garcia (UK) – Mermaid Arts Centre: One of the leading figures in the UK’s contemporary jazz scene, Garcia’s explosive saxophone style has earned her critical acclaim worldwide.
• Kevin Brady Trio feat. Bill Carrothers & Seamus Blake (Irl/USA) – Harbour Bar: A long-standing collaboration between Irish drummer Kevin Brady and renowned American pianist Bill Carrothers.
• Mieko Miyazaki & Franck Wolf (Japan/France) – Bray Town Hall: A unique fusion of Japanese koto and French clarinet.
• Christine Tobin & Phil Robson (Irl/UK) – Mermaid Arts Centre: A captivating duo performance from two jazz veterans.
• Zoé Basha Sextet & Pizza Jazz – Harbour Bar: A showcase of emerging Irish jazz talents.
• Pizza Jazz at The Harbour Bar

Saturday, May 3rd

• Vijay Iyer (USA) – Mermaid Arts Centre: A multi-award-winning pianist, Vijay Iyer has been hailed as one of the most innovative jazz musicians of our time.
• Nduduzo Makhathini Trio (South Africa) – Whale Theatre: One of Africa’s most influential jazz pianists, signed to the legendary Blue Note label.
• Ronan Guilfoyle’s Bemusement Arcade (Irl/UK) – Mermaid Arts Centre: A new project from one of Ireland’s most prolific jazz composers.
• ZASKA (Ireland) – Mermaid Arts Centre: Funk, soul, and jazz blend seamlessly in this high-energy performance.
• Norman & Corrie (Scotland) – Bray Town Hall: A fresh take on traditional Scottish music through a jazz lens.
• Katharine Timoney Quartet (NI) at The Harbour Bar
• Carole Nelson Trio (Irl) - The Harbour Bar

Sunday, May 4th

• Verneri Pohjola Quartet (Finland) – Mermaid Arts Centre: One of Scandinavia’s leading jazz trumpet voices.
• Francesco Turrisi Trio – Mermaid Arts Centre: A Grammy Award-winning pianist known for his musical versatility.
• Steinar Raknes (Norway) – Bray Town Hall: A celebrated Norwegian bassist with a vast international reputation.
• Hayley Kavanagh Quartet (Irl) – Harbour Bar: A rising saxophonist making waves on the Irish jazz scene.
• Chief Keegan & Magical Dog (Irl) – Harbour Bar: Two of Ireland’s top funk and fusion acts.
• Nabou Claerhout & Lynn Cassiers (Belgium) - The Mermaid Arts Centre
• Aengus Hackett Trio - The Harbour Bar

Bray Jazz Fringe Festival

Beyond the main programme, the festival also features the Bray Jazz Fringe Festival, with free performances at local venues across the town. Highlights include:

• Friday, May 2nd: Des Hopkins Dixieland Band (Duffs Bar), Dennis Buggle (The Hibernia Inn), and more.
• Saturday, May 3rd: Lee Meehan Band (Duffs Bar), Danny Tobin Blues Band (The Hibernia Inn), and others.
• Sunday, May 4th: Gustavo DeMorias Trio (Duffs Bar), Straight Ahead Organ Trio (Hibernia Inn), among others.
• Monday, May 5th: L & R Band (Duffs Bar, 6pm).