Derry jazz club Bennigans celebrates its first-year anniversary on 2 November with a guest appearance by the acclaimed London jazz singer Cleveland Watkiss who will be backed by John Leighton’s organ trio, the organist joined by guitarist Hugh Buckley and drummer David Lyttle.
“The fact that we can bring in top level artists like Cleveland Watkiss to a little hothouse club on John Street says a lot about where we are at,” Leighton, who runs the weekly night, comments.
Based at the Derry pub that bears its name, Bennigans has turned up the dynamism dial on the Derry scene to the max since the weekly Sunday club night began last year the place playing host to such luminaries as Irish jazz greats Louis Stewart and local hero Gay McIntyre, US sax rising star Meilana Gillard, and the MOBO-nominated Jason Rebello as well as, crucially, encouraging brand new still unknown talent.
The cosy Cityside spot was also the place to be in terms of sheer atmosphere as well as choice bookings at this year’s city of Derry jazz and big band festival. Tickets are £10.