This October, Belfast’s only dedicated jazz bar, Berts, will celebrate 15 years of serenading the city, with a week-long jazz festival.
Taking place between Monday 6 and Sunday 12 October, the packed programme will have guests be-bopping into autumn with a series of live performances from some of the local jazz scene’s most talented artists, plus visiting stars from some of the world’s top jazz cities, served up alongside a sumptuous a la carte menu, and special dining experiences.
Kicking off the celebrations with a taste of Havana on Monday 6 October, Berts’Cuban Night will serve up authentic Cuban rhythms from Berts’ Cuban Jazz Duo (6pm – 8pm), followed by Los Cubanos, a quartet that brings the passion of the Buena Vista Social Club to life with rumba, salsa, son and cha-cha-chá. A vibrant night of music, food and atmosphere not to be missed.
On Tuesday 7October, Bebop ‘til you Drop will bring guests on a journey through the world of bebop. Enjoy lyrical, melodic standards from Mateusz Hmmyeahlevysky and Laura McGrath, followed by Texan vocalist Kristine Mills bringing soulful warmth that builds into the dazzling energy of classic bebop.
For a midweek treat, join Berts for dinner and live blues at Return Of The Blues, Wednesday 8th October. Professor James Ronan McGee brings the sounds of New Orleans to Belfast in the early show, supported by vocalist Rose Devine. Later in the evening, The Reverend Doc will take to the stage with his raw, powerful harmonica sound steeped in tradition.
On Thursday 9th October, the festival dedicates an evening to The Ladies of Jazz. Guests can look forward to a blend of classics paired with modern influences like Aretha Franklin and Amy Winehouse. Later in the evening, performer Niamh Kavanagh, best known for her role in classic 90s move, The Commitments, returns to Berts to showcase astounding vocals that complement every genre including gospel right through to pop.
Step back into the Roaring Twenties at The Golden Age of Jazz Party on Friday 10th October as Berts transforms into a prohibition-era speakeasy with swinging jazz and bootleg cocktails. Dress in your finest flapper attire, soak up the exuberant sounds of Berts’ seven-piece jazz band and delight in a delicious five-course menu with two cocktails for the ultimate evening of exuberant big band jazz.
There’ll be a full day of celebrations on Saturday 11th October, toasting 15 years of Berts. Book your table to enjoy everything from smooth afternoon piano with Barry McCrudden, to the Bea Howard Trio’s fusion sounds, to timeless jazz standards with Ryan Longridge and Sarah Jane Cooper. Round off the night with Winnie Ama and the Kyron Bourke Quartet bringing Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and original songs to life, promising a soulful close to the penultimate night.
The week-long anniversary celebrations will be brought to a close on Sunday 12th October, with a leading all-day line up of Berts All Stars. Reserve your table at Berts during the daytime to soak up gentle piano jazz in the afternoon with Ryan Longridge followed by The Betty Robinson Trio, or join in the evening for a late-night finale with Kyron Bourke & The Sazeracs, Linley Hamilton, Stephan Davis and surprise guests reimagining pop favourites through jazz.
Berts’ la carte menu will be on offer throughout the week, with a special ‘Rendezvous For Two’ special, offering a three-course meal for two and a bottle of house wine for only £99.50.
On Friday 10 October, The Golden Age of Jazz Dining Experience includes 5 courses with arrival drink and cocktail to finish, priced £115pp, while the Cheese, Charcuterie and Cocktails Experience on Saturday 11 October (2.30-3.30pm) offers live jazz, charcuterie, Camembert and two cocktails for just £45 per person.
To book tickets or reserve a table at Berts for any of the upcoming events during the Jazz Festival, visit https://www.themerchanthotel.com/whats-on
Connect with Berts on Facebook and Instagram @BertsJazzBar for further updates.