New Gate Arts Centre all set to swing at the City of Derry Jazz Festival

As excitement builds for the City of Derry Jazz Festival, which kicks off in less than a fortnight, organisers are preparing for five days of non-stop music to mark this year’s landmark 25th anniversary celebrations.

At the heart of the action is New Gate Arts & Culture Centre, which will host a special showcase performance by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Guy Davis on Thursday, April 30.

Creative Programming Executive at the centre, Darren Milligan, said the team at New Gate are absolutely delighted to welcome the two-time Grammy nominee to the venue, just one of the highlights of the packed festival weekend.

“Guy Davis is a musician of incredible calibre,” he said. “Securing him is really the result of relationships we’ve built over the last two years with various musicians, agents and promoters since we opened.

“That connection was strengthened last year when New Gate hosted Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra, who were so impressed by the venue and its atmosphere that they are set to return in 2027. Rob Heron, the band’s frontman, is also Guy Davis’s agent and believed the American bluesman would be an ideal fit for the intimate setting at New Gate, particularly during the Jazz Festival.

READ NEXT: Na Piarsaigh CLG Doire Trasna launches fundraising drive for historic Spanish trip

“From his own experience of playing at New Gate he said Guy would love it here and would be a perfect match for the venue,” Darren explained. “Hosting someone who has worked with legendary names like Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger and Joss Stone was a no-brainer for us.”

Audiences attending the performance can expect what Darren describes as “a masterclass in blues, complete with storytelling” delivered in the soulful, intimate atmosphere that has quickly become synonymous with New Gate. “It will be a highlight of the weekend and a truly memorable experience for jazz and blues fans,” he added.

Since opening, New Gate has aimed to provide high-calibre entertainment in a welcoming, community-focused setting. Darren said it has always been the venue’s aspiration to give local audiences access to international performers while also nurturing emerging homegrown talent.

“We want to ensure our audiences can see world-class performers right here in the heart of the community, while also providing a stage to inspire and develop our own artists,” he said.

Recent sell-out shows from local performers including Jordan O’Keefe, Glen Rosborough and Joseph Leighton underline that commitment to supporting the North West’s creative talent. Maintaining a balance between showcasing local artists and welcoming internationally recognised names remains central to the centre’s ethos.

New Gate Arts & Culture Centre will host a special showcase performance by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Guy Davis on Thursday, April 30.

That balance is achieved, Darren explained, by ensuring events remain accessible and inclusive, while using high-profile performances to inspire the next generation. Beyond entertainment, New Gate is focused on fostering artistic development and creating opportunities within the community.

This month, the centre began working with two new resident partners - Leanne Peacocke School of Music and Borland School of Acting - who are now based at New Gate and offering a range of music and drama tuition.

Darren believes events like the City of Derry Jazz Festival are vital for cultural venues across the city. “They bring a unique energy, introduce new audiences to our space, and allow us to be part of a wider celebration of culture and creativity,” he said.

Alongside hosting Guy Davis, New Gate will also showcase some of the best local talent during the festival, including Women in Black, whom Darren said the team are immensely proud to support, playing a key role in what promises to be a memorable 25th anniversary edition of the City of Derry Jazz Festival. Tickets to see both Guy Davis and Women in Black are available at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com.

This year’s City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and Share Energy. Find out more about all the live music events taking place from April 29 to May 4 at cityofderryjazzfestival.com.