The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival takes place from April 29 to May 4. Derry City and Strabane District Council organises the event, which marks its 25th year. Support comes from Diageo and Share Energy.

Curtis Stigers performs at the Millennium Forum on April 29. The singer, songwriter, saxophonist and guitarist first appeared in Derry in 2014. Tickets are available from the Millennium Forum box office.

Guy Davis plays at New Gate Arts & Culture Centre on April 30. The multi-instrumentalist is a two-time Grammy nominee. Creative Programming Executive Darren Milligan at New Gate said relationships built with musicians, agents and promoters since the centre opened two years ago led to the booking.

Rob Heron of Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra, who performed at New Gate last year and will return in 2027, serves as Davis's agent. Milligan said Heron recommended Davis for the venue's intimate setting during the festival.

Davis has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger and Joss Stone. The performance includes blues music and storytelling.

New Gate also hosts local group Women in Black during the festival. Recent sell-out shows at the centre featured Jordan O’Keefe, Glen Rosborough and Joseph Leighton. This month, the venue added resident partners Leanne Peacocke School of Music and Borland School of Acting for music and drama classes.

Tickets for Davis and Women in Black are available at cityofderryjazzfestival.com.