All roads lead to the People’s Republic from October 28-31 as a stunning array of talent assembles for the Guinness Cork Jazz festival.

One of the highlights of the Irish musical calendar, the must-sees include:

Friday– Picture This @ Cork Opera House and Cathy Davey @ St. Luke’s

Saturday– Robert Glasper Experiment + James Taylor Quartet @ The Everyman and Bell X1 @ Cork Opera House

Sunday– Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Cork Opera House and Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet + Dick Oatts Allstars @ The Everyman

Monday– Loudon Wainwright III @ Cork Opera House and Jack L’s The King Of Soho @ Cyprus Avenue

There’s also a major treat being kept under wraps, as a special – and completely free – gig has been lined up for the Opera House Plaza, Emmet Place on the Friday of the Leeside weekender.

It’s all extremely hush-hush right now, but two of the most exciting acts of the festival are promised for the event – and given the standard of performers assembling in the Rebel City we’re confident it’s going to be something pretty amazing indeed! Further details will be revealed in the week leading up to the festival, so keep an eye on the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival social media pages for all the need-to-knows.

Add in the likes of Ben Waters, The Riptide Movement, Interskalactic, Brian Deady, Corey Harris, Booka Brass, King Kong Company, Beata Hlavenková, Justin Kauflin and the Sheryl Bailey Quartet and you’re in for an eclectic treat.

“Guinness is delighted to continue to support the Guinness Cork Jazz festival,” enthuses Guinness Cork Jazz festival manager, Gemma Bell. “Our partnership with the Festival started back in 1982 and over the last 34 years, Guinness and the Cork Jazz Committee have worked closely together to ensure the festival continues to grow and support the local economy. It is brilliant to see the festival expand and continue to attract a bigger audience year after year.”

Along with the main gigs, there’s an extensive programme of fringe events including a multinational array of marching bands who’ll be parading through the city centre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; the free Guinness Music Trail in 60 pubs, clubs and hotels throughout Cork; jazz poetry and, well, whatever you’re having yourself!

See guinnessjazzfestival.com for the full lowdown. Visit Drinkaware.ie