Following its widely welcomed support in 2010, Diageo has announced that its Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Lagavulin will again sponsor this year’s Islay Jazz Festival.
One weekend each September, The Islay Jazz Festival attracts hundreds of jazz lovers to the world-famous whisky island on Scotland’s west coast and the dates of this years Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival are 16th. – 18th. September.
Nick Morgan of Lagavulin said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able once again to sponsor this world-class festival, which brings so many discerning jazz lovers to venues throughout Islay, one of the world’s most seductive islands. We were pleased with the public and local reaction to our sponsorship last year. And even more thrilled by the outstanding performances and talent that the artists brought to the Festival. It confirmed our view that live jazz and fine Malt Whisky are the best of partners.”
Promoters Jazz Scotland have just released a film of the 2010 Festival highlights, viewing on the Islay Jazz Festival website, where details of this year’s programme will be posted once available.
The events of the Festival are spread over three days and many venues on Islay. In 2010 the Festival programme featured the lyrical pianism of Zoe Rahman; the feel-good saxophone of Jesse Davis; the Blue Note inspired Mercy, Mercy, Mercy; award-winning Scottish guitarist Graham Stephen; the commanding tenor of John Burgess; and a new take on 1920s and 30?s jazz from the Nova Scotia Jazz Band.
Concerts were presented across the island, in a mix of unique settings: village halls, distilleries, bird sanctuaries, and small bars and inns. Three of the events were staged at Lagavulin Distillery itself.
Full details are available from The Islay Jazz Festival website.