Final preparations are underway for the Guinness Kinsale Jazz Fringe Festival that takes place from 24th-28th October throughout a number of venues in Kinsale.

The line up kicks off with Busquitos on Thursday 24th October at 9.30pm at The Folk House, with the Fringe Festival getting into full swing on Friday 25th from 3pm until late. Some of the bands to look out for include the Dizzy Blues Band, Chris Hayward and Gadjo Jazz, Kevin Mc & The Vintage Boys, Crazy Chester and the inimitable Sharon Crosbie who will be playing in The Blue Haven, The Folk House, The White House and Hamlets throughout the weekend.

On Saturday 26th October, Cadillac Cats, 20 Fingers 2 Hands, Jamie Nanci & the Blue Boys, Two Time Polka and King K will be playing from lunchtime through the late evening. Look out for Johnny Fean & the Blues Train, featuring Horselips guitar legend Johnny Fean who makes his debut at the festival in the Wharf Tavern at The Trident Hotel at 10pm on Saturday and Sunday. Loose Change play the Blue Haven at 10.30pm, Nigel Mooney plays a late gig in the Seanachai at 11.30pm and for those with plenty of stamina, the White Lady hosts the Jazz Weekend Club Night every night from 11pm.

Sunday 27th October commences with a Jazz Brunch with Billy Crosbie & Sons with guest Jimmy O’Byrne in the Carlton Hotel as Stringfellows and the Hepburns play in the Folk House and Seanachi respectively. Local band, Cadillac Cats are sure to entertain at 2.30pm at the Silent Banjo and 6pm in Actons, as The Aristocrats play Hamlets at 7.30pm.

One of the Fringe Festival highlights is the Special Lunch Show on Monday 28th October at The Trident Hotel – The Tony Bennett Tribute, with The Billy Crosbie Trio, Jimmy O’Byrne and special guest Lucy O’Byrne from ‘The Voice’ TV show. Lunch & Entertainment €30 and booking is essential (021) 4779300.

Other gigs on Bank Holiday Monday include Loose Change in Oscar Madisons, Barefoot Gypsies, in the Blue Haven, Tuxedo Jazz in the Armada Bar and Gadjo Jazz in The Spaniard draw the weekend’s festivities to a close.

On behalf of the Kinsale Vintners, Anthony Collins said “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Kinsale for the Guinness Kinsale Jazz Fringe Weekend and hope that our extensive programme has something to suit all tastes of jazz and blues.”

Kinsale will continue the buzz during half term holidays with a number of Hallowe'en activites, highlighting with the Annual Children’s Parade in Kinsale Town Centre at 4pm on Thursday 31st October that is a huge attraction for all. See www.kinsale.ie