The Jive Aces pay heartfelt tribute to Derry on Jazz Festival silver anniversary

Band members credit local hospitality and the vision of founder Johnny Murray for the enduring success of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival

Following the conclusion of the milestone 25th Anniversary of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, world-renowned swing band The Jive Aces have issued a formal "thank you" to the city, celebrating a 24-year love affair with the Walled City.

Having performed at nearly every edition of the festival since its inception, the band - famed for their high-energy yellow suits and upbeat swing - hailed the event as a "unique community triumph" built on empathy and respect.

The Jive Aces’ association with Derry began over two decades ago following a chance meeting at the Silda Jazz Festival in Norway. Late jazz legends Gaye McIntyre and George Hussain recommended the group to festival founder Johnny Murray, sparking a relationship that has seen the band become the "face" of the festival for many local fans.

“We have only missed the first edition, so we have been involved in 24 of them,” said lead singer Ian Clarkson. “We are so happy that hand of fate touched us. From the very first visit to Derry, we found everyone so friendly and welcoming. We have promoted the festival everywhere we have been, inviting fans, friends and other jazz and jive musicians to come to the Walled City and experience the love.”

The band’s affection for the event was immortalised in their song, “The Best Festival of All,” written specifically as a tribute to the Derry crowds. Clarkson attributes the festival's enduring success to the specific character of the local people.

“Derry is a unique place built on empathy, care, and respect a true community. The festival reflects that spirit. It is a 'LegendDerry' event, and we want to thank Johnny Murray, the Council, the venues, the schools, the hotels, and the restaurants that have fed and hosted us for a quarter of a century.”

As the 25th-anniversary celebrations conclude, The Jive Aces have already confirmed their desire to remain a fixture of the Derry calendar.

“As the dust settles and we drive home, we are already looking forward to seeing all those smiling faces again next year,” Clarkson concluded. “Here’s to the next 25 years!”

Love, Ian and all the Jive Aces team