Francesco Turrisi
A genre-defying multi-instrumentalist, Turrisi reimagines ancient melodies through jazz, early
music, and global traditions. Hailed as "one of the most striking voices in European jazz
" (All
About Jazz), the Italian-born, Ireland-based artist has collaborated with icons like Bobby
McFerrin, Rhiannon Giddens (winning a 2022 Grammy for their duo album), The Silk Road
Ensemble, and Bill Frisell. From Baroque opera to Irish sean-nós, tarantella to flamenco, his
work transcends borders. Leader of five acclaimed albums—including the "delicate,
wistful" Northern Migrations—he blends Mediterranean, Arabic, and African diasporic
sounds with fearless innovation. A true "polyglot" of music.
Shannon Barnett: trombone, voice
John Goldsby: bass
Pablo Held: piano
Sun Mi Hong: drums
Matthew Halpin: saxophone
Australian trombonist, composer and vocalist, now based in Cologne, brings her dynamic versatility to the festival. From early work with Australia's jazz elite (The Bamboos, Andrea Keller Quartet) to New York collaborations (Darcy James Argue, Jon Faddis), she's forged a unique path. As a longtime member of Cologne's WDR Big Band, she's performed with jazz greats like Ron Carter and Maria Schneider. Her acclaimed quartet has released three albums (Hype, Bad Lover, Alive at Loft), blending sharp compositions with fiery improvisation. A 2020 WDR Jazz Prize and 2022 German Jazz Prize winner, Barnett also pushes boundaries with interdisciplinary projects (Dead Weight for musicians and Fitness Studio) and prepares her 2025 singer- songwriter debut. As Professor of Jazz Trombone at Cologne's Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, she shapes the next generation of jazz innovators. Book Tickets
QUINNER'S NORTH WEST SESSION!
A showcase of local jazz talent from the northwest
4:30pm Lillies Cocktail Bar
Welcome to our daily 4:30 session where you can catch some of Ireland and Europe’s finest jazz musicians in an informal setting.
Curated by the great curator of many magical events himself, Sligo’s own Mr. Kieran Quinn. Expect emerging talent like BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist Nils Kavanagh, drummer Sam Purcell and bassist Brian Questa, all of whom attended Sligo Jazz Project as participants, seasoned pros like Sligo’s amazing guitar man Mike “Mickey ” Nielsen, and many others. Not to be missed!
Early Jam Session
5pm – 7pm Hawk’s Well Theatre Lobby
Catch some spontaneous performances featuring the 150 or so summer school participants who flock to Sligo each year for the love of jazz! You’d never know who might show up to join in.
SJP ALL STARS
Don’t miss the 2025 SJP All Stars concert—a electrifying revue showcasing the
phenomenal talent of the amazing 2025 Sligo Jazz project faculty, led by Guest
of Honour Rufus Reid and Artist in Residence Melissa Aldana.
Saxophone:
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, Melissa Aldana (Chile),
Michael Buckley (IE), Matthew Halpin (IE/AUT), Cathal Roche (IE), Fraser Gaine (IE), Micheal Murray (IE)
Guitar:
Ant Law (UK),
Dr Mike Nielsen (IE), Tom Ollendorff (UK), Joseph Leighton (NI)
Piano:
Pablo Held (DE), Francesco Turrisi (ITA/IE), Dr Scott Flanigan (NI), Nils Kavanagh (IE), Kieran Quinn (IE)
Bass:
GUEST OF HONOUR Rufus Reid (USA), John Goldsby (USA/DE), Oli Hayhurst (UK), Conor Murray (IE)
Trombone:
Shannon Barnett (AUS/DE), Paul Dunlea (IE)
Drums/ Percussion:
Kush Abadey (USA), Sun Mi Hong (KOR/NED), Paul Clarvis (UK),
Dr Stephen Davis (NI)
Vibraphone:
Sasha Berliner (USA)
Flute:
Gareth Lockrane (UK)
Trumpet:
Freddie Hendrix (USA), Dr Linley Hamilton (NI)
Voice:
Emilia Martensson (SWE), Veronika Morscher (AUT), Brigitte Beraha (UK)
Violin:
Oleg Ponomarev (IE)
Book Tickets
Festival Club Jam Session
10pm (After Show) Hawk’s Well Theatre Lobby
Catch some spontaneous performances featuring the 150 or so summer school participants who flock to Sligo each year for the love of jazz! You’d never know who might show up to join in.