JAZZGate was a series of jazz concerts which I curated and performed on in The Black Gate Galway. The series paid tribute to the greatest jazz artists and composers of all time, and featured local and visiting musicians – celebrating the absolute cream of the Irish Jazz scene.
Unfortunately JAZZGate has been off since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Hopefully it will be back again in the not too distant future.
Thanks so much to all the audiences for the support!

To date, JAZZGate has featured the absolute finest players from around the Irish Jazz scene:

Emilie Conway, Suzanne Savage, Barbara Vulso, Róisín Mulliez, Sarah O’Toole, Bill Blackmore, Colm O’Hara, Cathal Roche, Matthew Berrill, Sam Comerford, Mike Nielsen, Tommy Halferty, Naomi Berrill, Greg Felton, Izumi Kimura, Scott Flanigan, John Donegan (UK), Éanna Ryder, Ger Madden, Dan Bodwell, Neil O’Loclainn, Derek Whyte, Cormac O’Brien, Charlie Foley, John O’Dwyer, Paul O’Driscoll, Dan Walsh, Matthew Jacobson, Sean Carpio, Kevin Brady, Barry Duffy, Miki Belton, Szymon Mizniak, Phil McMullan, John Daly, Conor Murray.

what audiences had to say about JAZZGate:

* responses from a November 2020 survey

“ It offers a chance to hear a wide range of jazz music played by top class and innovative musicians in a suitably intimate atmosphere”
Sinéad Ní Fhaoláin

“I think its needed in Galway. There is an opening for much more Jazz music at night for young and older people to enjoy.”
Valerie Egan

“The opportunity to immerse in Jazz and to move in the unknown.”
Bernadette Divilly

“ The relaxed and inclusive intimacy. The replicating performance of the greatest artists by performing artists of the highest standards with a dedication and love of these great musical stars. The warm and relaxed Aengus Hackett invites the audience to be part of the performance.
I look forward to more and more JAZZgate.”
Margaret Hogan

“ It’s wonderful to listen to jazz in a setting where you can give it your full attention, and also to hear great Irish musicians play standards you wouldn’t normally hear in ways that push boundaries,
the way jazz is meant to be played. The beauty of JAZZGate is that it acts as a kind of Trojan Horse, in presenting the songbooks of well-known jazz artists, and then introducing the audience through that to what is going on in the contemporary Irish jazz scene, and educating their ears”
Sarah O’Toole

“ Good organisation of the events, nice selection of the themes and magnificent performance.
Music which attracts a cosy and friendly audience. Friendly vibe.”
Milos Kurtes

” The gig I went to was amazing. The musicians were so talented and really got the audience going.
One of the best nights I’ve had in Galway”
Maura O’Callaghan

“ So great to be getting this curated source of contemporary jazz on offer in Galway.
Great musicians, really beautiful performances, and always well-organised and well-hosted. A treat.”
Maeve

“ The variety of artists performing. It was such a gift to get to hear so many different artists. JAZZGATE became the highlight of the week.”
Bridie Hogan

PAST EVENTS

JAZZGate SPRING 2020 Season

Thursday March 5
The Music of Keith Jarrett
feat. John Donegan, UK (piano)

Thursday February 27
The Music of Billie Holiday
feat. Emilie Conway (vocals)

Thursday February 20
The Music of Paul Motian
feat. Dan Walsh (drums)

Thursday February 13
The Music of Lester Young
feat. Sam Comerford (sax)

Thursday February 6
The music of Cole Porter
feat. Mike Nielsen (gtr.)

Thursday January 23
The Music of Nina Simone
feat. Barbara Vulso (vocals)

Thursday January 16
The Music of Stan Getz
feat. Matthew Berrill (sax)

Thursday January 9
The music of Charlie Parker
feat. Bertrand Huve (sax)

JAZZGate Autumn / Winter 2019 Season

Thursday December 19
‘A JAZZGate Christmas’
feat. special guest Sarah O’ Toole (vocals)

Thursday December 12
The Music of Chet Baker
feat. special guests Paul O’ Driscoll (vocals, bass) & Bill Blackmore (trumpet)

Thursday December 7
Clarinet in Jazz (Benny Goodman/Sidney Bechet)
feat. special guest Matthew Berrill (clarinet)

Thursday November 28
The Music of Carla Bley
feat. special guest Izumi Kimura (piano)

Saturday November 16
The Music of Joni Mitchell
feat. special guest Suzanne Savage (vocals)

Thursday November 7
The Music of Bill Evans
feat. special guest John Donegan, UK (piano)

Saturday November 2
JAZZGate ‘Halloweekend’: Vocal night feat. Róisín Mulliez
feat. five-piece band of Ireland’s finest musicians
Tickets €15

Friday November 1 *(late start – 10pm)
JAZZGate ‘Halloweekend’: New Orleans theme
feat. six-piece band of Ireland’s finest musicians
Tickets €15

Thursday October 31
JAZZGate ‘Halloweekend’: Fancy Dress Jazz Party
feat. six-piece band of Ireland’s finest musicians;

Cathal Roche (saxophone/clarinet)
Matthew Berrill (saxophone/clarinet)
Colm O’ Hara (trombone)
Aengus Hackett (guitar)
Neil O’ Loclainn (bass)
Dan Walsh (drums)

Tickets €15

Friday October 25
Brazilian / Bossa Nova night
feat. special guest Mike Nielsen (guitar)

Thursday October 17
The Music of Naomi Berrill & Matthew Berrill
feat. special guest Naomi Berrill (vocals, cello)

September 28
The Music of Aengus Hackett!
A new trio performing brand-new compositions of mine,
feat. Derek Whyte (bass) and Matthew Jacobson (drums)

September 21
The Music of Wayne Shorter
featuring special guest Cathal Roche on saxophone

September 13
The Music of Aretha Franklin
featuring special guest Barbara Vulso on vocals