Angela and Her NOLA Brass Squad set to ignite the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival with explos
17 April 2025
Get ready for a vibrant injection of New Orleans spirit as 'Angela and Her NOLA Brass Squad' prepares to make their highly anticipated debut at the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival.
Born from the embers of the much-loved Jaydee Brass Band, 'Angela and Her NOLA Brass Squad' brings together familiar energy with exciting new sounds. After 15 years of electrifying street performances, the original Jaydee Brass Band took a break. However, the musical connection remained strong, and a core group of the original crew couldn't resist reuniting, keen to experiment and explore fresh musical avenues.
This new ensemble welcomes dynamic vocalist Angela, whose captivating voice and charming stage presence perfectly complements their vision. The band's formation was driven by a desire to create a versatile act equally at home busking on the streets and commanding festival stages.
While carrying the energetic DNA of Jaydee Brass Band, 'Angela and Her NOLA Brass Squad' carves its own path. This isn't just a typical jazz fest brass band; it's a powerful vocalist fronting a dynamic ensemble, reminiscent of a rock festival stage presence, yet retaining the raw, engaging spirit of a busking brass band. The 'NOLA' in their name is a clear nod to New Orleans, Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz and a city where the joy of everyday music-making thrives.
Band member Eelco van Velzen said the new ensemble is looking forward to returning to this year's Jazz Festival and hope the Derry public love everything 'Angela and Her NOLA Brass Squad' have to offer. Eelco said: "Coming back to Derry after 15 previous visits with the Jaydee Brass band feels like flying home to introduce our new girlfriend to our parents. We are sure you will like her and approve of how we are moving forward."
Extending a warm welcome to the new group, Jazz Festival Coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome 'Angela and Her NOLA Brass Squad' to this year's festival lineup. Their unique blend of New Orleans jazz with contemporary flair perfectly embodies the spirit of musical innovation we strive to showcase. Having hosted the Jaydee Brass Band multiple times in previous years, we're excited to see this evolution and know our festival attendees will be in for something truly special."
Don't miss the chance to witness the exciting debut of 'Angela and Her NOLA Brass Squad’ at the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival. Expect feisty, unfiltered fun and a musical experience that will get you moving!
There are multiple opportunities to catch this new group at this year's festival – they’ll be on the steps of the Millennium Forum at 7.15pm on Friday 2nd May or pop into the Blackbird at 11pm that night. On Saturday they are taking part in the DLD Second Line Parade at 11am, before returning to the Millennium Forum steps at 3.45pm, and closing Saturday with a performance at the Guildhall Taphouse at 10.30pm. On Sunday they will be playing at the Craft Village at 1pm, and then on the steps of the Richmond Centre at 4.30pm.
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is organised and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY.
For more information go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.