ALL THAT JAZZ… Model Gemma McCorry is ready to enjoy the musical sounds of the great jazz loving cities of New York and New Orleans this summer as The Merchant Hotel’s Berts Jazz Bar

ENJOY the musical sounds of the great jazz loving cities of New York and New Orleans this summer as The Merchant Hotel’s Berts Jazz Bar hosts a series of exciting live jazz events.

Music lovers can transport themselves back to the chic jazz bars of the ‘Big Apple’ on July 24 – 27 and enjoy ‘Summer in New York’ nights with Fiona and John Trotter presenting the voice of the Golden era of Jazz on Friday July 24. On Saturday you can sit back, relax and enjoy Dana Masters featuring The Berts All Stars who will showcase The Divas of Jazz before finishing the weekend by soaking up the atmosphere of cool jazz melodies on Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, guests can also enjoy a taste of summer in New York with speciality cocktails including Gotham, Jersey Devil and Kerouac as well as favourite New York dishes including New York cheesecake, Pastrami bagels and Waldorf salad.

Those wanting to sample the sounds and tastes of New Orleans won’t have to wait very long as Berts’ presents ‘The Story of the Blues’ from August 28 – 31.

Discover the very essence of New Orleans jazz with an exciting line-up featuring the Barry McCrudden trio on Thursday August 28, Ronnie Greer Big Band playing the Kansas city blues on the Friday August 29, the Nigel Mooney Band playing the Chicago blues on the Saturday August 30 and to finish the weekend, Professor James Ronan McGee playing New Orleans blues on Sunday August 31.

A bespoke food and drinks menu will also be created for the New Orleans weekend which will include cocktails such as the Little Hurricano, Bon Ton Special, Delta Fizz and The Big Easy.

For further information, or to book a table, call Berts Jazz Bar at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast on 028 9023 4888.