The Jive Aces Awarded International Music Award
This year the jive Aces returned to the City of Derry International Jazz and Big Band Festival for the fourth time in a row and not only was it the most successful year ever with every venue literally stuffed beyond bursting point but there was another surprise in store...
On arrival the band were summoned to a reception at the town hall with the Mayor and other city officials as well as directors of the festival, media and other guests and were promptly awarded the 
International Music Award by the Mayor of the city. In attendance were British jazz legends Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk who also received awards. Lead Singer, Ian Clarkson, accepted the award and said "We were very honoured to receive the award this year and also very happy to be back in Derry for a fourth year running. It's definitely our favourite festival and the people of Derry always make us very welcome".
Previous years has seen the award go to international superstars Van Morrison and Jools Holland.
Other highlights of the festival included a performance with Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk and with local jazz hero Gaye McKintyre who also celebrated his birthday during the week of music and also 
a fundraising lunchtime concert just down the road in County Donegal for the Red Cross where the band helped raise over €5000, three times the previous years effort.
Joining them on stage at the fundraiser was Irishsinger/songwriter and Universal recording artist, Claire Sproule who played a short set of her own songs and even joined the Jive Aces on stage for song. In a strange twist of fate, by sheer odd coincidence, Claires debut major label album was mixed by Rik Pekkonen who mixed the Jive Aces latest album, "Life is a Game" and was also mastered at the same studio.