For exactly 60 years, with no interruptions, the Slovenia’s capital has played host to the Ljubljana Jazz Festival, one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe. This year too, the events will take place inside Cankarjev dom’s halls, in its Council of Europe park outdoors, in Križanke Summer Theatre, and at some other locations around Ljubljana.
Photo credit: Nada Žgank
The celebratory edition will be held between the 18th and 22nd of June. An impressive number of almost 300 musicians from 26 different countries will participate at the festival. This year there are a few that need to be pointed out, like John Zorn’s performance The Hermetic Organ on the 18th in Gallus Hall where he will play on the famous and biggest organ in Europe. Nubya Garcia (UK), one of the leading musicians on the young London club scene and one of the main London jazz groove performers, will on the 20th perform in Klub CD. On the 22nd, one of the, as called by critics, most exciting musical bands of the century, Snarky Puppy, with musicians from all over the world gathered around bass player, composer and leader Michaela League, will in Križanke Summer Theatre come with 12 members of 30 exchanging members of the band.
Photo credit: Nada Žgank
Other events: Paal Nilseen-Love: New Brazilian Funk, Fire! with Mariam Wallenting, Mats Gustafsson & Ken Vandermark, Jan Kus & The Slavo Rican Assembly, Hofmaninger & Schwarz, Kukushai, Mihael Hrustelj Solo, Young Explorers – Gašper Livk, Churnchetz, Teepe, Hart Trio, Made to Break, The Rite of Trio, and Ecliptic, to name the few. In addition to the established names, Ljubljana Jazz Festival also presents rising artists from all over the world and music projects, while always putting a special emphasis on Slovenian musical creativity.
Photo credit: Domen Pal
As a prove of the Ljubljana Jazz Festival’s international recognition, won the 7th European Jazz Network (EJN) Award for Adventurous Programming. The jury explained the reasons for the award going to Ljubljana Jazz Festival: »For its progressive programming that embraces the whole art form with an emphasis on European jazz while exemplifying the values of EJN such as geographical diversity and gender balance.« Thus, this year too, the Ljubljana Jazz Festival is a must-stop for all congress and business guest to Ljubljana who love music and top-notch jazz performances. Take it as an incentive programme or a creative break during the meetings, conferences or seminars held in Cankarjev dom’s halls.
Photo credit: Nada Žgank