«In times of change and uncertainty, we need the spirit of jazz more than ever before, to bring people – especially young women and men – together, to nurture freedom and dialogue, to create new bridges of respect and understanding, for greater tolerance and cooperation.» said Irina Bokova, director of UNESCO. On the occasion of the International Jazz Day celebrated on April 30th, let’s explore together the Jazz Festivals in Greece. From the heart of Athens to the Northern Greece or the Greek islands there are numerous events and concerns dedicated to jazz music.
Sani Festival has turned into a musical institution. For 24 years now it attracts international and local artists and an ever increasing public at the Sani Hill of the luxurious Sani Resort at Chalkidiki, in Nothern Greece. The blending of genres is typical to this festival’s program; jazz, classical and Greek folk music co-create Sani’s unique identity. The 2016 Sani Festival program includes British diamonds, like Joss Stone who is expected to move the audience with her pure vocal, and Daniel Hope, the celebrated violin virtuoso. This year’s Jazz on the Hill is devoted to new piano-playing discoveries.
Sani Resort
Kassandra, Chalkidiki
www.sanifestival.gr
Greek Jazz Panorama is a 3-day festival dedicated to the contemporary Greek jazz and improvisation scene. Triumphantly setting the outward-looking tone the festival has always aimed for and achieved, five outstanding Greek combos take to the stage with their invited guests. The 5th edition of the festival was successfully held on December 4-6, 2015 at the Onassis Cultural Center. But if you crave for a taste of Greek jazz this summer do not miss the Greek Jazz Panorama / New Generation 3. The event will be held on the Roof Garden of the Onassis Cultural center on June 9-11,2016. Listen to the future, here and now!
Onassis Cultural Centre
107-109, Syngrou Ave,
11745 Athens
www.sgt.gr
Gypsy Jazz festival in Athens
In October do not miss the Djangofest Athens festival; a great celebration of gypsis jazz that started in 2010. This self-organized event is an initiative of musicians engaged in the gypsy jazz music in Greece. Find out more on Djangfest Athens facebook
Cycladic islands ♥ Jazz
Syros Jazz Festival was initiated in 2013 as a result of a series of successful jazz concerts held for years at the Apollo Theatre in Hermoupolis, Syros (starting from 2006). The capital of the Cyclades is not the only to offer a festival for jazz lovers. The Paros Jazz Festival is reaching in summer 2016 its 6th edition. Santorini attracts each year jazz bands from Greece and abroad. You will definitely find some saxophone, trompone or sounds in the agenda of the International Santorini Music Festival or of the Gyzi Megaro Festival. For several years now a Tinos Jazz Festival is turning onto a local institution.