Big Tours, Hot Locales!
DownBeat's Annual International Summer Jazz Festival Guide
International Jazz Festival Bern
Bern, Switzerland
March 8-May 25
Highlights: This Swiss festival, now in its
33rd year, continues hosting featured artists playing on multiple nights with ticketed shows at such venues as the National Theater and Marian's Jazzroom, with free events in the park of the Hotel Innere Enge.
Lineup: Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Roy Haynes Quartet, Pat Martino, The Heath Brothers, Swiss Indian Orchestra, more.
More info:jazzfestivalbern.ch
French Quarter Festival
New Orleans, Louisiana
APRIL 11-13
Highlights: This free fest will celebrate its
25th year by bringing back past events like a children's area. In honor of the anniversary, there will be a program book and limited-edition CD from Preservation Hall. The hall will also be open during the day with music for festival goers.
Lineup: Ronnie Cole, Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty, Irvin Mayfield, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys, more.
More info:fqfi.org
Jacksonville Jazz Fest
Jacksonville, Florida
APRIL 11-13
Highlights: Along with the headliner concerts, this fest's auxiliary offerings include a piano competition and jazz brunch. The Round Midnight Jazz Jam, which is free to the
public, encourages fans to bring their instruments and jam with the performers. Art At The Met will highlight local artists.
Lineup: Cassandra Wilson, Dave Koz,
Norman Brown, Poncho Sanchez, more.
More info:jaxjazzfest.com
Jazz @ USC
Los Angeles, California
APRIL 14-18
Highlights: In a slimmed-down fest, USC will host the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band and will have daily concerts by Thornton School of Music ensembles.
Lineup: Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band,
USC bands.
More info:usc.edu/spectrum
Tri-C JazzFest
Cleveland, Ohio
APRIL 17-27
Highlights: With free and ticketed events
at various venues around Cleveland, the
29th annual fest will host tribute concerts
for Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Marvin Gaye, as well as student ensembles
and clinics.
Lineup: Marcus Roberts Trio, Rodney Whitaker, John Pizzarelli, Nnenna Freelon, J.D. Allen Trio, Amina Figarova, Joshua Redman Trio, Vijay Iyer Trio with Rudresh Mahanthappa, Ernie Krivda Trio, Natalie Cole, more.
More info:tricjazzfest.com
Cape May Jazz Festival
APRIL 18-20
Cape May, New Jersey
Highlights: Titled the "Next Wave," this year's fest features up-and-coming artists in multiple jazz genres. In its 29th year, the fest will feature a Latin dance party.
Lineup: Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, Cintron, Javon Jackson, Christian Scott, Winard Harper, Robert Glasper, more.
More info:capemayjazz.org
Jazz Festival Basel
Basel, Switzerland
APRIL 18-MAY 1
Highlights: At the annual festival from the
jazz organization Offbeat, concerts take place in theaters and clubs throughout Basel, with concerts having themes such as "African Vocal Night" and "Groove & Hip." The programming focuses on many top European performers, but they don't neglect some
of the North Americans and Africans who
are making waves.
Lineup: Wayne Shorter, Tord Gustavsen, Randy Weston, Angelique Kidjo, Tim Berne, Maria Pia de Vito, Miroslav Vitous and Franco Ambrosetti, Richard Bona, Mike Stern, McCoy Tyner and Joe Lovano, Wolfgang Muthspiel, more.
More info:jazzfestivalbasel.ch
Houston International Festival
Houston, Texas
APRIL 19-20 and APRIL 26-27
Highlights: With a theme "Out of Africa:
The Three Journeys," this festival brings traditional artists representing the different reaches of the African diaspora's music to downtown Houston. Along with ticketed and free concerts, the event features
dance performances and an Ethiopian
fashion show.
Highlights: Hugh Masekela, Garifuna Collective, The Wailers, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Neville Brothers, more.
More info:ifest.org
Festival International
De Louisiane
Lafayette, Louisiana
APRIL 23-27
Highlights: More than 1,500 volunteers
help out for this free five-day festival celebrating cultural expression, focused on the Francophone world. Downtown Lafayette features six music stages, food court areas, street musicians and animators, art galleries, cultural workshops, international cooking demonstrations and a world music store.
Lineup: Blind Boys of Alabama with Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, T-Sale Cajun Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, more.
More info:festivalinternational.com
Denton Arts &
Jazz Festival
Denton, Texas
APRIL 25-27
Highlights: This free three-day fest has six stages with professional and student talent.
It also has kid-friendly art activities in the
children's art tent, and fine arts and crafts
for sale.
Lineup: Neville Brothers, Delbert McClinton, Brave Combo, more.
More info:dentonjazzfest.com
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
New Orleans, Louisiana
APRIL 25-27 & MAY 1-4
Highlights: Returning to seven days of live music for the first time since 2005, the 39th year will have 11 stages of simultaneous music coupled with local cuisine. The fairgrounds offer a wide variety of musical styles (with jazz concentrated in the jazz tent), and the nightly outerfest shows last until
the sun comes up.
Lineup: The Neville Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Santana, Cassandra Wilson, Sheryl Crow,
Dr. John, Al Green, Diana Krall, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, The Raconteurs,
Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea, more.
More info:nojazzfest.com
Paradise Valley
Jazz Party
Scottsdale, Arizona
APRIL 26-27
Highlights: Summoning musicians from New Orleans, New York and the West Coast, the 31st year of this fest will honor trumpeter Warren Vache.
Lineup: Warren Vache, Matt Lemmler, Mark Braud, Kirk Joseph, Dave Frishberg, Aaron Weinstein, Wycliffe Gordon, more.
More info:paradisevalleyjazz.com
HSBC Cheltenham
Jazz Festival
Cheltenham, England
APRIL 29-MAY 5
Highlights: Known as the "Garden Town of England," Cheltenham hosts events ranging from concerts to education projects. Running alongside the main program, the Jazz Fringe features big names and local talent at bars, clubs and restaurants.
Lineup: Maceo Parker, Jack DeJohnette, Gwyneth Herbert, Bill Frisell, Eartha Kitt,
Van Morrison, more.
More info:cheltenhamfestivals.com
Ulrichsberger Kaleidophon
Ulrichsberg, Austria
MAY 1-3
Highlights: This small festival in northern Austria doesn't think small in its presentation, as it books a spectrum of different approaches to creative music-acoustic
or electronic, modern classical or jazz.
Lineup: Raw Materials with Rudresh Mahanthappa and Vijay Iyer, Otomo Yoshihide, The Return of the New Thing, Martine Altenburger/Frederic Blondy/ Bertrand Gauguet,Giancarlo Locatelli
and Barre Phillips, Steve Noble/
John Edwards/Alan Wilkinson,
Elisabeth Flunger, more.
More info:jazzatelier.at
New Conversations-Vicenza Jazz
Vicenza, Italy
MAY 2-10
Highlights: This lively Italian festival has a
different theme every year. This year, the
festival celbrates the 500th anniversary of the birth of Palladio, the famous architect who built Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza. Several concerts will be held in buidings made by Palladio. The festival features a number of European and American artists, and features a nightly jam session at a local club.
Lineup: Luigi Bonafede and Pietro Tonolo, Mike Stern, Trio 3, Jazz Vicenza Orchestra, Marc Copland/Greg Osby/John Hebert/
Bill Stewart, Stacey Kent, Ralph Alessi, Ravi Coltrane, Enrico Rava, Jerry Bergonzi, more.
More info:comune.vicenza.it
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
St. Lucia, West Indies
MAY 2-11
Highlights: St. Lucia's 10-day jazz celebration marks a return to the festival's core by focusing more on straightahead jazz. Started in 1992, this fest will have daily shows of acoustic, new age, jazz, soul, fusion and r&b.
Lineup: Wyclef Jean, Dianne Reeves,
Anita Baker, Jonathan Butler, Najee,
Angie Stone, David Snchez, more.
More info:stluciajazz.org
Legacy Jazz Festival
Flager County, Florida
MAY 3-11
Highlights: The festival will have formal
concerts, late night events at restaurants and martini bars, in addition to informal
jam sessions. Other offerings include
student performances, clinics, art shows and guided jazz walks.
Lineup: Freddy Cole, Eddie Henderson,
Javon Jackson, Vincent Gardner,
Dough Carn, more.
More info:legacyjazz.com
Grand Marais
Jazz Festival
Cook County, Minnesota
MAY 9-11
Highlights: The destination festival on the northern shore of Lake Superior-in an
arts-friendly community-offers a program heavy on straightahead jazz, combining
formal concerts with events such as jazz brunches, an art show, culinary events
(pairing jazz with food) and more. Given
that its close to the Boundary Waters,
Grand Marais offers visitors numerous
side-trip options to complement the jazz.
Lineup: Tony Monaco, Avishai Cohen, Gina Todd and Brien Morrison, Erin Bode Group, Axis Mundi World Music Trio with Glen Helgeson, Typhanie Monique and Neal Alger, more.
More info:grandmaraisjazzfest.com
Moers Festival
Moers, Germany
MAY 9-12
Highlights: Along with hosting a wide range of international artists, Festival Director Reiner Michalke makes a point to combine different forms of improvisational genres, from jazz and avant-rock to new chamber music.
Lineup: John Zorn, Cecil Taylor and Tony Oxley, Battles, Peter Evans, more.
More info:moers-festival.de
Festival International
de Musique Actuelle
de Victoriaville
Victoriaville, Quebec
MAY 15-19
Highlights: Experimental improvised music is the sole focus from noon until well past midnight. FIMAV specializes in premiering new projects, and among this year's highlights is the Art Bears Songbook, featuring Chris Cutler, Zeena Parkins, Fred Frith and others.
Lineup: Jean Derome et les Dangereux Zhoms + 7, Roscoe Mitchell and Note Factory, John Zorn's The Dreamers, Fred Frith, more.
More info:fimav.qc.ca
Mary Lou Williams
Women In Jazz Festival
Washington, D.C.
MAY 15-17
Highlights: In its 13th year, this year's Kennedy Center-hosted fest will honor Sheila Jordan with the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Award. The fest focuses on women in jazz with unique pairings of artists in various
settings.
Lineup: Grace Kelly, Terri Lyne Carrington, Catherine Russell, Keiko Matsui, Helen Sung, Sheila Jordan, Sherrie Maricle and Five Play, Sophie Milman, Cindy Blackman, Montclair Women's Big Band.
More info:kennedy-center.org
Juneau Jazz and Classics
Juneau, Alaska
MAY 16-25
Highlights: With classical, blues and jazz artists, this fest combines workshops and wine tasting in the state's capital. Musicians will perform on multiple stages, catamaran cruises, at free Brown Bag lunch concerts and other venues.
Lineup: Butch Thompson Trio, The Bad Plus, Charlie Musselwhite, more.
More info:jazzandclassics.org
West Texas Jazz Party
Odessa, Texas
MAY 16-18
Highlights: This party, in its 42nd year, will again have small combos playing at the MCM Elegante Hotel. There will be a
brunch culminating the party on Sunday.
Lineup: Bucky Pizzarelli, Harry Allen, Warren Vache, Randy Sandke, Frank Tate, more.
More info:wtjs.org
Matosinhos Jazz
Matosinhos, Portugal
MAY 21-24
Highlights: In this fishing town close
to Oporto, the new architecture and
historical monuments create this
festival's unique setting.
Lineup: Richard Galliano, Matosinhos
Jazz Orchestra, Jim McNeely, Rich Perry,
Renee Rosnes, Paquito D'Rivera, more.
More info:cm-matosinhos.pt
Rio Das Ostras
Jazz and Blues
Festival
Rio Das Ostras, Brazil
MAY 21-25
Highlights: This outdoor and indoor festival held on the stunning beach in Brazil's
Rio de Janeiro state offers hours of music
on various stages. The numerous bars and restaurants involved with the festival offer
a harvest of Brazil's cuisine and cocktails.
Lineup: John Mayall, Regina Carter,
John Scofield, Mauro Senise, Dudu
Lima, more.
More info:riodasostrasjazzeblues.com
Sonoma Jazz +
Sonoma, California
MAY 22-25
Highlights: Occurring during Memorial
Day weekend, this fest presents the trio
of music, food and wine, in addition to
well-known headliners in the evening.
The Wine And Song series pairs Sonoma Valley's wines with Bay Area musicians.
Lineup: Kool and the Gang, Diana Krall, Bonnie Raitt, more.
More info:sonomajazz.org
Wachovia Jazz at
the Spoleto Festival
Charleston, South Carolina
MAY 23-JUNE 8
Highlights: With artistic offerings that run the gamut of opera, ballet, musical theater and jazz, this 17-day fest has 140 performances. In both outdoor and indoor settings, the jazz series will present established artists alongside those making their U.S. debuts.
Lineup: Paula West with the George Mesterhazy Quartet, Stefano Cocco Cantini, Helosa Fernandes, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Carla Cook, James Carter, Wycliffe Gordon.
More info:spoletousa.org
Nine Gates International
Jazz Festival
Beijing, China
MAY 23-28
Highlights: Now in its third year, bassist Huang Yong's growing festival brings international and Chinese musicians together with concerts at the Forbidden City Music Hall, Peking University and other large and small venues. Jam sessions will also be going on in the city's burgeoning club scene.
Lineup: Mike Stern, Erik Truffaz, Geraldine Laurent, Liu Yuan, Xia Jia, more.
More info:ninegate.com
.cn
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Atlanta, Georgia
MAY 24-26
Highlights: The theme for this year is "31 Years, 31 Days." Leading up to the main events during Memorial Day weekend there will be a month of music in four Atlanta neighborhoods. There will also be a Future Of Jazz Competition and Youth Band Competition.
Lineup: Genetic Drift, Heather Johnson, Bernard Linnette featuring Charito, Ojeda Penn, Gordon Vernick, Mack Hibbard.
More info:atlantafestivals.com
Central PA Friends
of Jazz Festival
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
MAY 29-JUNE 1
Highlights: Presented by Central PA Friends of Jazz, the festival includes free and ticketed concerts, historical jazz films, a jazz riverboat cruise and workshops.
Lineup: Terell Stafford, Kevin Mahogany, Randy Weston, Ralph Peterson, Hendrick Meurkens, Javon Jackson, more.
More info:cpfj.org
Burlington Discover
Jazz Festival
Burlington, Vermont
MAY 30-JUNE 8
Highlights: Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival resonates from every corner of downtown Burlington-from the region's premier performing arts facility, the Flynn Center, to the Church Street marketplace stages.
Lineup: Ornette Coleman, Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, Paquito D'Rivera, Trio Three, Lionel Loueke, Jason Lindner, more.
More info:discoverjazz.com
Healdsburg Jazz Festival
Healdsburg, California
MAY 30-JUNE 8
Highlights: Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the festival is bringing major league artists to intimate venues in the heart of California's wine country. Anniversary celebrations include a Latin jazz night, showings of rare archival jazz films, and Ruth Naomi Floyd performing a Sunday morning performance of spirituals and sacred jazz.
Lineup: Fred Hersch Trio with Kurt Elling, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Palmieri, Pete Escovedo, Charlie Haden, Zakir Hussain, more.
More info:healdsburgjazzfestival.org
Red Bank Jazz and
Blues Festival
Red Bank, New Jersey
MAY 30-JUNE 1
Highlights: The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation produces this large, free, non-profit music festival, now 22 years old. It features a number of crafts booths, kid-friendly activities and food.
Lineup: Matt O'Ree, Greg Piccolo, T.J. Wheeler, more.
More info:redbankfestival.com
St. Louis Jazz and
Heritage Festival
Clayton, Missouri
MAY 31
Highlights: Clayton's Shaw Park provides a tranquil setting for the eighth annual one-day fest, with two large stages alternating performers, which include international touring artists and regional acts.
Lineup: Cassandra Wilson, Joe Sample & Randy Crawford, Tito Puente, Jr., Lao Tizer with Chieli Minucci and Karen Briggs, Brian Owens, Teddy Presberg, Ptah Williams, St. Louis Jazz Orchestra, Two Times True.
More info:saintlouisjazzfest.com
Art Of Jazz
Toronto, Ontario
JUNE 4-8
Highlights: Staged in Toronto's emerging Distillery District and programmed by musicians Larry Cramer and Jane Bunnett, the third edition of Art of Jazz features tributes to Hermeto Pascoal and Egberto Gismonti, a film retrospective by Dick Fontaine and special programming by Coda magazine founder John Norris.
Lineup: Cindy Blackman Quartet, Spirits of Havana/Desandann, Hermeto Pascoal and the Art of Jazz Orchestra, Egberto Gismonti.
More info:artofjazz.org
Chicago Blues Festival
Chicago, Illinois
JUNE 5-8
Highlights: Celebrating its silver anniversary, this festival will pay tribute to Muddy Waters on opening night. The fest will have more than 90 performances on six stages from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Lineup: Johnny Winter, James Cotton, Buck-wheat Zydeco, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Ruby Andrews, Cicero Blake, Jackie Ross, more.
More info:chicagobluesfestival.us
Telluride Jazz Celebration
Telluride, Colorado
JUNE 5-8
Highlights: The Telluride Jazz Celebration has shifted its dates this year, moving from early August to early June. But this shift in dates does not mean a change in booking, as this festival presents music set in such venues as an outdoor stage in a box canyon surrounded by 13,000-foot mountains, a historic opera house and a balllroom halfway up a mountain reachable via a gondola ride. Top-flight jazz acts perform on a tented stage. Mainstage events start Friday night and take place on Saturday and Sunday. Clubs in a three-block area around Main Street turn Telluride into a mountain party until 2 a.m., where major acts play a second set, and sit in with other groups, and jam-oriented shows take place in the Mountain Village.
Lineup: McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Maelstrom, Dr. John, Neville Brothers, Simone, Grupo Fantasma,
Maceo Parker, Bettye LaVette, Crescent
Super Band, more.
More info:telluridejazz.org
Shuni Jazz Festival
Binyamina, Israel
JUNE 6-9
Highlights: A diverse festival of Israeli musicians that includes straightahead jazz, free jazz, and Middle Eastern and Latin music at the Roman fort of Shuni, Binyamina, in the north of Israel.
Lineup:, Alon Yavnai Band, Omer Klein Quartet, Cohen Trio, Albert Beger Quartet, Shem Tov Levy Ensemble, Shoriko, Marsh Dondurma, more.
More info:shuni.co.il
Jamaica Ocho Rios
Jazz Festival
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
JUNE 8-15
Highlights: The 18th annual festival regularly features combos from around the West Indies and United States. This year focuses on women in jazz. Outside the event, Ocho Rios is one of the most laid-back resort towns in Jamaica.
Lineup: Lila, Nadje Leslie, Joe Sizemore,
Marty Dread, more.
More info:ochoriosjazz.com
Vision Festival
New York, New York
JUNE 10-15
Highlights: Now in its 13th year, this musician-run festival offers a wonderful lineup of international jazz and free-improv musicians along with poetry readings, panel discussions and dance recitals. This year's event will be held in Manhattan's Clemente Solo Velez Cultural Center and Kidd Jordan is the honored artist.
Lineup: Dave Douglas, Sonny Simmons, Matthew Shipp, Taylor Ho Bynum, Wadada Leo Smith, more.
More info:visionfestival.org
Glenn Miller Festival
Clarinda, Iowa
JUNE 12-15
Highlights: This festival takes place in Glenn Miller's birthplace and does everything it can to pay homage to the bandleader. In addition to concerts, there are special events such as tours of his home and panel discussions.
Lineup: Glenn Miller Orchestra, Jack Coenen and the Jack Million Band, Bill Shepherd Big Band, more.
More info:glennmiller.org
Indy Jazz Fest
Presented by Kroger
Indianapolis, Indiana
JUNE 13-15
Highlights: This festival has been around since 1999, and it has grown into an impressive event. The organizers, the American Pianists Association, make this festival a celebration of styles ranging from funk to jazz to r&b and zydeco, never neglecting to highlight some of the city's local legends and rising talent. Events take place in downtown's Military Park and clubs like the Jazz Kitchen heat up during festival time.
Lineup: Ramsey Lewis, Paquito D'Rivera, Bettye LaVette, Jerry Gonzalez, Buddy Guy, more.
More info:indyjazzfest.net
Rhythm and Ribs
18th and Vine
Jazz Festival
Kansas City, Missouri
JUNE 13-14
Highlights: Now in its fourth year, Kansas City celebrates its musical traditions with this mix of jazz, blues, r&b and gospel while also paying attention to its culinary reputation by offering plenty of barbecue.
Lineup: TBA. 2007 included George Benson, Javon Jackson, Al Jarreau, Pat Metheny.
More info:kcrhythmandribs.com
Rochester
International
Jazz Festival
Rochester, New York
JUNE 13-21
Highlights: This festival has become one of the nation's premier jazz fests. It models itself after the Montreal Jazz Festival, so within a several block radius fans can catch more than 800 artists and 250 concerts at 15 venues. The music runs the gamut stylistically, with a heavy dose of straightahead.
Lineup: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Foster, David Murray, Al Green, Byron Stripling, Lou Donaldson, The Bad Plus, Medeski Martin and Wood, Louis Hayes, Rachel Z, more.
More info:rochesterjazz.com
Playboy Jazz Festival
Hollywood, California
JUNE 14-15
Highlights: Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, this festival takes place at the Hollywood Bowl, an open-air venue where folks bask in the sun by day and picnic by candelight during twilight. The event attracts more than 35,000 people ready to party. Because the bandshell stage is built to revolve, there is little down time between sets as the next acts are always ready to go.
Lineup: Al Jarreau, Pancho Sanchez, James Moody, Dr. John, Roy Hargrove Big Band, Hiromi, Robert Glasper, more.
More info:playboy.com/arts-entertainment
Clifford Brown
Jazz Festival
Wilmington, Delaware
JUNE 15-22
Highlights: This is the 20th anniversary of the festival named in memory of the great trumpeter who hailed from Wilmington. Each artist who performs at this free event is requested to perform at least one Clifford Brown composition or Benny Golson's "I Remember Clifford."
Lineup: Charles Mingus Big Band, Maceo Parker, Hiromi, David Sanborn, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, more.
More info:cliffordbrownjazzfest.com
Jerusalem Jazz Festival
Jerusalem, Israel
JUNE 16-18
Highlights: Now incorporated into the multi-arts Israel Festival (dance, classical, theater, etc.), the festival features shows at the Jerusalem Theater and Yellow Submarine.
Lineup: Anat Fort, The Simple Trio, Nils Wogram and Root 70, Alon Olearchik, Stefon Harris, Bill Frisell.
More info:israel-festival.org.il
JVC Jazz Festival
New York
New York, New York
JUNE 16-28
Highlights: Now booked by Festival Network (which purchased George Wein's Festival Productions), the annual early summer gala is less of a concentrated festival and more of a series of high-profile concerts at venues such as Carnegie Hall, city parks and some of the top clubs in the city.
Lineup: Herbie Hancock, Joo Gilberto, Jill Scott, Soulive with Joshua Redman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sergio Mendes, Tierney Sutton, Mos Def Big Band, Simone, Chris Botti, Medeski Martin and Wood, Ledisi, Al Green, Lila Downs, The Bad Plus featuring Kurt Rosenwinkel, more.
More info:festivalnetwork.com
Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival Presented
by Calamos Investments
Aspen, Colorado
JUNE 19-22 & AUGUST 29-
AUGUST 1
Highlights: The June festival, which focuses on jazz, takes place outdoors under a 3,000-seat canopy tent with a ski mountain as its backdrop. There's also blanket seating for 2,500 on the spacious lawn. The Labor Day weekend festival, which usually presents more of a "beyond" lineup of reggae, r&b, pop and funk, takes place outdoors at Snowmass Town Park. The annual JAS Academy Summer Sessions Jazz Residency program, led by Christian McBride and Loren Schoenberg, has been moved to June 16-23 to coincide with the jazz festival.
Lineup: June-Dianne Reeves, Davell Crawford, more TBA. Labor Day-TBA. Last year featured Derek Trucks Band, Susan Tedeschi, Joss Stone, more.
More info:jazzaspen.com
Ravinia Festival
Highland Park, Illinois
JUNE 19-SEPTMEBER 12
Highlights: In past years, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra concentrated its jazz artists to a weekend in June. Now, jazz concerts are spread throughout the summer along with this festival's high-profile classical and pop performers.
Lineup: Dave Brubeck, Gilberto Gil, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Tony Bennett, more.
More info:ravinia.org
Edmonton International Jazz Festival
Edmonton, Canada
JUNE 20-29
Highlights: The Edmonton Jazz Festival has been expanding by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years with multiple events in concert halls and small theaters.
Lineup: Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz and Lincoln Center Orchestra, more.
More info:edmontonjazz.com
Elkhart Jazz Festival
Elkhart, Indiana
JUNE 20-24
Highlights: The streets of Elkhart burst with jazz, as more than 100 artists perform on six stages in a couple of tented pavilions to a major concert hall and a church. The festival features bebop, blues, classic and contemporary jazz.
Lineup: Rob Parton, Shelly Berg, Taylor Eigsti, Nicki Parrott, Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, Ken Peplowski, Allan Vache, Mark Colby, Bill Allred, Randy Sandke, Chuck Hedges, more.
More info:elkhartjazzfestival.com
GROOVE-FM Winnipeg
Jazz Festival
Winnipeg, Manitoba
JUNE 20-29
Highlights: For the second year, the festival culminates with a weekend-long series of outdoor concerts at Old Market Square in the heart of the city's historic Exchange District.
Lineup: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Neville Brothers, Ravi Coltrane, Melissa Stylianou, Chris Tarry Group, John Scofield, more.
More info:jazzwinnipeg.com
TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival
Toronto, Ontario
JUNE 20-29
Highlights: Featuring more than 1,500 musicians in more than 350 concerts, the festival spreads across 40 venues in Toronto's core. The festival's programming runs from noon to 4 a.m. daily, and covers a broad range of genres.
Lineup: Al Green, Dave Brubeck, Michel Legrand, Dr. John, Maceo Parker, Arturo Sandoval, more.
More info:tojazz.com
TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Vancouver, British Columbia
JUNE 20-29
Highlights: Vancouver is a cluster of communities, and the festival, too, can seem like many small festivals within one. Artistic director Ken Pickering specializes in creating first-time musical matchups and importing artists who seldom tour in North America. Free weekend concerts at David Lam Park and workshops at the historic Roundhouse draw large, diverse crowds.
Lineup: Herbie Hancock, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Barry Guy New Orchestra, Charlie Haden's Quartet West, Bill Frisell Trio, Ivan Lins, more.
More info:coastaljazz.ca
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
JUNE 20-29
Highlights: More than 75,000 people usually attend the big outdoor events in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul's historic Lowerton neighborhood for this 10-day event.
Lineup: Ravi Coltrane, Charmaine Neville, more.
More info:hotsummerjazz.com
Festival International
de Jazz de Montreal
Montreal, Quebec
JUNE 26-JULY 6
Highlights: From the free shows on stages located on the streets around Place des Arts to gala concerts in plush concert halls, North America's largest celebration of jazz, blues and beyond is every summer's best opportunity to immerse yourself in music. Not to be missed are the festival's annual free outdoor extravaganzas, which regularly draw tens of thousands of Montrealers to rue Ste. Catherine. This year's highlight is likely to be a rare performance by Montreal's Leonard Cohen.
Lineup: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Blind Boys of Alabama, Charlie Haden, Keb' Mo', Taj Mahal, Omara Portuondo, Richard Galliano, Sax Summit, more.
More info:montrealjazzfest.com
Jazz Ascona
New Orleans & Classics
Ascona, Switzerland
JUNE 26-JULY 6
Highlights: For 24 years, Jazz Ascona has been devoted to presenting traditional jazz, from New Orleans to Chicago-style. Music runs from 10 a.m. until 4 a.m. every day, and half of the concerts take place in eight different stages around town. This year's festival features a tribute to Lionel Hampton, and will present its annual award to Donald Harrison, who will turn the festival into Mardi Gras in Europe.
Lineup: Donald Harrison, Evan Christopher, Harry Allen, Duffy Jackson, Scott Hamilton, Vache Brothers, Jon Cleary, Hot Club of Aussie, Eddie Bo, more.
More info:jazzascona.com
Jazz Vienne
Vienne, France
JUNE 27-JULY 11
Highlights: A truly gigantic festival, its dramatic stage in the Roman amphitheater offers a stunning perspective on the music as it accommodates some 7,000 people. There are also alternative venues to the amphitheater-a midnight jazz club, the Cybele gardens during daytime and an after hours venue called the Magic Mirror for a more electric program. Master classes are usually scheduled during the fortnight.
Lineup: Diana Krall, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Buddy Guy, Sonny Rollins, more.
More info:jazzavienne.com
Jazz Fest Wien
Vienna, Austria
JUNE 27-JULY 17
Highlights: One of the most musical cities in the world presents its long-running jazz fest in unusual and often historic venues. For more than three weeks the city-the birth place of wiener schnitzel-sees a diverse range of artists to complement its classical roots.
Lineup: Bobby McFerrin, Solomon Burke, Caetano Veloso, Incognito, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Stigers, James Carter, Claudia Roditi and Toninho Horta, Lila Downs, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, The Last Poets, more.
More info:viennajazz.org
Syracuse Jazz Festival
Syracuse, New York
JUNE 27-28
Highlights: Following up on its gala 25th anniversary, this large and free music festival provides a hearty dose of straightahead jazz. This year's theme is Worldwide Rhythms and Global Grooves, for which the music will be complemented by an expanded food court featuring international cuisine.
The shows are held on the Onondaga Community College campus and this year the festival is expanding its number of master classes.
Lineup: Randy Brecker (artist-in-residence), Sergio Mendes, Chaka Khan, Ivan Lins, Oz Noy Trio, A Tribute to Michael Brecker with Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl, Mike Stern and Chris Minh Doky, Moutin Reunion Quartet, Steve Ferrone, Chuck Loeb, Bill Evans' Soulgrass, more.
More info:syracusejazzfest.com
Freihofer's
Jazz Festival
Saratoga Springs, New York
JUNE 28-29
Highlights: Held at the park setting of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the summer host of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra, this "festival in the pines"-booked by Festival Network-is presented on two stages over two days, with a wide range of acts playing from noon until midnight.
Lineup: Return To Forever, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chris Botti, Charles Lloyd, Dianne Reeves, Saxophone Summit with Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman and Ravi Coltrane, Terence Blanchard, Brubeck Brothers, more.
More info:spac.org
Istanbul International
Jazz Festival
Istanbul, Turkey
JULY 2-17
Highlights: The festival celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. About 40 acts from different genres will perform in such venues as the 4,000-capacity Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater, CRR Concert Hall, Hagia Eirene Museum and other cultural centers. The city itself teems with historical sites and vibrant, colorful streets.
Lineup: Herbie Hancock, Carla Bley, Nnenna Freelon, Paolo Fresu, more.
More info:iksv.org/caz/english
JazzBaltica
Salzau, Germany
JULY 2-6
Highlights: This northern German event will focus on the saxophone this year, with Joe Lovano serving as artist-in-residence. The festival takes place in a 650-seat barn and other interesting countryside venues.
Lineup: Ornette Coleman, Lee Konitz, Greg Osby, Donny McCaslin, more.
More info:jazzbaltica.de
Kongsberg Jazz Festival
Kongsberg, Norway
JULY 2-5
Highlights: Once a year this quaint old silver mining town, about one hour from Oslo, is transformed by jazz. A crush of visitors and jazz fans double the village's population, but the locals turn it into their own party and eagerly participate. Year after year the line-up is excellent; varied, well-informed, up-to-date, and inclusive of the superb Norwegian jazz community.
Lineup: Saxophone Summit (Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane), Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter and Imani Winds, Supersilent, Anthony Braxton, Jupiter with Jonas Kullhammar, more.
More info:kongsberg-jazzfestival.no
IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Davenport, Iowa
JULY 3-5
Highlights: This festival proves that blues is as revered in the northern part of the Mississippi River as it is in the Delta. The event features free concerts and workshops.
Lineup: Koko Taylor, Billy Boy Arnold, Denise LaSalle, Jimmy Thackery, more.
More info:mvbs.org
International Jazz Festival Funchal
Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal
JULY 3-5
Highlights: The ninth annual festival on this island features concerts at the Magnolia Garden. Called "The Pearl of the Atlantic," the island is famous for Madeira wine.
Lineup: Didier Lockwood, Phil Woods, Rosa Passos, Chucho Valdes, more.
More info:funchaljazzfestival.comt
Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival
Portland, Oregon
JULY 3-6
Highlights: Lively music for a great cause: This festival is held to raise money for the Oregon Food Bank. Along with the low-priced tickets, cans of food are also requested.
Lineup: TBA. Previous years have included Koko Taylor, Mavis Staples, Neville Brothers.
More info:waterfrontbluesfest.com
Allgarve Jazz
Algarve, Portugal
JULY 4-13
Highlights: Allgarve is famous for having the best European beaches, superb fish and seafood, more than 50 golf courses, historic monuments and a very hip festival.
Lineup: Lucky Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Manhattan Transfer, Patti Austin, more.
More info:allgarve.pt
Copenhagen Jazz Festival
Copenhagen, Denmark
JULY 4 -13
Highlights: Celebrating its 30th year, this spectacular two-week soiree blends the best in jazz from around the world. It gives its noteworthy Nordic jazz artists plenty of room to shine as well.
Lineup: Cassandra Wilson, Wayne Shorter, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau, Charles
Lloyd, more.
More info:jazzfestival.dk
Estoril Jazz
Estoril, Portugal
JULY 4-13
Highlights: Estoril Jazz takes place in the sea- coast town of Estoril near Lisbon, and the majority of the concerts will take place at the Fortress of Cascais, an 18th century fort by the Cascais Bay.
Lineup: Mingus Dynasty, Ron Carter, Miguel Zenn, Karrin Allyson, Bobby Hutcherson, Brandford Marsalis, Lewis Nash, Eric Alexander, Antonio Hart, more.
More info:projazz.pt
Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux, Switzerland
JULY 4-19
Highlights: Now 42 years old, the Montreux Jazz Festival continues its music extravaganza in style with an array of ticketed concerts and large halls and daily free concerts along the lake and in hotels around the festival site. Not a pure jazz festival, but a well-balanced festival of jazz, blues and beyond.
Lineup: Leonard Cohen, Return To Forever, Curtis Stigers, more TBA.
More info:montreuxjazz.com
Toyota-Scion of
Iowa City Jazz Festival
Iowa City, Iowa
JULY 4-6
Highlights: Held in the heart of downtown Iowa City, this free fest is in its 18th year, bringing in more than 25 international and local bands to appreciative crowds. Nightly jam sessions are held at the nearby Sheraton Hotel.
Lineup: Medeski Martin and Wood, John Scofield, Taj Mahal, Joshua Redman Trio, Jenny Scheinman, more.
More info:icjazzfest.org
Belleayre Music Festival
Highmount, New York
JULY 5-
AUGUST 30
Highlights: Held on the grounds of Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, the music festival
presents a range of performers in an alpine setting about two-and-a-half hours outside New York City.
Lineup: Ramsey Lewis, Ken Peplowski, David "Fathead" Newman, Cedar Walton, more.
More info:belleayremusic.org
Festival Jazz A Ste
Ste, France
JULY 8-12
Highlights: Ste is located in the southeast of France, and its open air concerts make the most of the amphitheater by the sea.
A small-scale event, it is all the more congenial and suited for a longer stay to visit the region.
Lineup: TBA. 2007 included Didier Lockwood, Roy Hargrove and Dorado Schmitt.
More info:jazzasete.com
Jazz At The Bowl
Hollywood, California
JULY 9-
AUGUST 3
Highlights: As the Los Angeles Philharmonic's creative chair for jazz, Christian McBride programs this series of eight Wednesday-night jazz concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. This year's series includes a tribute to bossa nova's 50th anniversary, for which Oscar Castro-Neves will serve as artistic director.
Lineup: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra,
Chris Botti, Jamie Cullum, Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Hank Jones, George Benson,
Etta James, Jon Faddis, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Manhattan Transfer, Nancy Wilson, more.
More info:hollywoodbowl.com
Blue Note Records Festival
Ghent, Belgium
JULY 10-20
Highlights: You can't go wrong with a festival named after the world's most famous jazz record label. The event smartly divides unadulterated international jazz stars with cosmopolitan r&b, pop and DJ acts-all under one roof at the medieval monastery gardens of De Bijloke music campus.
Lineup: From July 10-13 are the festival's "Jazz Days," featuring Pascal Mohy, Pierre Van Dormael, Herbie Hancock, Stefano Di Battista, Pat Metheny Trio, Diana Krall and Bert Joris Talent Band. July 17-20 are the "Fusion Days" with Buscemi Live, Roberto Fonseca, Omara Portuondo, Brazzaville and more.
More info:bluenoterecordsfestival.com
Temecula Valley
International Jazz Festival
Temecula, California
JULY 10-13
Highlights: This Southern California festival features a mix of free and ticketed outdoor and indoor events with clinics, workshops and jazz film screenings. The event also hosts the Chuck Niles Jazz Music Competition.
Lineup: Gerald Wilson Big Band, Herb Jeffries, Richie Cole, Randy Brecker, Tom Scott, more.
More info:temeculajazzfest.com
Jazz Juan
Antibes-Juan-Les-Pins, France
JULY 11-20
Highlights: Antibes-Juan-les-Pins may be a somewhat exclusive seaside resort but it can also claim preeminence as the oldest European jazz festival (1960). Double-bills continually running grace the Pinde Gould each night. Without any stylistic preferences, the music is of a consistently high quality. The Gypsy night is usually a must, as well as the blues night, the world music night and the Sunday morning gospel mass. The young talents contest ("Jazz Juan Revelations") is a new addition to a week of jazz in pleasant surroundings. After the main show, the jam sessions at the Meridien Hotel are the perfect occasion to push the night a little further.
Lineup: Keith Jarrett Trio, more.
More info:antibesjuanlespins.com
North Sea Jazz Festival
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
JULY 11-13
Highlights: With the longtime fans now accustomed to festival's move to the Ahoy Complex in Rotterdam, the mammoth festival presents an expansive lineup of the best in jazz, blues, funk, salsa and gospel. Bobby McFerrin will be this year's artist in residence.
Lineup: Diana Krall, Bobby McFerrin, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Roy Hargrove, Victor Wooten, Charles Lloyd, Maria Schneider, many more.
More info:northseajazz.nl
Salt Lake City International
Jazz Festival
Salt Lake City, Utah
JULY 11-13
Highlights: Now in its eighth year, this festival, which draws between 50-60,000 attendees, includes concerts, jam sessions and clinics at the University of Utah. While once free, the festival will now ask for a 10 admission-a low price for a full day's worth of music. Also features after-hours jam sessions at area hotels.
Lineup: Jack Jones, Dave Valentin, Eddie Daniels, Tom Scott's L.A. Express, Debbie Boone, Latin Jazz All-Stars, Sheila E., Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, Terence Blanchard, more.
More info:slcjazzfest.com
UmbriaJazz
Perugia, Italy
JULY 11-20
Highlights: This important Italian jazz showcase hits its 35th anniverary this year. The programming runs the gamut from big-name crowd-pleasers touring the European summer jazz festival circuit to concerts by artists whose only appearances on the continent are in Perugia. The music is presented in a variety of venues, from intimate baroque chapels to cavernous movie theaters to the jewel-like 18th-century Morlacchi Theater.
Lineup: Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Enrico Rava, Stefano Bollani, Alicia Keys, Pat Metheny, Gary Burton, more.
More info:umbriajazz.com
TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival
Halifax, Nova Scotia
JULY 11-19
Highlights: Known for its casual, intimate atmosphere and late-night hangs on the city's waterfront, the festival dovetails with the annual Creative Music Workshop, which brings together players from all musical traditions to work together and study with drummer Jerry Granelli and guest clinicians.
Lineup: The Bad Plus, Sheila Jordan, John Taylor, Chris Tarry Group, Darcy James Argue Secret Society, Hilario Duran, Simon Shaheen, Michael Occhipinti's Sicilian Jazz Project, more.
More info:jazzeast.com
Aarhus
International
Jazz Festival
Aarhus, Denmark
JULY 12-19
Highlights: Now in its 20th year, the Aarhus Jazz Festival features music in the streets, stages and squares of the city, which boasts a wealth of sculptures and monuments.
Lineup: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Neville Brothers, Michel Camilo Trio, Dianne Reeves, Scott Hamilton, Nnenna Freelon, Alex Riel Trio, Open Loose, Mark Solborg, Herb Robertson, Jakob Bro Nonet, Sren Kjrgaard Trio.
More info:jazzfest.dk
Norwalk Jazz Festival
Norwalk, Connecticut
JULY 12
Highlights: This daylong event brings jazz, blues and pop musicians together in the city's Veteran's Memorial Park.
Lineup: Soulive, Damon Grant Project, Sherry Winston, more.
More info:norwalkjazzfestival.com
Pori International Jazz Festival
Pori, Finland
JULY 12-20
Highlights: The Pori Jazz Festival's big open-air concerts are held in the beautiful Kirjurinluoto concert park arena. Evening venues vary between intimate clubs and large factory-type concert halls. The beach at nearby Yyteri attracts tourists from all over Scandinavia.
Lineup: Carlos Santana, Esperanza Spalding, Branford Marsalis, Amina Claudine Myers, Ronnie Cuber, Sharon Jones, more.
More info:porijazz.fi
Fairbanks Summer
Arts Festival
Fairbanks, Alaska
JULY 13-27
Highlights: A two-week education and performance festival offering jazz, classical, dance, musical theater, visual arts, storytelling and ice skating, this home-grown gathering on the flagship campus of the University of Alaska has grown into a classy learning retreat with 90 guest artists. Denali National Park is only a few hours away.
Lineup: Vince Cherico, Josh Davis, Val Gregor, Greg Hopkins, Mike Monaghan and
Vardan Ovespian.
More info:fsaf.org
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Jazz Festival
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
JULY 13-19
Highlights: Get off the beaten path and discover Spain's verdant Basque region with this lively festival. Vitoria (Gasteiz is its Basque name) is located near the Cantabrian Mountains and the city itself is marked with gorgeous parks and colorful architecture. The music goes until almost sunrise as bands perform at the festival's hotel.
Lineup: Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock,
Bebo and Chucho Valdes, Sonny Rollins, Rosa Passos, more.
More info:jazzvitoria.com
Bohemia Jazz Festival
Various Cities, Czech Republic
JULY 14-JULY 19
Highlights: Guitarist Rudy Linka organizes this traveling festival, which brings jazz to Prague, Domazlice, Plzen, Prachatice and Ceske Budejovice. This year's event focuses on his instrument. Along with the music, strong beer should be flowing.
Lineup: John Scofield, Yellowjackets, Mike Stern, Oregon, more.
More info:bohemiajazzfest.com
MoldeJazz
Molde, Norway
JULY 14-19
Highlights: The seacoast resort town of Molde hosts its 48th jazz festival, which is one of the older festivals in the world. Percussionist Marilyn Mazur will be the artist-in-residence, and there will be a tribute to Mahalia Jackson.
Lineup: Marilyn Mazur, SFJAZZ Collective, Ornette Coleman, more TBA.
More info:moldejazz.no
Stockholm
Jazz Festival
Stockholm, Sweden
JULY 16-19
Highlights: For its 25th anniversary, the
festival will shine the spotlight on a large lineup of European (particularly Swedish) artists, and reduce the number of U.S.
artists. The fest takes place on the small island of Skeppsholmen in Stockholm's
archipelago-access via a short narrow bridge or ferry. The stage is mounted on
the quayside, backing onto the sea, while
the seating is laid out in the car park of the Museum of Modern Art. Many restaurants and bars across town feature bands or small groups, but the internationally renowned jazz club Fasching kicks into gear around 10 p.m.
Lineup: SFJAZZ Collective, complete lineup TBA.
More info:stockholmjazz.com
New Mexico Jazz Festival
Albuquerque and
Santa Fe, New Mexico
JULY 17-28
Highlights: A collaborative project of the Outpost Performance Space, The Lensic and the Santa Fe Jazz Foundation, the New Mexico Jazz Festival is a 10-day, two-city festival that features internationally acclaimed jazz and world music artists as well as local musicians.
Lineup: Pharoah Sanders, Youssou N'Dour, Cassandra Wilson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, more.
More info:outpostspace.org
Deep Blues film
and music Festival
Lake Elmo, Minnesota
JULY 18-20
Highlights: On the Washington County Fairgrounds, this is the largest alternative and punk blues gathering in the world. Three days and 45 bands with continuous music on two alternating side-by-side stages. A film festival has dozens of music-related features, documentaries and concert videos.
Lineup: T-Model Ford, Richard Johnston, Elmo Williams, Hezekiah Early, Bob Log III, Black Diamond Heavies, Hillstomp, Tarbox Ramblers, more.
More info:deepbluesfestival.com
JVC Jazz Festival Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
JULY 18-19
Highlights: What was just a couple of shows in the city under the veil of a "festival" has expanded to a show at the House of Blues on Friday night and a "Club Tour" of great music at five top Chicago clubs: Andy's, Green Mill, Schuba's, Velvet Lounge and Funky Buddha Lounge.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:festivalnetwork.com
Sioux Falls Jazz &
Blues Festival
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
JULY 18-19
Highlights: This free festival in Yankton Trail Park offers a variety of music, food vendors, a beer garden, arts and crafts and a children's area.
Lineup: Jonny Lang, Taj Mahal, Tab Benoit, Joyce Cooling, Simone.
More info:sfjb.org
Nice Jazz Festival
Nice, France
JULY 19-26
Highlights: Not strictly a jazz festival anymore, the Nice Jazz Festival has chosen to focus on a large musical cornucopia that fits the general holiday atmosphere. Its greatest advantage is the Arnes de Cimiez where it takes place: The Roman arena and the gardens are united in a site that feels like a jazz village, though the food stands tend to be the most prominent. Three different stages enable the audience to get their fare of musical variety. This year, the festival has chosen to promote big local names as well as strong jazz concerts.
Lineup: Diana Krall, Return To Forever,
Maceo Parker, Barbara Hendricks and The Magnus Lindgren Quartet, Craig Adams, Gary Burton Quartet with Pat Metheny, George Benson, more.
More info:nicejazzfest.com
Heineken Jazzaldia
San Sebastian, Spain
JULY 22-27
Highlights: Fantastic straightahead and modern jazz in one of the world's scenic and culinary paradises, this six-day event brings a diverse program of artists from around the world. Half of the concerts are free on a terrace beside a beach, which accommodates more than 10,000 people.
Lineup: Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall, Lou Reed, David Murray, Anthony Braxton, Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Johnny Winter, Maceo Parker, Jean-Luc Ponty, Don Byron, Steve Coleman, more.
More info:jazzaldia.com
Jazz In July
New York, New York
JULY 22-31
Highlights: This event at the 92nd Street Y emphasizes a strong lineup of traditional jazz, a piano master class and a smattering of top-flight Latin musicians. Tributes to Leonard Bernstein, George Shearing and Billy Strayhorn are featured this year. Central Park is only a few blocks away.
Lineup: Bill Charlap, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Cedar Walton, Claudio Roditi, Carol Sloane, more.
More info:92y.org
Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Festival
Davenport, Iowa
JULY 24-27
Highlights: Founded in 1972, the Beiderbecke Festival is the annual production of the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society and is among the most widely attended gatherings of traditional jazz musicians and fans in America. This year's event will host 10 bands from around the country, plus the Bix Society Youth Band made up of area high school students, and noted guests Dick Hyman, Randy Sandke, Bill Allred and historian Phil Schaap.
Lineup: Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band, Josh Duffee Orchestra, New Red Onion Jazz Babies, New Orleans All-Stars, West End Jazz Band, Creole Jazz Serenaders, more.
More info:bixsociety.org
Columbus Jazz
and Rib Fest
Columbus, Ohio
JULY 25-27
Highlights: Sweet, salty or tangy, the focus of this fest is prominent in its name. In its 29th year, this free fest put on by Music In The Air has a barbecue competition to accompany the adventurous jazz offerings.
Lineup: Either/Orchestra with Mulatu Astatke, Hana Shenkute, Minale Dagnew and Setegn Atanaw, Randy Weston, David Sanborn, Simone, Charles Tolliver Big Band, Curtis Fuller Super Band.
More info:hotribscooljazz.org
Jazz Port Townsend
Port Townsend, Washington
JULY 25-26
Highlights: Adding a club circuit for jazz seekers expands the listening opportunities for festival attendees. In addition to the three main stages, this year's nine simultaneous club venues will provide additional hours of music each night.
Lineup: Taylor Eigsti, Wycliffe Gordon Sextet, Trombone Shorty, Eric Alexander, Kim Nazarian, Paquito D'Rivera, Alex Brown, more.
More info:centrum.org
Oregon Festival of American Music
Eugene, Oregon
JULY 25-AUGUST 16
Highlights: Entitled "Over The Rainbow: The Music of America in Hard Times, 1929-'45," this fest explores the interplay between pop music and the Great Depression and World War II. Activities include films, lectures, productions of musicals, as well as youth and senior music camps.
Lineup: Dick Hyman, Maria Jette, Clairdee, Ian Whitcomb, Shirley Andress, Byron Stripling, Red Holloway, Chuck Redd, Derek Smith, Rod Fleeman, Marty Grosz.
More info:theshedd.org
Pocono Blues Festival
Poconos, Pennsylvania
JULY 25-27
Highlights: In the Poconos Mountains, the "Biggest Blues Festival on the East Coast" brings in national artists along with undervalued performers from around the country. Two or three Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented every year.
Lineup: Bobby Rush, Nappy Brown, Eric Bibb, Lurrie Bell, Sharrie Williams, more.
More info:jfbb.com/summer-blues-festival.asp
Port Townsend
Country Blues Festival
Port Townsend, Washington
JULY 27-AUGUST 3
Highlights: Aspiring musicians are paired with mentors for daily classes in Piedmont-style fingerpicking, slide guitar, harmonica, blues piano, singing and other electives. Concerts are held in a converted balloon hanger.
The festival extends to clubs in town.
Lineup: Corey Harris, John Cephas, Phil Wiggins, Del Ray, Steve James, Louisiana Red, Shirley Smith and Warner Williams.
More info:centrum.org/blues
KoSA International Percussion Camp, Workshop and Festival
Castleton, Vermont
JULY 30-AUGUST 3
Highlights: This intensive hands-on workshop features professional drummers and percussionists teaching students of all ages and levels in a picturesque setting. The faculty also performs at the festival concerts.
Lineup: Ignacio Berroa, Jason Bittner, Cyro Baptista, Aldo Mazza, more.
More info:kosamusic.com
Satchmo Summerfest
new orleans, louisiana
JULY 31-AUGUST 3
Highlights: This annual tribute to Louis Armstrong and his legacy takes place in his hometown. Besides numerous concerts in the French Quarter, the festival hosts an extensive series of workshops and lectures.
Lineup: TBA. 2007 lineup included Leroy Jones, Kermit Ruffins, Rebirth Brass Band.
More info:fqfi.org
Caramoor International
Jazz Festival
Caramoor, New York
AUGUST 1-3
Highlights: This lovely estate outside of New York City hosts this jazz weekend with concerts in the Venetian Theater and more intimate performances at the Spanish Courtyard. Along with the music, visitors can take tours of the lush gardens and historic Lucie and Walter Rosen estate.
Lineup: Ahmad Jamal, Mulgrew Miller, Jimmy Heath Big Band, Wynton Marsalis, more.
More info:caramoor.org
Gouvy Jazz & Blues Festival
Gouvy, Belguim
AUGUST 1-3
Highlights: Now in its 30th year, Claude Lentz's festival at Madelonne Farm presents two days of jazz and one of blues on the main stage and in a club/barn. The host family and friends provide home-brewed beer. The festival features prominent American musicians.
Lineup: Lazy Lester, Candy Kane, more.
More info:users.skynet.be/sb11035
Jazz Em Agosto
Lisbon, Portugal
AUGUST 1-3 and
AUGUST 7-9
Highlights: Occurring over two consecutive weekends, this is one of Europe's most progressive and thoughtful festivals. Ten concerts and three documentary films are presented by some of the leading lights of American and European improvised music, mixing legendary veterans with edgy newcomers. All concerts take place at the Fundao Calouste Gulbenkian, a modern cultural center with a lovely amphitheater and an indoor auditorium with good sound.
Lineup: Otomo Yoshihide New Jazz Orchestra, Peter Brtzmann Chicago Tentet, John Zorn/Fred Frith, Sylvie Courvoisier Lonelyville, more.
More info:musica.gulbenkian.pt/jazz
Jazz In Marciac
Marciac, France
AUGUST 1-17
Highlights: Undoubtedly among the greatest festivals by its sheer musical abundance, Marciac offers two weeks resounding with double bills and an off festival with almost equally great names throughout the day. The small rural village has developed an enduring jazz identity since Wynton Marsalis wrote the "Marciac Suite." There's also a local jazz museum. You can be assured to find something to your taste without ever straying away too far from the core of jazz.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:jazzinmarciac.com
Litchfield Jazz Festival
Goshen, Connecticut
AUGUST 1-3
Highlights: The Litchfield festival caps off an education-filled summer that includes the Litchfield Jazz Camp, now in its 12th year. The opening night Friends of the Festival event takes place at the nearby Winivan luxury resort.
Lineup: Paquito D'Rivera, Winard Harper, Kenny Werner, Cyrus Chestnut, Dave Brubeck, John Pizzarelli, more.
More info:litchfieldjazzfest.com
Lansing Jazzfest
Lansing, Michigan
AUGUST 1-2
Highlights: More than 20 local and national artists will perform at this two-day event with nearby boutiques and galleries opening their doors to the audiences.
Lineup: Nicole Mitchell, Gary Allen, more.
More info:jazzlansing.com
Idlewild Jazz Festival
Idlewild, Michigan
AUGUST 2
Highlights: This festival is held in a historic Michigan town on the shores of Idlewild Lake near the Flamingo Club. Swimming, canoeing, golf and fishing are nearby.
Lineup: Robin Eubanks, Eric Alexander, Flat River Big Band, Dan Cray Trio, Shahida Nurullah, more.
More info:idlewildjazzfest.com
Comcast San Jose
Jazz Festival
San Jose, California
AUGUST 8-10
Highlights: For one weekend, downtown
San Jose is transformed into a jazz oasis. More than 80 performances take place on 10 stages, with jazz stages complemented by Latin, salsa, blues, r&b, contemporary jazz, youth and local stages. All of this for 5 per day, with children 12 and under free.
Lineup: David Sanborn, Joe Bonamassa, Eddie Gale, Mimi Fox, more.
More info:sanjosejazz.org
JVC Jazz Festival Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
AUGUST 8-10
Highlights: Jazz's flagship festival keeps going strong after more than 50 years, as it still continues to have a heavy straightahead jazz element. The opening night gala on the grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame is followed by two days of jazz on three stages at Fort Adams State Park, overlooking Narragansett Bay.
Lineup: Chris Botti, Lionel Loueke, more TBA.
More info:festivalnetwork.com
Nisville International Jazz Festival
Nis, Serbia
AUGUST 14-17
Highlights: This August marks the 25th anniversary of this international festival. Events take place on two stages in the ancient amphitheater of Nis fortress late into the night. The program is eclectic, featuring jazz-traditional and modern-plus world music, soul and blues. Nis is a picturesque two-hour drive from Belgrade and the local population is warm and generous.
Lineup: Billy Cobham, Angelique Kidjo, Dusko Gojkovic, more.
More info:nisville.com
Provincetown
Jazz Festival
provincetown, massachusetts
AUGUST 15-17
Highlights: This Cape Cod jazz festival is held in the oldest continuous arts colony in the United States. The festival also helps raise funds for a number of local causes.
Lineup: Zoe Lewis, Afro Bop Alliance, Dane Vannatter, Greg Abate, Joe Muranyi, Marcelle, Mercedes Hall, more.
More info:provincetownjazzfestival.org
Reno-Tahoe
Blues Festival
Reno, Nevada
AUGUST 16-17
Highlights: Now in its fourth year, this festival brings some of the biggest names in blues and soul to Reno's scenic Rancho San Rafael Park.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:renotahoebluesfest.com
International Jazz Festival Saalfelden
Saalfelden, Austria
AUGUST 21-24
Highlights: An Alpine ski resort in winter, this festival is a cultural attraction in summer.
Lineup: TBA. Last year included Henry Threadgill, Muhal Richard Abrams.
More info:jazzsaalfelden.com
Park City Jazz Festival
Park City, Utah
AUGUST 22-24
Highlights: Now more than 10 years old, the festival takes place on two stages at the Deer Valley Resort's outdoor amphitheater. There's a beer garden and attendees can also bring food for picnicking. Restaurants and bars on Park City's main street keep the jazz vibe alive each night after the fest, which features a combination of national and local, straightahead, smooth and beyond artists.
Lineup: Blues Traveler, Rippingtons, Blind Boys of Alabama, more TBA.
More info:parkcityjazz.org
Red Sea Jazz Festival
Eilat, Israel
AUGUST 25-28
Highlights: With about 40 concerts and a number of clinics, the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, a year-round resort on the Red Sea, is a world-class event. Besides the big international names, the festival program traditionally includes local artists offering a unique blend of straightahead jazz and ethnic flavors culled from the Middle East.
Lineup: Soulbop, Carla Bley's Lost Chords, Ben Riley's Monk Legacy Band, Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Oregon, Omar Sosa, Terri Lyne Carrington, more.
More info:redseajazzeilat.com
Jazz Festival Willisau
Willisau, Switzerland
AUGUST 27-31
Highlights: A mix of straightahead and avant-garde is presented in this festival held in a medieval Swiss town. Visitors can spend the weekend camping at the festival.
Lineup: Free Form Funky Freqs, Albin Brun's Alpine Ensemble, Scope, Charles Lloyd Trio, Tommy Meier and Root Down Orchestra, Bugge Wesseltoft, John Zorn and Bar Kokhba, more.
More info:jazzwillisau.ch
At The Borders of Sardinia and Jazz
Sant'Anna Aressi, Italy
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 8
Highlights: This Italilan festival has been a longstanding destination for free-thinking contemporary jazz improvisers. Now in its 23rd year, this year's event will feature Butch Morris and a tribute to Don Cherry.
Lineup: Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Rob Mazurek, DKV Trio, more.
More info:santannaarressijazz.it
Chicago Jazz Festival
Chicago, Illinois
AUGUST 28-31
Highlights: Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Chicago's big lakefront jazz event is pulling out all the stops. Along with expanding from Grant Park into Millennium Park for opening night's free Sonny Rollins concert, the festival is presenting new special commissioned compositions. Edward Wilkerson, Jr., is this year's artist-in-residence.
Lineup: Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Gerald Wilson, Dave Douglas, Vijay Iyer, T.S. Galloway, Ed Wilkerson, Jr., more.
More info:chicagojazzfestival.us
Rimouski Festi
Jazz International
Rimouski, Quebec
AUGUST 28-31
Highlights: Held in a small Quebec town on the rugged shore of the St. Lawrence River, the festival has made a name for itself by bringing performers like Wayne Shorter, Bill Frisell and Enrico Rava to new audiences.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:festijazzrimouski.com
West Coast Jazz Party and Jazz Cruise
Irvine, California
AUGUST 28-31
Highlights: More than 70 artists, including two big bands, are presented at the Irvine Marriott Hotel and aboard the Hornblower Dining Yacht.
Lineup: Freddy Cole, Ken Peplowski, Benny Green, Byron Stripling, Jeff Hamilton, more.
More info:westcoastjazzparty.com
Detroit International
Jazz Festival
Detroit, Michigan
AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 1
Highlights: This free festival enlivens Labor
Day weekend in the Motor City with six stages of music at Hart Plaza on the city's riverfront. Billed as "A Love Supreme:
The Philly/Detroit Summit," the 29th
annual Detroit Jazz Fest will celebrate the bop tradition of both cities and the "Trane" that connects them. Special projects include a tribute to Alice Coltrane, led by her son Ravi Coltrane, which will feature Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette and Geri Allen.
Lineup: Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Hank Jones Trio, Gerald Wilson West Coast Band, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Joey DeFrancesco, Pat Martino, Roy Hargrove Quintet, James Carter, Ravi Coltrane, Jim Hall with Lewis Nash, Geoff Keezer and
Scott Colley, Matt Wilson, the Dizzy
Gillespie All-Stars, more.
More info:detroitjazzfest.com
Tanglewood Jazz Festival
Tanglewood, Massachusetts
AUGUST 29-31
Highlights: Held at what was once the exclusive summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this festival features a solid jazz lineup in one of the country's most beautiful outdoor venues.
Lineup: Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, Eliane Elias, Eddie Daniels, Mark O'Connor, Marian McPartland, more.
More info:tangelwood.org
Vail Jazz Festival
Vail, Colorado
AUGUST 29-SEPTMEBER 1
Highlights: The Labor Day weekend party
follows in the tradition of the legendary
Dick Gibson jazz parties. The straightahead jazz swings until early in the morning in
this posh Rocky Mountain resort, which also has a significant educational component,
as the festival follows the annual
Vail Jazz Workshop.
Lineup: Jimmy Bruno, Clayton Brothers Quintet, Bill Cunliffe, Ann Hampton Callaway, Hendrik Meurkens, Vail Jazz Workshop All-Stars, Joel Frahm, Wycliffe Gordon, Benny Green, Tony Monaco, more.
More info:vailjazz.org
Coltrane Jazz Festival
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AUGUST 30-31
Highlights: This festival brings two days
of music during Labor Day weekend to Philadelphia's Awbury Arboretum. The non-profit TraneStop Resource Institute hosts the event and the organization also runs music-education and anti-violence programs.
Lineup: George Braith, James Spaulding,
Gil Scott-Heron, more.
More info:thetranestop.org
Guelph Jazz Festival
Guelph, Ontario
SEPTEMBER 3-7
Highlights: Now celebrating its 15th year,
the festival is set apart by the inclusion
of an academic jazz colloquium and numerous workshops featuring musicians in intimate settings. Artist director Ajay Heble has a knack for creating memorable double bills.
Lineup: ICP Orchestra, Barry Guy/Maya Homburger/Jeff Reilly, Fond of Tigers, L'Orkestre des pas Perdu, Friendly Rich, more.
More info:guelphjazzfestival.com
Jazz At Newport
Newport, Oregon
SEPTEMBER 4-7
Highlights: This festival along Oregon's scenic coast brings in top international performers and also spotlights talented local artists. Concerts are held at the Newport Performing Arts Center and smaller venues around town.
Lineup: John Clayton, Jeff Clayton,
Terell Stafford, Ken Peplowski, more.
More info:jazzatnewport.org
COTA Jazz Festival
Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania
SEPTEMBER 5-7
Highlights: As part of the annual Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts, this community festival brings together international stars, regional talent and emerging artists.
Lineup: Phil Woods and the COTA Festival Orchestra, Bob Dorough, Dave Liebman, Nellie McKay.
More info:cotajazz.org
KSDS Jazz 88.3 Ocean Beach Festival
San Diego, California
SEPTEMBER 7
Highlights: Now in its fourth year, this festival is only steps away from the city's beaches
on Newport Avenue.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:objazz.com
Tudo e Jazz
Ouro Preto, Brazil
SEPTEMBER 11-14
Highlights: Located about 275 miles north of Rio de Janeiro, this festival in an unsullied hill town has been reaching nearer to world-class status. The main indoor venue for paid concerts seats less than 1,000. Free performances are staged in a nearby churchyard.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:tudoejazz.com.br
Blues at the
Crossroads
Terre Haute, Indiana
SEPTEMBER 12-13
Highlights: This festival takes place at 7th and Wabash, the officially designated "Crossroads of America." In honor, the town throws a great party on that corner with a mix of blues and some beyond headliners.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:bluesatthecrossroads.com
World Music Festival
Chicago, Illinois
SEPTEMBER 12-18
Highlights: This festival brings upcoming talents and superstars from around the planet to perform in venues across Chicago. Jazz has always been represented, particularly globally conscious improvisers.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:cityofchicago.org/worldmusic
Monterey Jazz Festival Presented by Verizon
Monterey, California
SEPTEMBER 19-21
Highlights: The world's longest-running jazz festival turned 50 last year, and is following up its momentous anniversary with another packed weekend of music in the scenic Pacific Coast town. Big ticketed events take place in the arena, while the fairgrounds-with its amazing food and crafts booths-feature several other indoor and outdoor stages, which often host the main stage performers after their arena sets.
Lineup: Joshua Redman, Cassandra Wilson, Ledisi, Maraca, Maceo Parker, Derek Trucks, Maria Schneider, Christian McBride, Nancy Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Omar Sosa, Terence Blanchard, Tom Scott, Myra Melford, Matt Wilson, Barbara Dennerlein, Brian Auger, more.
More info:montereyjazzfestival.com
Pender Harbour Jazz Festival
Pender Harbour, British Columbia
SEPTMEBER 19-21
Highlights: Under new management for its 12th season, the festival features a beautiful, natural location on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast.
Lineup: Phil Dwyer, Jodi Proznick, Zapato Negro, Cory Weeds, Tom Keenlyside, Graham Ord, more.
More info:penderharbourmusic.ca
Sedona Jazz on the Rocks
Sedona, Arizona
SEPTEMBER 23-28
Highlights: This festival offers great concerts and education workshops. The festival includes a number of free and ticketed events, late-night club shows, an outdoor main stage, a dinner theater, films and more.
Lineup: TBA. 2007 included Mose Allison, Stanley Jordan, Brice Winston and Billy Mitchell.
More info:sedonajazz.com
Beantown Jazz Festival
Boston, Massachusetts
SEPTEMBER 25-27
Highlights: Berklee College of Music presents this event in various locations throughout the city. Along with a major concert at Berklee Performance Center, Saturday features a multi-artist blowout on Columbus Avenue.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:beantownjazz.org
San Francisco Blues Festival
San Francisco, California
SEPTEMBER 26-28
Highlights: Located in the Marina District, the free Friday afternoon concert is held at waterfront Justin Herman Plaza. The weekend action sizzles on the main stage at Fort Mason's The Great Meadow.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:sfblues.com
Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Washington, D.C.
OCTOBER 1-7
Highlights: The U.S. capital's premier jazz festival features internationally acclaimed artists, local "best-kept secrets" and activities for the kids. Paquito D'Rivera serves as this year's artistic director.
Lineup: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Turtle Island String Quartet, more.
More info:dejazzfest.org
San Francisco Jazz Festival
San Francisco, California
OCTOBER 3-
NOVEMBER 16
Highlights: This festival continues bringing high-profile jazz artists and talented local musicians to venues spread throughout the city.
Lineup: Dave Brubeck, Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra, Archie Shepp, Stefon Harris, Kenny Barron, more.
More info:sfjazz.org
Akbank Jazz Festival
Istanbul, Turkey
OCTOBER 8-19
Highlights: Turkey's most progressive festival, now in its 18th year, features formal concerts at the Cemal Resit Rey and more cutting edge shows at the Babylon nightclub and other spots. The programming is rooted in hardcore jazz, but electronica, new music and out rock pepper the line-up.
Lineup: TBA. 2007 included Phil Woods, Archie Shepp, Butch Morris, Mark Murphy, William Parker and more.
More info:akbankcaz.com
Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival
Helena, Arkansas
OCTOBER 9-11
Highlights: Helena turns into an active blues hot spot with the influx of hundreds of musicians. Nearby, the Delta Cultural Center, in a restored 1912 train depot, salutes the area's blues-rich history.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:bluesandheritage.com
Edgefest
Ann Arbor, Michigan
OCTOBER 15-18
Highlights: Organized and persented by the Kerrytown Concert House, Edgefest brings jazz innovators to small venues in one
of America's great college towns.
Lineup: String Trio of New York,
Tony Malaby, David Torn, more.
More info:kerrytownconcerthouse.com
MarineMax Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Clearwater, Florida
OCTOBER 16-19
Highlights: Free to the public, the four-day festival brings live jazz to the Tampa Bay area and benefits music education through its scholarship program throughout the year.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:clearwaterjazz.com
Earshot Jazz festival
Seattle, Washington
OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 2
Highlights: This year's festival boasts more than 50 events in venues all around Seattle. While Earshot has leaned toward the avant-garde in the past, it also embraces mainstream and talented local acts.
Lineup: Ravi Coltrane Quartet, Myra Melford Trio, Cuong Vu, James Moody, more.
More info:earshot.org
KoSA Cuba
Havana, Cuba
OCTOBER 19-26
Highlights: The percussion organization hosts this weeklong event in Cuba, which features lessons and performances in that island's irrepressible rhythms.
Lineup: Adel Gonzalez, Julio Lopez Sanchez, Panga, more.
More info:kosamusic.com
Salzburger Jazz Herbst
Salzburg, Austria
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 9
Highlights: With 50,000 visitors attending more than 100 events, Salzburger Jazz Herbst has been expanding since its inception in 1996. Performances take place in elegant concert halls as well as in clubs and outdoor venues.
Lineup: Brad Mehldau, Marc Ribot, Dave Douglas, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Randy Weston, Kurt Elling, Ulita Knaus, Louis Hayes, Mariza, Enrico Rava, more.
More info:viennaentertainment.com
TAC Wangaratta
Festival of Jazz
Wangaratta, Australia
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 3
Highlights: One of Australia's premier jazz events takes place a little more than two hours away from Melbourne. The lineup features a mix of Aussie and international acts, and it features workshops and
free events.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:wangaratta-jazz.org.au
JazzFest Berlin
Berlin, Germany
NOVEMBER 6-9
Highlights: Not only the most prestigious jazz festival in Germany, but one of the biggest music events in Europe. The schedule is usually diverse and fascinating. This year's new artistic director is trombonist
Nils Landgren, who will hold this
post for three years.
Lineup: TBA.
More info:jazzfest-berlin.de
Lucerne Blues Festival
Lucerne, Switzerland
NOVEMBER 7-16
Highlights: The idea is to spend evenings watching a dozen leading American acts on two stages with days open to walk the cobblestone streets of Lucerne's Old Town, with its trendy shops and fine old taverns. In its 13th year, the fest treats visiting American musicians like royalty and emphasizes the music over commercialism. Musicians also participate in educational projects.
Lineup: Buckwheat Zydeco, more TBA.
More info:bluesfestival.ch
The Jazz Cruise
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
NOVEMBER 9-16
Highlights: The Holland America m/s Westerdam hosts this floating fest devoted to straightahead jazz. As you travel to Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Belize City, you are surrounded by some of the best artists (and jazz fans) on the planet. From formal concerts to jam sessions, the ship serves as a tropical jazz oasis through the Caribbean.
Lineup: Regina Carter, Ken Peplowski, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Jeremy Pelt, Greg Fishman, Benny Green, Wycliffe Gordon, Henry Johnson, Nnenna Freelon, Ernie Adams, Tierney Sutton, Tom Scott, more.
More info:thejazzcruise.com
