Sometimes, the best news doesn’t come in ones. And for this 60th edition of Jazzaldia, the news is massive. The entire city is buzzing about Jamie Cullum: A Double Bill at Jazzaldia, a historic event featuring two distinct performances over two nights
The British genius, in an absolute declaration of love for San Sebastián, has decided to treat us to two consecutive nights, each with its own soul and on an emblematic stage. First, the official inauguration in the solemnity of the Kursaal this Tuesday. The following day, Wednesday, the popular opening with a party that promises to be legendary on the sands of Zurriola Beach.
As he himself confessed upon arriving in the city: “Jazzaldia is one of the best festivals in the world, that’s why I’ve come so many times.” And this time, his return is not just another visit; it’s the confirmation of a love affair, a double event that will brand the Donostia summer. At Descubre Donostia, we break down everything you need to know so you don’t miss a single detail of this historic occasion.
A Historic Double Date: Two Faces of the Same Genius
The greatness of an artist like Jamie Cullum lies in his versatility, and this double bill at the San Sebastián Jazz Festival is designed to showcase it. We won’t see the same show twice, but rather two complementary experiences that explore the different facets of his incredible talent.
Tuesday at the Kursaal Auditorium: The Magic of Intimacy
The first date is the official opening of the 60th Jazzaldia. The venue, the majestic Kursaal Auditorium, already hints at the tone of the evening. Here, Cullum promises a “more intimate” concert, a musical journey that will go “from less to more.” It will be a golden opportunity to appreciate his virtuosity in its purest form, with more room for piano solos and for savoring every nuance of his voice and his incredible band.
Imagine the perfect acoustics of Moneo’s cubes, a dedicated audience, and the elegance of a Cullum who masters closeness. It will be a night to enjoy while seated, to be carried away by heart-wrenching ballads and reinvented jazz standards with a unique sensibility, before the energy, inevitably, finally explodes.
Wednesday on Zurriola Beach: The Great Jazz Party
If Tuesday is the caress, Wednesday is the thunder. for the popular opening, the festival moves to one of its most iconic and beloved stages. Cullum has been clear: the concert on Zurriola beach will be, from the very first second, “a real party.”
Here, with your feet in the sand and the Cantabrian Sea as a backdrop, we will experience the artist’s most explosive and energetic side. Recalling his legendary inauguration of the Green Stage in 2013, this concert promises to be massive, free, and liberating. We expect to see him jump on the piano, run across the stage, and interact with a crowd of thousands. It’s the perfect plan to go with friends, lay out a towel, and get swept up in a collective celebration of music. If you want to know more about this magical enclave of surf and music, be sure to visit our article on Zurriola Beach, the young heart of Donostia.
“A Gift for Me”: Cullum’s Declaration of Love for Donostia
This isn’t the first, second, or third time Jamie Cullum has visited us. This will be the fourth occasion, and his connection with the city is palpable. “Being invited to Jazzaldia is a gift for me,” he stated, showing a humility that only the greatest possess.
His story with Donostia began in 2009, with a performance at the “Trini” that he himself describes as “unreal.” In fact, during his press conference at San Telmo, he posed next to a stunning photograph of that moment, captured by Lolo Vasco. He returned in 2013 to open the Green Stage on Zurriola, and in 2015, for the festival’s golden anniversary, he gave us an unforgettable trio of performances: a DJ set, a solo concert, and a show with his big band.
Cullum is certain: the Donostia audience “loves music deeply” and “feels very authentic.” That special “alchemy” created between respect and overflowing passion is what makes him come back time and time again.
Did you know… For his return in 2015, on the 50th anniversary, Jamie Cullum offered three different performances: as a DJ, solo on the piano at the Kursaal, and with his big band in the Plaza de la Trinidad. His generosity with the San Sebastián audience goes way back!
The Band and the Surprise: Two New Albums on the Way
One of the big questions was the lineup he would perform with. The mystery has finally been solved. At both the Kursaal and Zurriola, he will be accompanied by a top-tier band: Loz Garratt (bass), Brad Webb (drums), Tom Varrall (guitar), Rory Simmons (trumpet), Tom Richards (organ, saxophone), and Aisha Stuart (backing vocals).
But the bombshell news didn’t stop there. Cullum confessed that although his last studio album was released in 2020, he hasn’t stopped composing. He has two new albums ready to go! One of them will aim to return to the classic jazz tradition, to the acoustic sound of small orchestras, a type of music, he asserts, that “artificial intelligence will be incapable of creating.”
Expert Tip:
- For the Kursaal (Tuesday): This is a paid concert with limited capacity. Secure your ticket in advance through official channels. It’s an experience for musical delight. Arrive with time to enjoy the building’s atmosphere.
- For Zurriola (Wednesday): This is free and massive. Arrive very early if you want a good spot on the sand. Bring a towel, something warm for when the sun goes down, and get ready to dance. It’s a social and festive experience.
A Double Event to Remember
The opportunity to see an artist of this caliber in two such different formats on consecutive days is exceptional. It’s a gift from Jamie Cullum to San Sebastián, and one that San Sebastián gives back with its devotion. The 60th Jazzaldia couldn’t start in a more spectacular way.
We are ready to experience both nights, to analyze every nuance, and to tell it all. The intimacy of the virtuoso and the energy of the showman. The caress and the thunder. Donostia is preparing for two nights that will undoubtedly be etched in the festival’s history.
So, which of the two concerts will you attend? Or are you one of the lucky ones who will go to both? Tell us your plans in the comments and share this article so no one misses this historic event!
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