The Jazzaldia 2025, the 60th edition of the San Sebastian Jazz Festival, is preparing to celebrate its sixtieth edition in July, consolidating itself as the oldest jazz festival in Spain and one of the most prestigious in Europe since its foundation in 1966. This historic event, which takes place annually during the third week of July in Donostia/San Sebastián, is an essential global reference for jazz lovers. The 2025 edition of Jazzaldia promises a special celebration, honoring its rich history and presenting a diverse and vibrant programming. The expectation for this anniversary is enormous, thanks to the enthusiasm generated by the first confirmed artists. This article offers a complete guide to Jazzaldia 2025, detailing the general artist program, daily calendar, stages, prices and featured artists in each space, providing essential information to plan your visit and enjoy the festival to the fullest.
Jamie Cullum (UK)
This acclaimed British musician, recognized for his charismatic stage presence and virtuosity on the piano, is a familiar face and much loved by the Jazzaldia audience. His ability to fuse jazz with elements of pop, rock and other genres has earned him the status of “true idol” for festival followers, achieving consistent success at each of his performances in Donostia. Among their most popular songs are classics such as “What A Difference A Day Made”, “These Are The Days” and “Everlasting Love”. His continued connection with local audiences and his ability to transcend the boundaries of traditional jazz suggest that his concert will once again be one of the highlights of the festival.
The Beach Boys (United States)
This legendary American band, pioneers of the “California sound”, is an icon of rock and pop music, known worldwide for its vocal harmonies, its surf themes and its nostalgic hits. Led by one of its founding members, Mike Love, and featuring Bruce Johnston, a member of the band since the mid-60s, The Beach Boys promise to revive their greatest hits, including classics like “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, “California Girls” and “Kokomo”. Their performance is anticipated as a “nostalgic trip” for attendees. The inclusion of a band of this caliber, although not strictly jazz, underlines the breadth of vision of the festival and its intention to attract a diverse audience, beyond jazz purists.
Yerai Cortés (Spain)
This young and talented flamenco guitarist is emerging as one of the most interesting figures on the current musical scene in Spain. His artistic proposal is characterized by an innovative mix of traditional flamenco with contemporary sounds, which has earned him recognition as one of the musicians with the greatest projection in the genre. Their repertoire is described as young and current, fusing different styles. He is known for songs like “Sonar por Bulerías”. Cortés’ presence at the festival reflects Jazzaldia 2025’s commitment to cultural diversity and the exploration of the connections between flamenco and jazz, genres that share improvisation and virtuosity as fundamental elements
Steve Coleman & Five Elements + Kurt Elling and Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report (Estados Unidos)
This exceptional double bill brings together renowned jazz artists in a celebration of the music of the influential jazz fusion band Weather Report. Steve Coleman is a highly regarded alto saxophonist, known for his intense and dynamic performances, often incorporating elements of African, Asian and Latin cultures into his jazz. Kurt Elling is considered one of the greatest contemporary jazz vocalists, admired for his scat, improvised lyrics, and numerous collaborations. Their previous concert in the Plaza de la Trinidad is still remembered with enthusiasm. Yellowjackets is a long-running, multi-Grammy Award-winning jazz fusion band that masterfully blends funk and R&B with post-bop and fusion influences. This unique collaboration promises to be one of the highlights of Jazzaldia 2025, joining creative forces to pay tribute to a legendary group.
Marc Ribot Hurry Red Telephone + Dee Dee Bridgewater (United States)
Another attractive double program that presents outstanding figures of contemporary jazz. Marc Ribot is an extraordinarily versatile guitarist, recognized for his work in diverse styles, including avant-garde jazz, rock and Cuban music. Hurry Red Telephone is their new line-up. Additionally, Ribot will give a solo concert and perform with his band Ceramic Dog. Dee Dee Bridgewater is a celebrated jazz vocalist, known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. On this occasion, he will present his project “We Exist?!” . Ribot’s triple presence in different formats underlines his importance in this edition of the festival, showing the breadth of his talent.
Hermeto Pascoal & Grupo (Brazil)
This legendary and innovative Brazilian musician, affectionately nicknamed “O Bruxo” (The Witch), is famous for his experimental approach, his use of unconventional instruments, and his fusion of jazz with Brazilian folk music. Their performances are known for exploring new sonic territories, using both traditional instruments and everyday objects. The inclusion of Pascoal brings a unique international flavor to Jazzaldia 2025, representing the rich tradition of Brazilian jazz and its avant-garde spirit.
Brad Mehldau Trio + Dave Holland / Chris Potter: Kismet (US/UK)
A meeting of highly respected figures of contemporary jazz. Brad Mehldau is a celebrated jazz pianist, admired for his lyricism, sophisticated harmonies, and interpretations of popular music. Their trio is a renowned formation. Dave Holland is a legendary bassist, known for his work with Miles Davis and his own influential groups, bridging the gap between tradition and free improvisation. Chris Potter is a highly regarded saxophonist, recognized for his virtuosity and versatility in various jazz styles. “Kismet” is a collaborative project between Holland and Potter. This combination represents the excellence of modern jazz, showcasing both established masters and their innovative collaborations.
Chicuelo – Marco Mezquida + Melody Gardot (Spain/United States)
A double program that will close the main programming of Jazzaldia 2025, combining Spanish flamenco jazz with American vocal jazz. Chicuelo (Juan Gómez) is a prominent flamenco guitarist and composer, known for his collaborations and productions. Marco Mezquida is a versatile Menorcan pianist, recognized for his ability to fuse influences from jazz, free improvisation, classical music and flamenco. Their collaboration explores the connections between flamenco and jazz. Melody Gardot is an American jazz singer with a distinctive and popular style, known for her serene voice and influences from various cultures. On this occasion, he will present his latest album. This combination offers a diverse and accessible closure to the main programming.
Andrew Bird Trio (USA)
An unclassifiable and original musician, singer and violinist, known for his unique style that mixes indie music with elements of jazz and classical music. Their performances usually include instrumental pieces and songs loaded with emotional depth. Bird’s presence adds an indie and alternative element to the festival, potentially attracting a younger audience or those with more eclectic tastes.
Oscar Peterson Centennial Concert
A special concert commemorating the centenary of the birth of legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. It will feature performances by John Clayton (double bass), Jeff Hamilton (drums) and Sullivan Fortner (piano). These musicians have strong ties to Peterson’s legacy. This tribute underscores the festival’s respect for the history of jazz and its commitment to honoring influential figures of the genre.
Baptiste Trotignon (France)
A highly regarded French jazz pianist and composer, known for his refined and creative style. It will inaugurate the morning concerts at the San Telmo Museum at Jazzaldia 2025. Their performances usually include original pieces and reinterpretations of great European jazz classics.
Bojan Z (Serbia/France)
A pianist recognized for his fusion of jazz and Balkan music, offering a unique sound experience. He will also perform at the San Telmo Museum. His performances reflect his rich musical heritage, combining contemporary jazz with Balkan soundscapes.
Pierre de Bethmann (France)
A French jazz pianist known for his versatility and interpretive depth, who will perform at the San Telmo Museum. His compositions combine lyricism and technical sophistication, being a benchmark of French jazz.
Marc Ribot Solo (United States)
An intimate solo performance at Jazzaldia 2025 by the versatile guitarist at the San Telmo Museum. You will explore a wide range of styles and emotions in this format, showcasing your creativity and originality.
Kirk Knuffke Quartet Featuring Ray Anderson (United States)
A quartet led by cornetist Kirk Knuffke, with the participation of legendary trombonist Ray Anderson, who will close the morning concerts at the San Telmo Museum. The quartet promises a vibrant and dynamic performance.
Marc Ribot Ceramic Dog (United States)
Ribot returns with his band Ceramic Dog to the FCC Victoria Eugenia Antzokia, offering a fusion of rock, jazz and experimental sounds. The concert will include pieces from their recent album and moments of electrifying improvisation.
JazzEñe
The Victoria Eugenia Theater will host JazzEñe for the fifth consecutive time, presenting the best of Spanish jazz in a showcase format. Specific programming will be announced in spring 2025 and will include both established offerings and new talent.
Free Concerts at the Jazzaldia 2025
The festival will offer numerous free concerts on stages such as Keler Gunea, Nauticool and the Kursaal Terraces. Among the artists confirmed for these free concerts are singers Clare Martin and Jessie Gordon, piano quartet PianoForte, Grammy winners War & Treaty, saxophonist Lew Tabackin, pianist Jordina Millà, flautist Naissam Jalal, Basque group Bulego, French singer Crystal Murray and guitarist and singer Judith Hill.
PianoForte (Baptiste Trotignon, Bojan Z, Eric Legnini, Pierre de Bethmann): This piano quartet, made up of four renowned European jazz pianists, will offer free concerts. The quartet combines pianos and Fender Rhodes, displaying virtuosity and arranger skills.
War & Treaty (United States): This Grammy-winning R&B and country duo, known for their powerful vocals and contemporary blues sound, will also perform at free concerts.
Clare Martin (United Kingdom) and Jessie Gordon (Australia): Two acclaimed jazz vocalists who will offer free concerts. Martin is one of England’s leading jazz vocalists, while Gordon is known for her work in swing and blues.
Lew Tabackin (United States): A legendary saxophonist who will offer a free concert, known for his brilliant ability to improvise and his long career in jazz.
Jordina Millà (Spain): A young Catalan pianist who will participate in the free concerts.
Naissam Jalal (France/Syria): A Franco-Syrian flutist who will also perform at the free concerts.
Office (Spain/Basque Country): A Basque group that will offer a free concert, known for its pop and indie pop sound in Spanish, with catchy melodies and emotional lyrics.
Crystal Murray (France): A French singer who will also be part of the free programming. Their music fuses R&B with shoegaze, pop-rock and trip-hop.
Judith Hill (United States): A guitarist and singer who will also offer a free concert, known for her powerful voice and her collaborations with artists such as Prince and Michael Jackson.
