Jazzaldia 2024, also known as the San Sebastian Jazz Festival, will be held from July 23 to 28 in the beautiful city of Donostia. This event, which reaches its 59th edition, promises to be an unforgettable spectacle with 76 concerts spread across 12 spectacular stages throughout the city. San Sebastián will be filled with music and festive atmosphere, offering both residents and visitors a unique experience.
The Jazzaldia program includes 41 free concerts, 26 presentations by local groups, and 5 concerts for families within the twelfth edition of Txikijazz. In addition, the tenth edition of JazzEñe will present 8 concerts dedicated to Spanish jazz. Other highlights include 8 concerts on Zurriola beach (Keler Gunea) and 23 on the Kursaal terraces (Frigo Gunea and Fnac Gunea), as well as performances at Chillida Leku, Plazoleta Juncal in Irún and the Hotel María Cristina.
The 12 stages of the festival are: Trinity Plaza, Keler Zone, Kutxabank Kursaal Auditorium, FCC Victoria Eugenia Theater, Škoda San Telmo Museum, Frigo Zone, Fnac Zone, Chillida Place, Kutxa Foundation Plaza (Tabakalera), Nauticool, Irún and Hotel María Cristina
This year’s lineup includes jazz greats such as Diana Krall, John Zorn, Gregory Porter, William Parker, Potter-Mehldau-Patitucci-Blake, Scofield-Holland Duo, Lakecia Benjamin, Marco Mezquida, Eddie Henderson & Steve Davis, Youn Sun Nah, Julio Resende, Iñaki Salvador, BIGYUKI Band with Tomoaki Baba, Rosario Giuliani, Carole Alston and Marcin Masecki.
In addition to jazz stars, the festival offers music from other genres with artists such as Marisa Monte, Rufus Wainwright and Sílvia Pérez Cruz at the Kutxabank Kursaal Auditorioa. Rock, blues, pop and hip hop bands such as Larkin Poe, North Mississippi Allstars, IZARO, Shinova, El Columpio Asesino, Les Amazones d’Afrique, Merina Gris and Chill Mafia will perform on the free beach stage, Keler Gunea. .
Jazzaldia also serves as a platform to promote local talent, with 24 Basque groups shining in this edition. Ten of these groups were selected through the 2024 Local Groups selection process, including Iñar Sastre, Nacho Soto Trío, Oscar Garrido Quintet, Gregario de Luxe, Nhil, Les 4 Saxes & Co, Alex Haro’s Freedom, Fran Serrano 4tet 0202, Euskal Hot Club and Motelas. Other notable Basque artists are Iñaki Salvador, Elkano Browning Cream, Noa & The HellDrinkers, The Fake Cousins, Itziar Yagüe and R.S. Basque Faktor, FEMM & Band and the Big Band of the Donostia School of Music and Dance.
He Premio Donostia Jazz Festival This year’s award will be awarded to William Parker in recognition of his musical career and his influence on contemporary jazz. Parker will offer three concerts in different settings and with different formations, including duo, trio and quartet. Tickets for these concerts are available individually or as a subscription with a 15% discount.
The festival will also offer streaming of the 8 JazzEñe concerts from the FCC Victoria Eugenia Antzokia, accessible through the Jazzaldia website and its YouTube channel. In addition, from July 3 onwards, the eighth edition of the Jazzinema cycle will be held, organized by the Basque Film Archive, which explores the relationship between cinema and jazz.
Finally, the twelfth edition of Txikijazz will provide a space for families to enjoy music and art at Chillida Leku, Kutxa Fundazioa Plaza and FNAC Gunea, with concerts by artists such as Itziar Yagüe, Noa & The HellDrinkers, Swingtronics, Carole Alston and Elkano Browning Cream, as well as workshops for children.
Jazzaldia 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture in the heart of San Sebastián. Do not miss it!
Jazzaldia 2024 Stages and Concerts
Setting: Chillida Leku
- Iñaki Salvador: I loved the bird
- Day: July 21, 7:30 p.m. – 15€
- Noa & The HellDrinkers (Txikijazz)
- Day: July 25, 12:30 – €14 / €7 / Free
- Federica Michisanti Quartet
- Day: July 26, 7:30 p.m. – 15€
- Carole Alston (Txikijazz)
- Day: July 27, 12:30 – €14 / €7 / Free
- MAC Saxophone Quartet-Rosario Giulliani
- Day: July 28, 7:30 p.m. – 15€
Scenario: Kutxabank Kursaal Auditorium
- Sílvia Pérez Cruz: A lifetime, one day
- Day: July 23, 8:00 p.m. – 50€
- Rufus Wainwright
- Day: July 24, 6:30 p.m. – 50€
- Marisa Monte
- Day: July 25, 6:30 p.m. – 50€
- John Zorn at Jazzaldia 1 (Quatrain, Suite for Piano)
- Day: July 26, 6:30 p.m. – 30€
- Diana Krall
- Day: July 28, 5:30 p.m. – 60€
Stage: Trinitate Plaza
- Potter, Mehldau, Patituchi, Blake, Youn Sun Nah
- Day: July 25, 9:00 p.m. – 50€
- Marco Mezquida: Tornado, Gregory Porter
- Day: July 26, 9:00 p.m. – 50€
- Scofield – Holland Duo, William Parker Quartet
- Day: July 27, 9:00 p.m. – 40€
- John Zorn at Jazzaldia 3 (Chaos Magick, New Masada Quartet)
- Day: July 28, 8:00 p.m. – 40€
Stage: FCC Victoria Eugenia Theatre
- Trinidad Jiménez & Roberto Nieva 4tet (X JazzEñe)
- Day: July 24, 12:30 – 8€
- Mariola Membrives Duo & R.S. Basque Factor (X JazzEñe)
- Day: July 25, 12:30 – 8€
- David Sancho & Juan Saiz (X JazzEñe)
- Day: July 26, 12:30 – 8€
- Marcelo Escrich Silent Quartet & Martín Leiton Quartet (X JazzEñe)
- Day: July 27, 12:30 – 8€
- William Parker Trio
- Day: July 28, 12:30 – 20€
Scenario: Škoda San Telmo Museum
- William Parker Duo
- Day: July 25, 11:00 – 15€
- Julio Resende Duo
- Day: July 26, 11:00 – 15€
- Júlio Resende Solo
- Day: July 27, 11:00 – 15€
- Martha Sanchez
- Day: July 28, 11:00 – 15€
Scenario: Keler Zone (Playa Zurriola)
- IZARO
- Day: July 24, 8:45 p.m. – Free
- Larkin Poe
- Day: July 24, 11:30 p.m. – Free
- Merina Gray
- Day: July 25, 9:00 p.m. – Free
- Shinova
- Day: July 25, 11:30 p.m. – Free
- The Amazons of Africa
- Day: July 26, 9:00 p.m. – Free
- The Killer Swing
- Day: July 26, 11:30 p.m. – Free
- North Mississippi Allstars
- Day: July 27, 9:00 p.m. – Free
- Chill Mafia
- Day: July 27, 11:30 p.m. – Free
Stage: Frigo Gunea (Kursaal Terraces)
- Lakecia Benjamin
- Day: July 24, 7:30 p.m. – Free
- Eddie Henderson & Steve Davis Quintet
- Day: July 24, 10:15 p.m. – Free
- Carolina Katún
- Day: July 25, 6:30 p.m. – Free
- BIGYUKI Band with Tomoaki Baba
- Day: July 25, 8:00 p.m. – Free
- Elkano Browning Cream
- Day: July 25, 10:30 p.m. – Free
- Donostia Music and Dance School Big Band
- Day: July 26, 6:30 p.m. – Free
- Inar Sastre
- Day: July 26, 8:00 p.m. – Free
- Nacho Soto Trio
- Day: July 26, 10:30 p.m. – Free
- FEMMM & Band
- Day: July 27, 6:30 p.m. – Free
- Gregario de Luxe
- Day: July 27, 8:00 p.m. – Free
- Nhil
- Day: July 27, 10:30 p.m. – Free
- Alex Haro’s Freedom
- Day: July 28, 17:00 – Free
- Fran Serrano 4tet 0202
- Day: July 28, 7:30 p.m. – Free
Stage: Fnac Gunea (Kursaal Terraces)
- Marcin Masecki Trio
- Day: July 24, 7:30 p.m. – Free
- BIGYUKI Band with Tomoaki Baba
- Day: July 24, 10:15 p.m. – Free
- Marcin Masecki Trio
- Day: July 25, 8:00 p.m. – Free
- Marcin Masecki Trio
- Day: July 26, 6:30 p.m. – Free
- North Mississippi Allstars
- Day: July 26, 8:00 p.m. – Free
- Oscar Garrido Quintet
- Day: July 26, 10:30 p.m. – Free
- Les 4 Saxes & Co
- Day: July 27, 8:00 p.m. – Free
- Pere Bujosa Trio
- Day: July 27, 10:30 p.m. – Free
- Elkano Browning Cream (Txikijazz)
- Day: July 28, 12:00 – Free
- Motelas
- Day: July 28, 8:00 p.m. – Free
- Pere Bujosa Trio
- Day: July 28, 9:30 p.m. – Free
Scenario: Kutxa Foundation Plaza (Tabakalera)
- Itziar Yagüe (Txikijazz)
- Day: July 24, 12:00 – Free
- Swingtronics (Txikijazz)
- Day: July 26, 12:00 – Free
Scenario: Nauticool
- Carolina Katún
- Day: July 24, 7:30 p.m. – Free
- The Fake Cousins
- Day: July 25, 7:30 p.m. – Free
- The Fake Cousins
- Day: July 26, 7:30 p.m. – Free
Setting: Irun
- Carole Alston
- Day: July 26, 9:00 p.m. – Free
Setting: Hotel María Cristina
- Carole Alston
- Day: July 25, 8:00 p.m. – 85€
Txikijazz
- Various artists for the children’s audience in Chillida Leku, Kutxa Foundation Plaza and FNAC Site
- Days: July 23 to 28
Jazzaldia 2024 Artists and Groups
Iñaki Salvador
Iñaki Salvador is a Basque pianist and composer recognized for his versatility and ability to fuse jazz with classical and popular music. He has worked with numerous prominent artists and has participated in jazz, flamenco and contemporary music projects. His distinctive style is characterized by a melodic sensitivity and a capacity for improvisation that place him as one of the references of jazz in Spain.
Silvia Perez Cruz
Sílvia Pérez Cruz is a Catalan singer and songwriter whose music covers a wide range of genres, including jazz, flamenco and traditional Catalan music. With a unique and emotional voice, Pérez Cruz has collaborated with various artists and has developed a successful solo career. Her interpretations are imbued with deep sensitivity and impeccable vocal technique, which makes her one of the most respected and admired voices on the Spanish musical scene.
Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter and pianist known for his operatic style and his ability to fuse pop, rock and classical music. The son of folk musicians Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Rufus has released several acclaimed albums and worked on opera and theater projects. His music is characterized by poetic lyrics, complex melodies, and a distinctive voice that have earned him a devoted following around the world.
Marisa Monte
Marisa Monte is a Brazilian singer, songwriter and producer, recognized for her contribution to Brazilian popular music. With a career spanning more than three decades, Monte has released numerous successful albums and collaborated with prominent international musicians. Her style fuses samba, pop, jazz and bossa nova, and her melodious and emotive voice has made her one of the most beloved and respected artists in Brazil.
John Zorn
John Zorn is an American composer, saxophonist and producer, known for his versatility and his ability to fuse various musical genres, from jazz and classical music to rock and hardcore punk. Throughout his career, Zorn has been a central figure in the experimental music scene and has released a vast discography spanning numerous projects and collaborations. His innovative approach and his ability to improvise have established him as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.
Diana Krall
Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz singer and pianist, recognized for her smooth voice and exceptional piano skill. With several hit albums and Grammy Awards under his belt, Krall has been a prominent figure on the jazz scene since the 1990s. His style combines jazz standards with modern interpretations and he has collaborated with numerous renowned artists. Krall is especially known for her ability to convey emotion through her music, which has made her one of the most beloved and respected jazz artists in the world.
Potter, Mehldau, Patitucci, Blake
This jazz supergroup is made up of Chris Potter (saxophone), Brad Mehldau (piano), John Patitucci (double bass) and Brian Blade (drums). Each of these musicians is an outstanding soloist in his own right, and together they form a modern jazz ensemble noted for its virtuosity and capacity for improvisation. Their music ranges from original compositions to innovative interpretations of jazz standards, always offering a rich and dynamic sonic experience.
Marco Mezquida
Marco Mezquida is a Spanish pianist, composer and arranger, known for his versatility and innovative approach to the piano. He has collaborated with numerous artists and released several acclaimed albums spanning a wide range of genres, including jazz, classical music and flamenco. Mezquida is recognized for his ability to improvise and his ability to fuse different musical styles, creating a unique and emotional experience in each of his performances.
Gregory Porter
Gregory Porter is an American jazz singer and songwriter, known for his warm voice and style that combines jazz, soul and gospel. Porter has released several successful albums and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his music. His lyrics often address themes of love, life and society, and his ability to connect with audiences through his emotional interpretation has made him one of the most prominent figures in contemporary jazz.
Scofield – Holland Duo
John Scofield (guitar) and Dave Holland (double bass) form a dynamic duo that combines the creativity and technical mastery of two of the most respected musicians on the jazz scene. Scofield is known for his distinctive style that fuses jazz, funk and rock, while Holland is a legendary double bassist with a career spanning more than five decades. Together, they create music rich in improvisation and melodic exploration, offering a unique and captivating sonic experience.
William Parker
William Parker is an American double bassist, composer and bandleader, considered one of the most influential musicians in the avant-garde of jazz. With a career spanning several decades, Parker has worked with numerous prominent artists and released an extensive discography that includes solo work and collaborations. His music is characterized by a deep spirituality and a constant search for innovation, which has established him as a central figure in the contemporary jazz scene.
Lakecia Benjamin
Lakecia Benjamin is an American saxophonist and composer, known for her vibrant energy and ability to fuse jazz, funk and soul. He has worked with notable artists such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and The Roots, and has released several albums as a bandleader. Benjamin is recognized for her ability to improvise and her distinctive style that combines jazz tradition with modern elements, creating a dynamic and exciting musical experience.
Eddie Henderson & Steve Davis Quintet
Eddie Henderson (trumpet) and Steve Davis (trombone) lead this jazz quintet that stands out for its virtuosity and creative approach. Henderson is known for his work in jazz fusion and post-bop, while Davis is a respected trombonist in the hard bop scene. Together, they offer music rich in interaction and melodic exploration, with a repertoire that ranges from original compositions to interpretations of jazz standards.
Youn Sun Nah
Youn Sun Nah is a South Korean jazz singer, known for her versatile voice and her ability to fuse various musical genres. He has released several successful albums and has gained international recognition for his emotional performances and impeccable vocal technique. Nah is especially admired for her ability to transform familiar songs into unique and personal experiences, making her one of the most interesting vocalists on the jazz scene today.
Julio Resende
Julio Resende is a Portuguese pianist and composer, known for his ability to fuse jazz with traditional Portuguese music, including fado. He has released several acclaimed albums and collaborated with numerous artists. Resende is renowned for his melodic sensitivity and capacity for improvisation, creating music that is both innovative and deeply emotional.
BIGYUKI Band with Tomoaki Baba
BIGYUKI is a Japanese keyboardist and producer known for his innovative approach that fuses jazz, funk, hip-hop and electronic music. He has worked with notable artists such as A Tribe Called Quest and J. Cole, and has released several solo projects. Tomoaki Baba is a talented saxophonist who complements BIGYUKI’s style with his improvisational skills and distinctive sound. Together, they create dynamic, modern music that challenges the conventions of traditional jazz.
Rosario Giuliani
Rosario Giuliani is an Italian saxophonist and composer, recognized for his virtuosity and his style that combines contemporary jazz with influences from classical music and cinema. He has released several albums as a bandleader and has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians. Giuliani is admired for his improvisational skills and melodic approach, creating music that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
Carole Alston
Carole Alston is an American jazz singer and actress, known for her powerful voice and stage presence. He has worked in musical theater and has released several jazz albums notable for his ability to perform a wide range of styles, from classic jazz to blues and gospel. Alston is especially known for her ability to connect with audiences through her emotional performance and vocal talent.
Marcin Masecki
Marcin Masecki is a Polish pianist and composer, known for his experimental approach and his ability to fuse jazz with classical and contemporary music. He has released several acclaimed albums and worked on projects spanning a wide range of musical genres. Masecki is renowned for his creativity and ability to improvise, creating music that is both innovative and accessible.
IZARO
IZARO is a Basque singer and songwriter whose music spans a variety of genres, including pop, folk and jazz. With a warm and soulful voice, IZARO has gained popularity in the Spanish music scene for his sincere lyrics and catchy melodies. Her ability to connect with the public through her personal interpretations has made her one of the most prominent emerging artists on the current music scene.
Merina Gray
Merina Gris is a Basque band known for their style that fuses pop, electronica and rock. With lyrics in Basque and an experimental approach, the group has gained recognition in the music scene for their distinctive sound and energetic live performances. Merina Gris stands out for its innovation and its ability to create a unique sound experience that reflects the cultural richness of the Basque Country.
Shinova
Shinova is a Spanish alternative rock band formed in Berriz, Vizcaya. With several albums under her belt, Shinova has developed a signature sound that combines poetic lyrics with powerful melodies. The band has gained popularity in the rock scene in Spain and has been recognized for its ability to create emotional and energetic songs that connect deeply with its audience.
The Amazons of Africa
Les Amazones d’Afrique is a West African female musical collective that uses their music to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. His style fuses traditional African music with Afrobeat, funk and electronica. Les Amazones d’Afrique is known for its powerful live performances and commitment to social activism, using its platform to raise awareness and promote positive change in its communities.
The Killer Swing
El Columpio Asesino is an alternative rock band from Pamplona, Spain, known for their style that fuses rock, punk and electronica. With provocative lyrics and an experimental sound, the group has released several acclaimed albums and gained a devoted following. Their live performances are energetic and emotional, which has established them as one of the most interesting bands on the Spanish music scene.
North Mississippi Allstars
North Mississippi Allstars is an American blues and rock band formed by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson. With a style that combines Delta blues, Southern rock and American traditional music, the band has released several successful albums and has been nominated for several Grammy Awards. North Mississippi Allstars is known for their dynamic live performances and their ability to revitalize the blues with a contemporary approach.
Chill Mafia
Chill Mafia is a Basque musical collective known for its style that fuses trap, reggaeton and electronic music. With lyrics in Basque and an irreverent approach, Chill Mafia has gained popularity in the music scene for its innovative sound and provocative live performances. The collective stands out for its creativity and its ability to challenge musical conventions, creating a unique and modern experience.
Donostia Music and Dance School Big Band
The Donostiako Musika eta Dantza Eskola Big Band is a group of students from the Donostia-San Sebastián School of Music and Dance. With a repertoire ranging from jazz standards to contemporary compositions, the Big Band is known for its talent and energy on stage. The group offers its members the opportunity to develop their musical skills and perform at important jazz events and festivals.
Nacho Soto Trio
Nacho Soto Trío is a Spanish jazz group led by pianist Nacho Soto. With a classical training and a passion for jazz, Soto has developed a style that fuses elements of traditional jazz with contemporary influences. The trio is known for their virtuosity and their ability to improvise, creating a rich and emotional sound experience in each of their performances.
Inar Sastre
Iñar Sastre is a Basque pianist and composer known for his versatility and his ability to fuse jazz with traditional Basque music. He has collaborated with numerous artists and has released several solo projects. Sastre is renowned for his melodic sensitivity and capacity for improvisation, creating music that is both innovative and deeply rooted in his cultural roots.
Oscar Garrido Quintet
The Óscar Garrido Quintet is a jazz group led by trumpeter Óscar Garrido. With a focus on hard bop and post-bop, the quintet is known for their virtuosity and energy on stage. Garrido has worked with numerous renowned musicians and has developed a distinctive style that combines jazz tradition with innovative melodic and rhythmic exploration.
FEMMM & Band
FEMMM & Band is a musical group that stands out for its focus on the fusion of jazz, funk and soul. With a strong female presence, the band is known for their dynamic live performances and their ability to connect with audiences through their vibrant and energetic music. FEMMM & Band is recognized for its innovation and commitment to promoting gender equality in music.
Gregario de Luxe
Gregario de Luxe is a Basque band that combines elements of rock, funk and experimental music. With lyrics in Basque and a creative approach, the group has gained recognition in the music scene for their distinctive sound and energetic live performances. Gregario de Luxe stands out for its innovation and its ability to create a unique sound experience that reflects the cultural richness of the Basque Country.
Nhil
Nhil is an experimental jazz band known for their innovative approach and ability to fuse various musical genres. With a lineup that includes some of the most talented musicians on the contemporary scene, Nhil has developed a sound that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The band is known for its dynamic live performances and its constant search for new musical horizons.
Alex Haro’s Freedom
Alex Haro’s Freedom is a jazz project led by pianist Alex Haro. With a focus on improvisation and melodic exploration, the group is known for their virtuosity and creativity on stage. Haro has worked with numerous renowned musicians and has developed a distinctive style that combines jazz tradition with a constant search for innovation.
Fran Serrano 4tet 0202
Fran Serrano 4tet 0202 is a jazz quartet led by double bassist Fran Serrano. With a focus on the fusion of contemporary jazz and classical music, the group is known for its virtuosity and ability to improvise. Serrano has worked with numerous renowned musicians and has developed a distinctive style that combines jazz tradition with innovative melodic and rhythmic exploration.
Basque Hot Club
Euskal Hot Klub is a Basque jazz band that combines elements of swing, dixieland and traditional Basque music. With a strong presence in the local music scene, the group is known for their dynamic live performances and their ability to connect with audiences through their upbeat and energetic music. Euskal Hot Klub stands out for its innovation and its commitment to promoting Basque culture in the field of jazz.
Motelas
Motelas is an alternative rock band known for their style that fuses elements of punk, grunge and experimental music. With lyrics in Basque and a creative approach, the group has gained recognition in the music scene for their distinctive sound and energetic live performances. Motelas stands out for its innovation and its ability to create a unique sound experience that reflects the cultural richness of the Basque Country.
Pere Bujosa Trio
Pere Bujosa Trio is a jazz group led by double bassist Pere Bujosa. With a focus on improvisation and melodic exploration, the trio is known for their virtuosity and creativity on stage. Bujosa has worked with numerous renowned musicians and has developed a distinctive style that combines jazz tradition with a constant search for innovation.
Swingtronics
Swingtronics is a jazz band that combines elements of swing, electro-swing and electronic music. With a strong presence in the contemporary music scene, the group is known for their dynamic live performances and their ability to connect with audiences through their vibrant and energetic music. Swingtronics stands out for its innovation and its commitment to promoting swing in the field of electronic music.
More information: https://www.jazzaldia.eus/en/
