Experience the rhythms of the 65th Ljubljana Jazz Festival

10th-13th July marks the 65th annual Jazz Festival Ljubljana, Slovenia, one of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals. This year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of music, featuring six stages and 20 concerts with nearly 100 performers hailing from over 20 countries. As always, the festival’s heart will beat at the CD Park, with the iconic Križanke open-air theatre setting the stage for an unforgettable opening night.

Jazz Against Reactionary Ignorance: A Celebration of Diversity and Innovation

The Ljubljana Jazz Festival continues its proud tradition of standing against reactionary ignorance, showcasing the rich and varied tapestry of jazz music. This year’s lineup pays homage to the genre’s roots whilst celebrating its contemporary visionaries, from the vibrant rhythms of Recife in northern Brazil to the legendary jazz triangle of New Orleans, Chicago, and New York, with a special nod to Stockholm and, of course, the festival’s home, Ljubljana.

Opening Night Extravaganza: 10th July 2024 at Križanke

Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott)

The opening of the festival will kick off with jazz luminar, Chief Adjuah. Known for his innovative stretch music and custom-designed instruments, his latest release pays homage to the music of his ancestors. Chief Adjuah’s performance promises a powerful exploration of the African-American experience, both past and present.

Charles Lloyd Sky Quartet

Joining Chief Adjuah on the opening evening is Charles Lloyd, one of the last still active saxophonists of the “1950s history-making saxophone generation”. Charles Lloyd will perform with  a top-class line-up of accompanying musicians: Jason Moran (piano); Larry Grenadier (double bass); Eric Harland (drums). Charles Lloyd will be performing following the release of his masterpiece album, The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow, earlier this year.

A Night of Legends: 11th July 2024 at Gallus Hall, Cankarjev dom

John Scofield / Dave Holland Duo

Witness a rare and magical collaboration between two jazz titans. Double bassist Dave Holland and guitarist John Scofield have shaped the sound of jazz over the past five decades. Their duo performance will feature original compositions and beloved jazz standards, offering a deep, virtuoso dialogue between two of the genre’s most revered musicians.

A Stellar Lineup of Artists

Beyond the headliners, the festival boasts a diverse array of artists, including:

• Amaro Freitas Trio
• Artbeaters
• Anže Mikulan (.abeceda VII.)
• Boštjan Gombač & Igor Leonardi
• Gaj Bostič (Mladi raziskovalci VII.)
• Gašper Livk – Artist in Residence
• Goran Kajfeš Tropiques
• James Brandon Lewis Trio
• Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
• Kaisa’s Machine
• Lana Petrovič (.abeceda VII.)
• Manica Slapšak (Mladi raziskovalci VII.)
• otherMother
• Roots Magic
• Tututu Orchestra

Weekend tickets available from €85.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.ljubljanajazz.si