San Javier International Jazz Festival returns with star-studded 28th edition

Officials have announced the long-awaited 28th edition of the San Javier International Jazz Festival, a major music festival taking place in the municipality during the summer months. The event will feature nearly 30 concerts across two weeks in this Costa Calida hotspot, and will re-establish its position as one of the leading jazz events not only in Murcia, but in the whole of Spain.

A star-studdded programme celebrating national and international artists

The programme was presented by director of the festival and Councillor for Culture, David Martínez. This year will place a particular emphasis on soul and blues jazz, and like previous editions, will bring together well-known international artists, as well as up-and-coming local ones. Tributes will also be paid during the festival, including to jazz legends like Steve Cropper, Eddie Palmieri, Sheila Jordan, Raúl Malo and Miles Griffith.

The line-up features talented individual musicians including guitarist Pat Metheny, saxophonist Joe Lovano and vocalist José James, as well as popular groups including The Brand New Heavies, the Take Me to the River All Stars, and the Fusion Experience Quartet.

This year’s programme is also set apart by the abundant presence of strong female artists, including Lizz Wright, Camille Thurman, Cyrille Aimée and Nicole Zuraitis.

European and Spanish jazz: A huge event that everyone can take part in

The San Javier International Jazz Festival will also have a cultural aspect, with a focus on European and specifically Spanish jazz pieces. Ludovico Beier, Clarence Bekker and Luca Filastro will pay homage to these types of European styles, and Spanish bassist Carles Benavent will be the recipient of this year’s festival award.

To ensure that everyone can enjoy the spirit of jazz in the municipality, free jazz performances will also take place in popular locations throughout San Javier, including in Plaza de España, La Manga and Santiago de la Ribera.

Tickets for the San Javier International Jazz Festival will range in price from €20 to €50, with full festival passes priced at €180. The festival programme will run from June 26 to July 24.