Get ready to relax to some jazz in a splendid location.
This July, jazz lovers are in for a real treat - the Malta International Jazz Festival is back and ready to impress! From today, the 16th, right up until 21st July, head down to Ta’ Liesse in Valletta, where the Grand Harbour will provide the most magnificent backdrop to the Malta International Jazz Festival.
Get ready for some of the biggest names in jazz to fill six nights of your summer, with live music performed by Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Nasheet Waits and John Patitucci among others - the varied sounds of eclectic and contemporary jazz are set to bring some rhythm to your life!
The festival itself will kick off this Thursday 19th July in Valletta centre, where the Yotam Silberstein Quartet will open the festival with songs from their new album. Yotam will be on tour this year, so his performance in Malta is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to hear some top notch music in the capital. After the Yotam Silberstein Quartet at City Gate, a brisk walk to Pjazza Teatru Rjal will introduce you to some killer sound. A Tribute to Count Basie, where the MCO Big Band will play Kansas City Suite; some smooth music for a relaxed vibe. Followed by Karim Ziad ‘Ifrikya’, this performance in front of the Law Courts will bring day one of the festival to an end.
Friday’s segment will feature The Blue Tangerine, Christian McBride’s New Jawn and Bokanté - starting off at 8pm, continuing late into the night. Ta’ Liesse will come to life on 20th July with The Blue Tangerine as the must-see act of the night. A Franco-Maltese collab true to the Malta Jazz Fest concept; bringing together different sounds to bring forth a symphony of cultures, synergies and crowds. Angela Vella Zarb will hit the mic with Florent Hinschberger on the trumpet and Karl Grech on guitar, among other talented musicians.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! For one more night of high-quality music, pay Ta’ Liesse another visit on Saturday for the awesome Chick Corea Trio and João Bosco to make the most of your weekend. Brazilian João Bosco will be accompanied by Ricardo Silveira on guitar, Guto Wirtti on bass and Kikko Freitas on drums, while the main man will show off his skills on guitar while taking charge of the vocals for the evening. Chick Corea Trio will be the ones to watch on Saturday night; expect some smooth acoustic tunes with superb songwriting skills.
And if the main events aren't enough to get you excited, take a look at the official programme for the full picture; including lunchtime concerts in the capital’s centre as well as Masterclasses taking off from today. Get the inside scoop from the masterminds in the industry; namely Hugo Lippi, Olivier Zanot, Vincent Jacqz and others.
The Malta International Jazz Festival is organised under the supreme direction of Sandro Zerafa. His artistic guidance provides for a festival of exquisite talent, varying sounds and ultimate summer vibe set in a grand location.