Jazz under the stars on the Santa Lucia bastion in Dalt Vila
The annual Ibiza Jazz fest returns for the the 27th time this year and also returns to its roots, philosophically speaking. Originating all those years ago as an opportunity to showcase young Spanish Jazz talent – Chano Dominguez, the now world famous Jazz/Flamenco pianist was one of the first beneficiaries of this 'youth' programme – the accent this year is again on up and coming young artists.
Run once again by Ibiza Town Council, the festival is one of the few exceptions to the council's decision not to allow any more outdoor events which create noise, inconvenience and uncivic behaviour in Ibiza town. The budget's only €70 grand for the whole festival, though the council hope to raise a fair bit of extra cash from the €12 entry fee which can be paid on the portcullis.
Whilst the main thrust of the festy is on young cats blowing, the star of the show is a bit longer in the tooth; 60 next year, Jorge Pardo was voted Best European Jazz Musician just a couple of years ago. From Madrid, the sax and flute player has his Jazz heart firmly in Flamencoland, collaborating in the past with the likes of Paco de Lucia and Chick Corea, as well as dalliances with traditional Indian music in his Indalusia project.
If you're in Ibiza town at the time, you'll certainly know the concert are on as every evening the Marxing Band from the music school will march New Orleans style around the streets of the port and Dalt Vila to announce the night's entertainment. Each concert starts at 21:30 and you can see;
Thursday 23rd July - Natalia Dicenta plus Joan Chamorro and Andrea Motis
Friday 24th July – Jazz Division plus Ivo Sans plus Juan Ortiz Trio
Saturday 25th July – Eivissa Jazz Experience 15 plus Jorge Pardo.
So, there we are, a nice mix of young national talent and in the Jazz Division and Experience a portfolio of Jazzers from everywhere who are all based in Ibiza and play around the island in different amorphous/changing combos. Why not go along and enjoy a relaxed evening? You just might be seeing a big star of the future!
