For the sixth year running, the A to JazZ international festival is transforming Sofia into a jazz capital of the world. The festival is taking place with the support of the Ministry of Culture and is on the cultural events calendar of Sofia Municipality.

A to JazZ was created in 2011 and quickly evolved into a major high-attendance jazz forum, featuring names like Roy Hargrove, Kenny Garrett, Michel Camilo, Jose James and a host of renowned Bulgarian jazz musicians.

This year the festival is taking place on 1, 2 and 3 July, three nights under the open sky in South Park II with the world’s top jazz performers – singer Dianne Reeves, saxophone player Branford Marsalis and his quartet with a special appearance by Kurt Elling.

A to JazZ opens on 1 July with a powerful Bulgarian lineup - The Smugglers Collective Swing DJ Set, followed by Imagine, The Golden Project, the French-Polish jazz formation Avenue and at 9 PM – Nik West, the virtuoso funk bass player, holder of four Grammy awards who has performed with Prince, Dave Stewart from Eurythmics and John Mayer.

The lineup on the festival’s second day features Derek Brown’s musical innovation - BEATBoX SAX, the Bulgarian musicians from Classic in the Jazz and Funkallero and multiple Grammy award winner Dianne Reeves who will present her latest album – Beautiful Life which won her a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2015.

On Sunday night jazz music fans will be able to hear Petya Dankova Live Band, Akaga, Jazztory with the project The Music of Thad Jones & Mel Lewis and Branford Marsalis quartet.

A to JazZ KIDS is a fringe educational program for the youngest music fans. Over the three festival days, space will be designated near the outdoor stage, where children will be able to listen to music, play musical games, see and touch different musical instruments, and even play some jazz with professional musicians and tutors who will demonstrate what music is in an amusing and engaging way.

The festival program also includes evening jam sessions at the Studio 5 club of the National Palace of Culture.

English version: Milena Daynova