Jazz Connections

This festival brings together generations. The 23rd Young and Old, or Jazz in Kraków International Festival (25-30 April) once again features established stars of jazz from Poland and abroad and premiere performances by young musicians.

The event is headlined by China Moses – daughter of the acclaimed vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater. She built her popularity as a presenter of MTV and Arte television, but it was her project Gardenias for Dinah, created jointly with the pianist and composer Raphaël Lemonniere, which was her passport to an international career.

We will also hear Polish Jazz – YES! by the saxophonist Zbigniew Namysłowski. The current lineup of the grandfather of Polish jazz includes artists of all generations, including his son Jacek and the pianist Sławek Jaskułke.

Jazz fosters dialogue regardless of age and background. The performance by the Adam Bałdych & Helge Lien Trio promises to be fascinating. Our home-grown violinist has recorded an album together with one of Norway’s finest jazz ensembles. Bridges blurs the boundaries between jazz, classical music and the sounds which surround us every day.

On 25 April, we commemorate the centenary of the First Lady of Song. The special concert Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald brings together young vocalists performing the finest pieces by the iconic jazz singer. As usual, the concert Young Jazz Scene introduces the finest rising stars of the jazz scene. And join us for an international jam session at the Piec Art club.

Traditionally, on 30 April the festival takes part in the UNESCO International Jazz Day. Events include workshops for kids and young adults, a record fair, a musical happening and a photo exhibition. (Artur Jackowski, "Karnet" monthly)