With a guitar

The second Jarek Śmietana International Jazz Guitar Competition also forms a part of the festival. The event brings together giants of jazz guitar, Polish masters of the instrument and up-and-coming jazz musicians. Twelve guitarists have been shortlisted, including seven from Poland, two from the US and one each from the UK, Germany and Italy. And there’s plenty to fight for! The organisers have promised three prizes: 10,000USD, 5000USD and 2000USD. There is also a special prize funded by the competition patron’s family: Anna and Alicja Śmietana. Winners will be revealed during the finale gala: on 1 July, the Kraków Philharmonic hosts winners performing alongside some of the greatest stars of jazz guitar Mike Stern, Peter Bernstein and Marek Napiórkowski. (AJ)