Jazz Festival Delft

“In the last thirty years the festival has become the professional and innovative festival that it is now: a tribute to the footsteps of jazz, but with both legs in the present, and looking to the future,” states the website.

The names have been announced, and you can expect both Dutch and international highlights. One of the headliners will be 2013 Edison music award winner, Reinier Baas. Mirjan van Leijenhorst, spokesperson, says in her press release, “Alongside the Reinier Baas Trio and saxophone icon Hans Dulfer, both on the main podium on the market square, the public in Delft can enjoy unique performances from Matt Bianco, Frank McComb and CeCe Peniston in the third weekend of August. These artists fit in with the new programme from The Jazz Dream, who connect young and upcoming Dutch talent with experienced jazz, soul and pop heroes. Other young international stars are Lessus & The Family from Spain, and the very talented Francesca Tandoi from Italy who was specially selected by bassist and musicologist Hans Mantel.” The Jazz Dream Foundation works in cooperation with the festival organisers.

“In honour of the thirtieth anniversary of the festival, the organisers and their partners have chosen a special arrangement of the programme. Further, there will be a double main podium for the first time. In addition, there is even more space than in previous editions for related music styles such as soul, hip hop, funk, blues and even pop. There is also room for jazz improvisation and adventurous directions. Some examples are Tommy Moustache, That Park Life, Pink Oculus and Susanne Alt,” adds Van Leijenhorst. Music lovers can also enjoy performances from the likes of Squib Cakes (Tribute to the Tower or Power), Gé Titulaer, ’69 Comeback, Mr Boogie Woogie and ZooT.

Café De Oude Jan and the Doelenplein will also feature as venues this year, and there will be “Jazz in the Park” at Poptahof once again.

With their cosy terraces, local bars and cafés will be ready to serve the public that come not just from the region, but further afield, to enjoy the festival. There will be additional food and drink stalls as well.

The event kicks off on the Friday at around 18:00, ending on the Sunday at 18:00. In addition to the four main venues, there’ll be live acts at various locations throughout the city over the course of the weekend. For more information and the full programme see www.jazzfestivaldelft.nl and www.facebook.com/jazzfestivaldelft, where maps and an app will be available shortly.