This year’s Malta Jazz Festival will partially move away from Ta’ Liesse with the opening night being held at City Gate.
Festival director Sandro Zerafa said the one-day move was aimed to give the event “more of a festival vibe”.
The 26th edition of the festival, one of the longest running events organised by the Malta Arts Council, will be held between July 21 and July 23.
Mr Zerafa said the opening night would also feature free concerts by international headliners.
The festival will include some of the most prominent performers in the international jazz scene including six-time Grammy nominee Mike Stern, a former member of the Miles Davis’ Band.
He will be accompanied by “legendary” drummer Dennis Chambers and Rolling Stones’ bassist Darryl Jones.
Two-time Grammy award winner Snarky Puppy, a collective of nearly 40 musicians, will close off Saturday’s programme.
Saturday will also see Israeli-American Omer Avital take to the stage. The double bass player/composerhas been compared to jazz great Charles Mingus.
Pianist Marcus Roberts, perhaps best known for the development of a new approach to jazz trio performance, will be performing on Friday night.
Dominic Galea will perform alongside late jazz legend Stan Tracey’s son – Clark Tracey, a friend since the 1970’s, with whom he recorded an album last March in London. They will open Saturday’s programme.
Mr Zerafa made special mention of “world-known” Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa, who will also perform on Thursday. The virtuoso has gained international attention, winning top honours at the Montreux Jazz Piano Competition.
July 21 (Thursday)
CityGate Entrance, Valletta at 8pm
Oliver Degabriele Trio feat. Damien Fleau
Opposite Law Courts, Valletta at 9pm
South Sound Experience feat. Joe Debono
Harold López-Nussa
July 22 (Friday)
Ta’ Liesse, Valletta at 8pm
The Fringe Youth Jazz Ensemble
Marcus Roberts Trio
Mike Stern/ Bill Evans band feat. Dennis Chambers & Darryl Jones
July 23 (Saturday)
Ta’ Liesse, Valletta at 8pm
Dominic Galea - The UK Connection
Omer Avital
Snarky Puppy
Ticket Prices
€30 for a single day ticket – seated (VIP)
€50 for a 2 day block ticket – seated (VIP)
€20 for single day ticket – standing (free seating will be available)
€35 for a 2 day block ticket – standing (free seating will be available)
Early bird tickets available from April 15 – May 15
€25 instead of €30 for a single day ticket – seated (VIP)
€40 instead of €50 for a 2 day block ticket – seated (VIP)
€30 instead of €35 for a 2 day block ticket – standing (free seating will be available)
Tickets can be bought from here.