The world's top saxophone players, drummers and vocalists are among those on the line-up of this year's Malta Jazz Festival.

The 29th edition will take place between July 15 and 20.

The festival will feature Kenny Garrett, one of the world’s most renowned saxophone players.

Also performing is Jazzmeia Horn, one of the most important jazz vocalists, who was nominated for a Grammy award last year.

Ozmosys will feature legendary jazz drummer Omar Hakim, one of the most versatile eclectic jazz drummers who has collaborated with Miles Davis, Dire Straits, Daft Punk and David Bowie.

Omar Hakim has played with the likes of Miles Davis and David Bowie.Omar Hakim has played with the likes of Miles Davis and David Bowie.

Chucho Valdés – the Cuban Jazz Legend, six-time Grammy Award Winner, will also be performing on the main stage at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta.

Ta’ Liesse will also feature some local acts like the William Smith Trio and jazz veteran Dominic Galea who will be presenting a new project featuring young Maltese musicians.

“These acts contribute to one of my main goals, which is that of providing a platform for young upcoming musicians. I am a jazz musician today because of the Malta Jazz Festival – I started off as a stage hand and here I am today wanting to give something back and this does exactly that,” festival artistic director Sandro Zerafa said.

The Malta Concert Orchestra’s Big Band together Joe Cutajar will also be performing at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta among many other performances from other artists throughout the whole week.

Festivals director Annabelle Stivala said this year’s festival will not only be celebrating music and musicians but also spaces and heritage. It will be venturing out of Valletta, exploring three new settings: the Palazzo Vilhena courtyard in Mdina, The Notre Dame Gate in Vittoriosa and the Tritons' Square in Valletta.

The festival also hosts daily free midday concerts near the Parliament building, free masterclasses at Offbeat throughout the week, and a photographic exhibition by Darrin Zammit Lupi.

For more information, visit www.festivals.mt/jazzfestival

 

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