The event takes place from October 10 to 18 in various locations around Coimbra, featuring a significant portion of its programming derived from partnerships with the Seixal Jazz and the Autumn in Jazz festivals (Casa da Música), announced the president of the Jazz ao Centro Clube (JACC), José Miguel Pereira.
“After 22 editions, now entering the 23rd, it is a tremendous challenge to maintain a relevant festival, with fresh proposals, allowing the audience access to contemporary jazz,” he remarked.
One strategy involves connecting “with other hubs that also promote this music,” with the Teatro do Bairro Alto also contributing to the program.
Through these connections, the audience will enjoy concerts from trumpeter Yazz Ahmed; musicians Luís Vicente, John Dikeman, Hamid Drake, and John Edwards (replacing William Parker in this performance); and the trio of Sakina Abdou, Marta Warelis, and Toma Gouband.
Furthermore, in a co-production by JACC, Casa da Música, and Seixal Jazz, curated by Pedro Costa, a group of eight Portuguese musicians will be led by Dutch composer Tjin Wybenga, presenting an original work.
A JACC Records album release is also planned, featuring a collaboration between Portuguese musician Luís Vicente and three American artists.
Co-organized by JACC and the Coimbra City Council, the festival aims to “support artists with connections to the city,” affirmed the representative during the program presentation conference.
In this context, highlights include the orchestra led by 24-year-old Estela Alexandre, who will perform on one of the festival’s main stages, the Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente, on October 17.
The festival’s first day features a concert by the trio led by French saxophonist Sakina Abdou, alongside Polish pianist Marta Warelis and French percussionist Toma Gouband at Salão Brazil, as well as a ‘matinée’ at the Casa das Artes Bissaya Barreto.
On October 11, the Yakuza’s performance invites dancing at Salão Brazil in the lower city, while the Seminar Major of Coimbra’s Atelier Semente hosts the educational concert “Jazz Club for Kids” with Maria Morbey and Zé Soares.
On the same day, Luís Antero, a soundscape artist, and invited double bassist Miguel Calhaz will present free performances engaging with the space’s memory at Estação Nova.
Other highlights include Yazz Ahmed Quartet on October 16 at Convento São Francisco, followed by the trio Rafani, Sadigh, Shahmirzadi, featuring Vasco Trilla at Salão Brazil.
The final day of the festival will feature the Combo CPJazz at Atelier Semente; Rafael Toral at the Seminar Major; and a recording mini-residency with guitarist Marcelo dos Reis and Luso-Catalan drummer Vasco Trilla at Salão Brazil.
For Coimbra’s Mayor, José Manuel Silva, partnerships with other cities, festivals, institutions, and musicians are “essential for the festival’s growth,” a feat achieved skillfully by the JACC.
The mayor described the festival as an anchor event, emphasizing the aspiration for Coimbra to be a jazz city, a goal realized through JACC’s efforts and other local initiatives of this nature.
Festival tickets are available for prices ranging from two to 14 euros, with some free performances.
