The program unveiled by the municipality in the Leiria district combines “different musical languages and spaces for enjoyment,” the city council stated in a release, introducing a new dimension this year that is “closer to the community.”
According to the organizers, this involves hosting “concerts not only in the city but also in São Pedro de Moel,” which will feature two performances arising from “a diverse and innovative program.”
The festival opens on the 11th at Teatro Stephens with the Francisco Gomes Trio, bringing to Marinha Grande a tribute to Cedar Walton, a significant figure in Afro-American jazz.
The following day, the same venue will host ‘Pangea,’ a performance led by pianist Máximo, accompanied by Joppe van Noten (drums) and Jan Honnef (bass), with audiovisual contributions from Joana Cardoso.
On the 18th, the Edifício Cosmos Azul e Mar in São Pedro de Moel will welcome the Afonso Pais Trio. The lineup includes Bernardo Moreira (double bass) and João Pereira (drums) for a program where iconic James Bond film soundtracks take on a ‘groove’ and ‘swing’ dimension.
Moroccan Maalem Houssam Guinia will perform at the beach in São Pedro de Moel, in the garden of the Afonso Lopes Vieira House-Museum.
A young master of Gnawa music, Houssam Guinea will infuse the festival on the 19th with the hypnotic sounds of West African ceremonial folklore.
Closing the festival, a special performance by the project Branco toca Marco Paulo at Teatro Stephens is set for the 26th. The trio led by Pedro Branco invites Benjamim, who adds his voice, guitar, and sensibility to this endeavor that reimagines the hits of singer Marco Paulo in a jazz version.
