Umbria Jazz celebrates its forty-fifth year with a special edition that stands out for the quality of the music on offer, its varied programme, and the inclusion of some of the great names from the world of music. Last year, the festival’s importance as a national event was set out in Italian law, and this edition of UJ is the festival’s way of acknowledging this important step. This recognition by the Italian State is not only a “reward” for the past and present of Umbria Jazz; it represents above all a responsibility that translates into an even greater commitment on the festival’s part to music and to the promotion of the local area.
As the festival organization grows and develops with the spring festival in Terni and the winter edition in Orvieto, Umbria Jazz continues to participate in events abroad, promoting Italian music and musicians, and at the same time Italian tourism and products.While a new phase for the festival begins this year, elements of the past remain as a guarantee for the future. The festival’s formula stays unchanged, and the ticket-only concerts continue to be held at the three main venues: the Santa Giuliana Arena, which has been the main stage since 2003 for the main evening concerts, preceded by a concert at the Restaurant Stage at 7.30 p.m.; the Morlacchi Theatre, for concerts in the afternoon, evening and ‘round midnight; and the National Gallery of Umbria for concerts at midday in the Sala Podiani.In addition, this year there are concerts with jazz apéritifs and also with jazz dinners at Umbrò, located in the old town centre, and there is the return of jam sessions starting at 1 a.m. at the restaurant da Cesarino. Fine food and wine can once again be had at lunch and dinner at the Bottega del Vino (daily) and at lunchtime at La Taverna (Saturdays and Sundays only).In keeping with tradition, there will be two locations for the free outdoor concerts – Piazza IV Novembre (where there has been a festival stage every year for 45 years) and the Giardini Carducci – but all of Perugia’s old town will be caught up in the music, thanks to the two street parades each day with Funk Off.
