Following its 50th Anniversary, Umbria Jazz enters a new era while maintaining its winning formula, featuring 12 stages, 87 bands, 580 artists, 238 events, and around 330 hours of music. Artistic Director Carlo Pagnotta and his team have curated a mix of renowned and emerging artists from diverse genres, with free and paid events across stunning historical locations in Perugia.
The Arena Santa Giuliana hosts major events, blending pop/rock stars like Lenny Kravitz, Toto, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and jazz greats such as Gil Evans Alumni, Chris Potter, and Hiromi. The Teatro Morlacchi offers a haven for jazz purists, with performances by Charles Lloyd, Enrico Rava, Paolo Fresu, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Experimental and intimate jazz finds its place at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria: Francesco Bearzatti and Paolo Birro pay tribute to Billy Strayhorn, French musicians Vincent Peirani and Émile Parisien, Miguel Zenón and Luis Perdomo with “El Arte del Bolero”, Gianluca Petrella and Pasquale Mirra with the unusual trombone-vibraphone-electronics formula. A selection of pianists will perform here: Micah Thomas, Marco Mezquida, Enrico Pieranunzi, Rita Marcotulli, Giovanni Guidi, Franco D’Andrea, and Ramberto Ciammarughi. Last but not least, the trio of guitarist Eleonora Strino, the Italian-French quartet Weave4, the Pieranunzi-Mirabassi-Bulgarelli trio with the project “Racconti Mediterranei”, the trans-generational trio Eddie & The Kids led by young guitarist Edoardo Ferri featuring veterans Enzo Pietropaoli and Fabrizio Sferra. A sui-generis reinterpretation of Louis Armstrong is performed by the “My Louis” quartet of trumpeter Mirco Rubegni.
Outdoor stages at Piazza IV Novembre, Giardini Carducci, and the Terrazza del Mercato Coperto feature accessible genres like soul, swing, and blues, while midnight jam sessions take over the Secret Bistrot.
The Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics provide students worldwide the chance to enhance their skills, with scholarships awarded to top performers. The Conad Jazz Contest highlights emerging bands.
UJ4KIDS is the successful synthesis of game, culture, creativity, and sociality for children and kids (and their families). The goal is to promote musical culture and, specifically, the knowledge of jazz. Fondazione Umbria Jazz wholeheartedly runs this project in collaboration with the local school institutions.
Special Tributes and Collaborations
The festival remembersSergio Piazzoli, a key figure in Perugia’s musical scene, with a concert by Vinicio Capossela. Additionally, Umbria Jazz continues its partnership with the Spoleto Festival, hosting shared performances by artists like Lizz Wright and Alessandro Lanzoni.
Music and Tourism
The festival merges contemporary music with Perugia’s historic backdrop, inviting visitors to explore alleys, squares, and monuments. Local cuisine complements the experience, with festival-linked restaurants and food areas offering a taste of Umbrian specialties.
Upcoming Highlights
The 2024 lineup features an array of global talents, including SOMI, Fatoumata Diawara, Chucho Valdès, Roberto Fonseca, and Djavan. Unique projects include Cha Wa’s New Orleans Mardi Gras sound, Richard Galliano’s New York Tango Trio, and a tribute to Bill Evans: “Kind Of Bill” with Dado Moroni, Eddie Gomez and Joe LaBarbera.
With its rich mix of music, culture, and education, Umbria Jazz 2024 promises to inspire and entertain a global audience.
Official artwork: “Del disegno…l’oro” by Gianni Dessì
