The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival, now in its 23rd year, will be adding some pzazz to the streets of Tel Aviv (or more accurately, the Tel Aviv Cinematheque) from the 21st – 24th February!
The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival might not be as world renowned as the Red Sea Jazz Festival held in Eilat every summer, but it is still one of the premier jazz events in Israel. And you can also get to see some of it for FREE!
Expect to catch both Israeli and international jazz stars, as well as some interesting musical side projects.
Among the international artists heading to this year’s festival: legendary singer Mary Stallings; renowned baritone player Ronnie Cuber (see pic above); bassist Henry Grimes; a Bulgarian combo including composer/pianist Dimitar Bodurov and the renowned shepherd flute player Theodosii Spassov; famous trumpet player and percussionist Jerry Gonzalez; clarinetist Oran Etkin and the Malinese balafon player Balla Utha.
This year the festival will have a strong focus on French jazz, including performances from two of the most happening French jazz musicians around at the moment, pianist Baptiste Trotignon and saxophonist David El-Malek. Add to that, one of the true greats, Kirk Lightsey, who has spent much of his time in France.
Leading Israeli musicians will be there too, including Nurit Galron and her trio, the Amit Friedman sextet, together with a string quartet, and the guitarist and singer Dida Peled will be hosting the awesome pianist Shlomi Shaban.
To catch some of the FREE performances, step into the tent outside the new Cinematheque building.
For more info, check out the official site: www.jazzfest.co.il