Donostia Jazz Festival marks 60th Anniversary
The 60th edition of the Donostia Jazz Festival (Jazzaldia) will take place from July 19 to 27, 2024, with a rich programme featuring 88 concerts across 12 venues in and around San Sebastián.
This year’s edition celebrates its milestone with performances by major international and local artists, a strong focus on family-friendly and free events, and a continued commitment to showcasing emerging Basque talent.
Of the 88 concerts, 51 will be free to attend, including 31 by local artists, five family concerts as part of the 13th Txikijazz, and several showcases under the JazzEñe platform, dedicated to contemporary Spanish jazz.
Headline performers include Jamie Cullum, Brad Mehldau, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marc Ribot, Dave Holland, Hermeto Pascoal, Chris Potter, Steve Coleman, and Marco Mezquida, among others. The lineup also features artists from other genres, such as The Beach Boys, EXTC, Judith Hill, and Yerai Cortés, reflecting the festival’s broader musical reach.
The Donostia Jazz Festival Awards 2024 will honour:
Dee Dee Bridgewater, for her pioneering vocal jazz career and cross-genre artistry
Marc Ribot, recognized for his eclectic and boundary-pushing guitar work
Bill Bruford, the influential drummer known for his work with YES and King Crimson
In addition to concerts at iconic spots like the Kursaal terraces, Keler Gunea beach stage, and Chillida Leku, there will be 15 DJ sessions at the Nauticool terrace, curated by DJ Makala.
Txikijazz will offer five concerts and workshops for children and families, with performances by Claire Martin, Irati Bilbao, Arima Soul, and others, hosted at venues including Tabakalera, Chillida Leku, and Fnac Gunea.
A new festival image, titled “El Regreso de Josephine” by artist Jose Luis Lanzagorta, pays tribute to Josephine Baker, symbolizing modernity and civil rights. It will decorate San Sebastián’s streets during the festival period.