Umeå Jazzfestival

This year´s festival serves up both international stars and local flavour. Don´t miss violinist Regina Carter, jazz up close and an entire evening in the spirit of the blues.

"Umeå Jazz Festival is a festival for the residents of Umeå," says Festival Director Lennart Strömbäck, who is gearing up for the 44th annual festival.

Violinist Regina Carter from New York is one of this year's major attractions. "She is one of the greats of jazz, though not so well known to Umeå audiences as yet; something we plan to change. She's an interesting experience," promises Lennart Strömbäck, who also has a number of other heavyweights lined up.

New this year is that the jazz improvisation will move to a new stage at the former Bio Marx at Folkets Hus. "It's a welcome addition for those who like a bit more challenging jazz up close. The city's churches will also host jazz concerts over most of the week.

Two concept concerts - one a homage to Pink Floyd by Rita Marcotulli and the other with music by Kate Bush as played by Hello Earth from New York - have also been scheduled. And finally, something completely new at the Äpplet venue: "With Blues legend Jody Williams All Star from Chicago and regional musicians performing together, it will be an evening dedicated exclusively to the Blues.

The festival opens at NorrlandsOperan with the help of music students from Midgårdsskolan upper-secondary school. "It will be a perfect start. "The rejuvenation of new jazz talent in Umeå is assured," says Strömbäck with satisfaction.


LOCATION  Main scenes: NorrlandsOperan and Umeå Folkets Hus / Other local scenes