The 1st Hellenic International Jazz Festival comes to Petra Theater

Jazz lovers in Greece will now have their own annual music celebration. It will take place at the Petra Theater in Petroupoli on September 13, 14, and 15, hosting the Jazzét Festival – 1st Hellenic International Jazz Festival. This event will feature performances by groups and artists from both the domestic and global jazz scenes, with a special focus on Greek creators collaborating internationally.

Among this year’s distinguished guests are world-renowned artists such as Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen (Jan Garbarek Group & ECM), seven-time Grammy-winning American drummer Paul Wertico (Pat Metheny Group), and Greek guitarist Lefteris Christofis (Blue Note Records & Benedetto Guitars Artist).

Additionally, rising composer and singer Katerina Pipili with her quartet from France, the award-winning “Claude Diallo Situation” from Switzerland, Elli Paspala with the “Elly loves Jazz” project featuring David Lynch and Takis Farazis, and the spiritual “BYS Trio” with guests Haris Lambrakis and Anna Linardou. Lastly, the Ntinos Manos Quintet will showcase top musicians from Thessaloniki’s jazz scene.

Throughout the festival, various artistic activities will take place in the open-air space of Petra Theater, including performances by jazz dance and percussion groups. There will also be a jazz photography exhibition titled “Jazz as a Portrait Art” by John D. Carnessiotis, along with booths from record labels, conservatories, music schools, cultural organizations, and institutions.

PROGRAM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

21:00 CLAUDE DIALLO SITUATION (SWITZERLAND)
Claude Diallo / piano
Leon Frei / bass
Laura Schäfer / drums

The Claude Diallo Situation comes to Greece for the first time. This internationally acclaimed Swiss piano trio blends original compositions by award-winning jazz pianist Claude Diallo with innovative arrangements of beloved jazz standards.

This time, the trio will feature two newcomers from the Swiss jazz scene. Laura Schäfer, at just 21 years old, is about to begin her studies at ZHdK and already showcases immense drumming talent, adding a fresh aesthetic to the Claude Diallo Situation. Leon Frei, 18, has just finished high school in Winterthur, and despite his young age, his musicianship and technical skill on the double bass are unmatched. Together, Leon and Laura bring a creative force to the trio. This new Claude Diallo Situation will be unveiled for the first time, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the Swiss jazz scene, where an established musician meets two rising stars.

22:30 BYS TRIO feat. HARIS LAMBRAKIS & ANNA LINARDOU (GREECE)
Chrysostomos Boukalas / double bass
Kostas Giaxoglou / piano and keys
Nikos Siderokastritis / drums
Haris Lambrakis / ney
Anna Linardou / vocals

The Jazzet Festival will host a unique concert, featuring a collaboration between the B.Y.S. Trio, ney virtuoso Haris Lambrakis, and the enchanting voice of Anna Linardou. The B.Y.S. Trio, known for its tribute to Charlie Haden, combines musical sensitivity, innovative compositions, and deep emotional expression.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

21:00 KATERINA PIPILI QUARTET (FRANCE)
Katerina Pipili / vocals, compositions
Tommy Scott / piano
Gabriel Pierre / double bass
Mailo Rakotonanahary / drums

Katerina Pipili returns to Greece for a special concert with her quartet, showcasing compositions from her upcoming album. Known for her harmonious blend of “old” and “new” in her music, she has made a name for herself in the jazz scenes of Greece, France, and beyond.

22:30 GALASSIO – ARILD ANDERSEN, PAUL WERTICO, LEFTERIS CHRISTOFIS (NORWAY, USA, GREECE)
Arild Andersen / double bass
Paul Wertico / drums
Lefteris Christofis / guitars

Galassio’s debut concert will take place on September 14, featuring Greek guitarist and composer Lefteris Christofis, Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen, and American drummer Paul Wertico. Their collaboration promises an immersive and innovative jazz experience, with a blend of Mediterranean sounds and jazz complexity.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

21:00 NTINOS MANOS QUINTET (GREECE)
James Wylie / saxophone
Thodoris Kotsifas / guitar
Leandros Passias / piano
Ntinos Manos / double bass
George Klountzos / drums

The Ntinos Manos Quintet will present compositions from bassist and composer Ntinos Manos’ upcoming album “NORTHWIND,” blending lyrical and European jazz influences.

22:30 ELLI PASPALA (GREECE) “Elly loves Jazz” feat. DAVID LYNCH & TAKIS FARAZIS
Elli Paspala / vocals
David Lynch/saxophone, flute
Takis Farazis / piano
Petros Varthakouris / double bass
Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis / drums

Elli Paspala pays tribute to Jazz Standards from legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra. Accompanied by an exceptional quartet, she will bring to life timeless songs from the American Songbook, along with her personal jazz favorites.

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