The Donostiarra festival will offer from July 17 to 27 88 concerts in 12 scenarios distributed throughout the city, combining free payment concerts.
From July 19 to 27, Donostia-San Sebastián becomes another year in the epicenter of the international jazz on the occasion of the 60th edition of the Donostiako Jazzaldiaone of the most veteran festivals in Europe. This year’s program brings together great names of the global and local scene, with 88 concerts distributed in 12 scenarios, most of them free.
One of the great moments will come from the British hand Jamie Cullumwhich will offer two performances: last Tuesday, July 22 at the Kursaal Auditorium (with entrance) and a free outdoor concert at the Zurriola beach yesterday Wednesday 23. He will share a sign with The Beach Boysthat they will perform that same day in the Kursaal in their formation led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, reviewing hymns as “Surfin ‘USA” and “Good vibrates”.
Other prominent artists are the guitarist Yerai Cortéswhich will present its Flamenco Guitar Coral Project; The saxophonist Steve Coleman With his band Five Elements; The charismatic vocalist Kurt Elling Next to the group Yellowjackets; The Brazilian legend Hermeto Pascoal; and the pianist Brad Mehldauwho will close the festival on July 27.
The Trinidad Square, one of the most emblematic spaces of the Festival, will host artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marc Ribot, the Holland – Potter – Loueke trio, and Chief Adjuah (previously Christian Scott). The open spirit of Jazzaldia is maintained with 51 free concerts in spaces such as the Beach of Zurriola (Keler Gunea), Las Terrazas del Kursaal (Frigo and Fnac Gunea), Chillida Leku, the San Telmo Museum or the María Cristina Hotel. By Keler Gunea they will pass, among others, Judith Hill, Crystal Murray, Extc, Anari, Sidonie, Bull and The War and Treaty.
The Festival gives special prominence to the Basque scene with 31 local groups, 10 of them selected through the “Local Groups 2025” initiative. Among the names stand out Biper swing, silk suite, eneko diéguez quartet and soul seben. There will also be space for local figures such as Iñaki Salvador, Oreka Tx or Anari.
The program is complemented with initiatives for all audiences. Txikijazz, the children’s and family cycle, celebrates its 13th edition with concerts and workshops in Tabakalera, Chillida Leku and other spaces. The cinema will also have its place with the Jazzinema cycle, organized by the Basque film library. In addition, the San Telmo Museum hosts an exhibition that reviews the six decades of the festival, a unique opportunity to immerse itself in its history.
This year’s Donostiako Jazzaldia awards recognize the trajectories of Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marc Ribot and the legendary drummer Bill Brufordwho will participate in a special concert with Pete Roth Trio.
