Categories: News 2023

by Ponta Lopud

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Categories: News 2023

by Ponta Lopud

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On the first masterclass of the second day of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, the master in residence Joe Lovano and David Sánchez had a free improvisation session in front of the participants, followed by a discussion on their individual perspectives on tenor saxophone. They also shared their experiences of integrating their own cultural heritage into jazz and African-American music.

Award-winning musicians Luis Perdomo and Ricky Rodriguez led a jam session with the participants, based on Afro-Latin rhythms and the art of “opening” the music to allow improvisation and proper comping in the form of musical support. Participants of the Festival Haddis Alemayehu, masinqo – Ethiopian lute (Ethiopia), Mirsad Dalipi, drums (Kosovo), Aldo Foško, piano and saxophone (Croatia), Maja Grgić, vocals (Croatia), Milena Jančurić, flute (Serbia), Lana Janjanin, piano and vocals (Croatia), Jošt Lampret, bass (Slovenia), Stevan Milijanović, piano (Serbia), Borna Pehar, piano (Croatia), Žiga Smrdel, drums (Slovenia), Ajda Stina Turek, vocals (Slovenia), Lidija Strika, bass (Croatia), and Angelica Zacchigna, vocals (Italy and Croatia) seized this great opportunity not only to acquire knowledge but also to enjoy performances by true jazz legends in which they themselves participated.

The beautiful tradition of symbolically planting a palm tree in Đorđić Mayneri Park, which started three years ago at the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, continues in the jazz version of this unique festival. This time, the Festival pays tribute to the symbol of the Mediterranean, the olive tree. In the company of all participants, mentors, and lecturers, master in residence Joe Lovano planted an olive tree, expressing gratitude to the local community, which made both the film and jazz editions of Ponta Lopud special with their warmth and hospitality. The olive tree remains a lasting reminder of inspiring festival days.

The Obradović & Tixier Duo, led by French pianist David Tixier and Croatian drummer Lada Obradović, performed in front of a fully packed audience in the garden of the Grand Hotel. The duo produces a contemporary and elegant sound that combines acoustic and electronic instruments, resulting in a highly impressive performance where David’s refined harmonies and lyrical drama interweave with Lada’s polyrhythms.

Just like the first evening, a jam session followed the concert, and judging by the atmosphere and the audience’s uncontained enthusiasm, it truly was an unforgettable musical experience.

Tonight, on the final evening of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, we can look forward to a true musical delight, the concert by four-time Grammy winner Antonio Sánchez and his band Bad Hombre. One of the most influential and versatile jazz artists in the world, along with Thana Alexa, BIGYUKI, and Lex Sadler, will perform the album “SHIFT (Bad Hombre Vol 2)” live. This will also be followed by a jam session and a closing party.

You can download your free tickets and be part of this musical spectacle by visiting the link ulaznice.hr/r/Ponta-Lopud-Jazz-festival. Additional transfer to Lopud by the Argosy boat is organized. The boat ride takes a maximum of 60 minutes.

The Argosy boat departs from Gruž in Dubrovnik (across from the green market) at 7:00 PM, with the return journey from Lopud (in front of the Lafodia Hotel) at 00:30 AM.

The Argosy boat timetable and all additional information about the program can be found at: https://jazz.pontalopud.hr/program-2023/.