USA

The famous drummer Jeff Ballard would play at our festival as a leader of the trio with sax player Chris Cheek, and the singer/guitarist Lionel Loueke.

Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician, one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona’s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty and issues. His purpose, and the way he connects with his audience has turned him into a staple name in world, jazz and Afropop music.

Jon Cleary is a funk and R&B musician based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was originally from Cranbrook in Kent, England, and has studied for the past 35 years the "musical culture and life of New Orleans". Cleary is an accomplished honky-tonk pianist as well as being a multi-instrumentalist, a vocalist and a song-writer.

There's no need to sugar coat it, since her impressive credits speak for themselves. Her colleagues praise her ability, her dedication and drive to perfecting her craft as a professional singer and knockout performer. On stage and in the studio, New York City based vocalist and songwriter Shayna Steele proves she is a vocal force to be reckoned with.

Chris Potter is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, voted for the best tentor sax player in the Downbeat magazine. Chris Potter has performed with stars like Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, Pat Metheny and Dave Holland.

Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra is one of the hottest young european bigbands, led by Ed Partyka, the doyen of the bigband scene at the continent. 

Steve Coleman has been a mainstay in the ever-changing jazz world since the 1980s. First as a sideman for stars such as Dave Holland, Cassandra Wilson, and Errol Parker, and later as the frontman of his own band. As a leader, he has released over thirty albums.

Bob Mintzer is a jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and big band leader based in Los Angeles. While touring with the Yellowjackets or his own quartet, or big band, Mintzer writes music for big band, various small bands, saxophone quartets, orchestral and concert band music.

Paul Jarret is a young french guitarist and composer playing mostly jazz and improvised music. Playing the jazz standards as well as radical free improvisation, he is involved in many projects as a leader, a co-leader or a sideman. Jim Black is at the forefront of a new generation of musicians bringing jazz into the 21st century.

Charles Burrell, the uncle of Dianne Reeves was a bass player with the Denver Symphony Orchestra. He's introduced her to the music of jazz singers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday. She was especially impressed by Sarah Vaughan.

Later she has won four Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Performance.