So the Stockholm Jazz Festival has come and gone. Ten glorious days where you get to sample the very best that the jazz world has to offer right now. Consider it a crash course in Jazz greats then and now. Now if you happen to be one of those who missed all of it because _______ (insert your own reason), relax – we’ve compiled a list of the top ten reasons why you should attend the festival next year:
- New to Stockholm or haven’t explored the city too widely yet? There are 160 shows at venues across the city from the suburbs to the legendary Fasching and Glen Miller in the city. There are jazz brunches and even soup lunches, shows at quirky record shops and even community halls.
- You already live in Stockers so getting around to the shows really isn’t a problem. Two feet, an SL Card or a Taxi will get you there.
- There are really good FREE shows. These will be clearly marked on the program.
- Shows are spread across the day so you really have no excuse not to go.
- Some venues offer a pre-show introduction to the artist(s). You’ll learn more than you could Google in that 15 minutes.
- You’re bound to run into jazz “pros” who have been following the artist(s) forever. Yes, crusty jazz cats exist, but they are fun to watch. These days those who love jazz know they have found something truly amazing. They look quite normal too.
- Artists love playing in Sweden and are highly appreciative of the audience. You might get to hear brand new songs not widely played before.
- Try something new. We guarantee you’ll like it.
- The festival is held in the middle of autumn when winter festivities aren’t anywhere in sight. Boost your gladness intake before the dark sets in.
- Lastly, how could you refuse? The world of jazz brought to your feet right here in Stockholm. 2016 featured luminaries like DeeDee Bridgewater, Archie Shepp, the Legendary Abdullah Ibrahim, Steve Gadd, the constantly on tour Avishai Cohen and Fatoumata Diawara to humbly mention a few.
Follow our Events Calendar where we will have the scoop on the upcoming Stockholm Jazz Festival in 2017 and many more music events.
Photos: Karen Pérez Guzmán
