The 59th Jazzaldia to honour legendary double bassist William Parker
The 59th Jazzaldia boasts myriad top-notch artists and is now putting the final touches to ensuring that the locals, and those who come to visit us, can enjoy a Festival packed with unforgettable moments and concerts on the 12 spectacular stages located in different parts of the city. Donostia/San Sebastián will overflow with music as the festive atmosphere takes hold for the 59th Jazzaldia.
There will be 12 stages: Trinitate Plaza, Keler Gunea (Zurriola beach), Kutxabank Kursaal Auditorioa, FCC Victoria Eugenia Antzokia, Škoda San Telmo Museoa, Frigo Gunea, Fnac Gunea, Chillida Leku, Kutxa Fundazioa Plaza (Tabakalera), Nauticool, Irun and the María Cristina Hotel.
Donostiako Jazzaldia Award:
In recognition of his musical career dedicated to Jazz and of his position as a leading light for several generations of artists, this year’s Donostiako Jazzaldia Award will go to William Parker, considered by critics to be the best avant-garde Jazz double bassist of the last few decades.
Hailing from New York, William Parker is a legendary musician who has made his indelible mark on contemporary music. His commitment to innovation, his creative freedom and in-depth understanding of musical language makes him a fundamental figure in contemporary Jazz.
Parker will give three concerts at this year’s Jazzaldia, performing on three different stages and with a different line-up each time, as a duo, trio and quartet. Tickets for these concerts can be purchased individually or for all three as a William Parker season ticket coming with a 15% discount.
24 Basque groups will shine at the 59th Jazzaldia
For decades, the San Sebastián Festival has been providing a platform to highlight and promote local talent. The Jazzaldia dedicates a substantial part of its programme to Basque groups and artists, not only rising stars and young artists, but also concerts from musicians enjoying wider importance and acclaim. Undoubtedly a fantastic opportunity to find out what’s going on in the buzzing Basque music scene, and not only in Jazz, but in other genres too.
This year we will once again have the presence of 10 groups selected thanks to the Local Groups 2024 initiative: Iñar Sastre, Nacho Soto Trío, Oscar Garrido Quintet, Gregario de Luxe (as he turns 20), Nhil, Les 4 Saxes & Co, Alex Haro’s Freedom, Fran Serrano 4tet 0202, Euskal Hot Club and Motelas.
Joining the above are Basque groups and artists including Iñaki Salvador, Elkano Browning Cream, Noa & The Hell Drinkers, The Fake Cousins, Itziar Yagüe and R.S. Basque Faktor, FEMM & Band and the Big Band from the San Sebastián School of Music and Dance.
Lastly, the Keler Gunea Zurriola Beach stage boasts a strong presence of more popular Basque artists from other fields: IZARO, Merina Gris, Shinova, El Columpio Asesino and Chill Mafia.
