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Leopolis Jazz Fest (previously Alfa Jazz Fest) is an international jazz festival, annually held in June in
Lviv Lviv ( uk, Львів) is the largest city in western Ukraine, and the seventh-largest in Ukraine, with a population of . It serves as the administrative centre of Lviv Oblast and Lviv Raion, and is one of the main cultural centres of Ukraine ...
(
Ukraine Ukraine ( uk, Україна, Ukraïna, ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which it borders to the east and northeast. Ukraine covers approximately . Prior to the ongoing Russian inv ...
) since 2011. ''
The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'', and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers ''The Observer'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardian'' is part of the Gu ...
'' included Leopolis Jazz Fest in the list of the best European festivals.


Overview

The festival was established by
Mikhail Fridman Mikhail Maratovich Fridman (also transliterated Mikhail Friedman; russian: Михаил Маратович Фридман; he, מיכאיל פרידמן; born 21 April 1964) is a Ukrainian-born, Russian–Israeli businessman, billionaire, and ...
, a Russian oligarch, co-founder of
LetterOne LetterOne Holdings S.A. (LetterOne) is an international investment business based in Luxembourg. Its investments are focused on the Telecommunication, telecoms, technology and Energy industry, energy sectors through its two main business units, ...
and
Alfa Group Alfa Group Consortium () is Russian international privately owned investment groups, with interests in oil and gas, commercial and investment banking, asset management, insurance, retail trade, telecommunications, water utilities and special sit ...
, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of
Alfa Group Alfa Group Consortium () is Russian international privately owned investment groups, with interests in oil and gas, commercial and investment banking, asset management, insurance, retail trade, telecommunications, water utilities and special sit ...
and a native of
Lviv Lviv ( uk, Львів) is the largest city in western Ukraine, and the seventh-largest in Ukraine, with a population of . It serves as the administrative centre of Lviv Oblast and Lviv Raion, and is one of the main cultural centres of Ukraine ...
, in 2011. Until 2017 the main sponsor of the festival was Alfa-Bank (Ukraine), and therefore the festival was called Alfa Jazz Fest. In 2017, the festival was renamed to Leopolis Jazz Fest to indicate its venue (Leopolis is the city's name in Latin). In addition to concerts of jazz musicians from around the world, the festival also hosts jam sessions, master-classes and autograph sessions with global
jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a major ...
stars. An annual awards ceremony, "Leopolis Jazz Music Awards" dedicated to
Eddie Rosner Adolph Ignatievich Rosner, known professionally as Ady Rosner and Eddie Rosner (26 May 1910 – 8 August 1976) was a Polish and Soviet jazz trumpeter sometimes called "The White Louis Armstrong" or "Polish Louis Armstrong". He was a prisoner in th ...
(previously "Alfa Jazz Music Awards") is held during gala concert of the festival in Lviv. These awards are established to honour the artists who have made significant contribution to the development of jazz music. The winner is selected by a wide range of experts, including music critics, prominent culture persons, public and government officials, journalists and entrepreneurs from different countries.


Venue

The festival takes place on three stages: • the main festival stage in the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Culture Park: the stage bears the name of famous Soviet jazz musician
Eddie Rosner Adolph Ignatievich Rosner, known professionally as Ady Rosner and Eddie Rosner (26 May 1910 – 8 August 1976) was a Polish and Soviet jazz trumpeter sometimes called "The White Louis Armstrong" or "Polish Louis Armstrong". He was a prisoner in th ...
(ticket required) • a stage on the central square of the city: Rynok Square (free entry) • a stage in a historic part of the city: Pototski Palace square (free entry)


History

Leopolis Jazz Fest 2021 The 10th Leopolis Jazz Fest took place on June 24–28, 2021. During five days, about 200 musicians from 18 countries of the world performed on the stages of the Leopolis Jazz Fest. Headliners of Leopolis Jazz Fest 2021:
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Chris Botti Christopher Stephen Botti ( ; born October 12, 1962) is an award-winning American trumpeter and composer. In 2013, Botti won the Grammy Award in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category, for the album ''Impressions''. He was also nominated in ...
, Avishai Cohen Trio "Arvoles",
Kamasi Washington Kamasi Washington (born February 18, 1981) is an American jazz saxophonist, usually playing tenor saxophone. Archived July 9, 2015. Career Washington was born in 1981 and raised in Los Angeles, California. He is a graduate of the Academy of ...
, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with
Wynton Marsalis Wynton Learson Marsalis (born October 18, 1961) is an American trumpeter, composer, teacher, and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. He has promoted classical and jazz music, often to young audiences. Marsalis has won nine Grammy Awar ...
,
Jan Lundgren Jan Lundgren, born on 22 March 1966 in Olofström, Blekinge, and resident in Ystad since 2005, is an internationally active Swedish jazz musician. He is a pianist, composer, and senior lecturer at the Malmö Academy of Music, where he has taug ...
, Harold López-Nussa, Itamar Borochov,
Kathrine Windfeld Kathrine Windfeld (21 August 1966 – 6 February 2015) was a Danish film and television director. She is known for the 2012 Swedish spy film '' Hamilton: In the Interest of the Nation''. As a television director she is credited with episodes ...
, Pianoboy. For guests and residents of Lviv, two stages worked in the city center with free access - on Rynok Square and in the courtyard of the Potocki Palace. The concerts were held with the participation of leading European groups and bands from
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Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...
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Lithuania Lithuania (; lt, Lietuva ), officially the Republic of Lithuania ( lt, Lietuvos Respublika, links=no ), is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. It is one of three Baltic states and lies on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania ...
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Luxembourg Luxembourg ( ; lb, Lëtzebuerg ; french: link=no, Luxembourg; german: link=no, Luxemburg), officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, ; french: link=no, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg ; german: link=no, Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small lan ...
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Germany Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...
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Poland Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of . Poland has a population of over 38 million and is the fifth-most populous ...
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Turkey Turkey ( tr, Türkiye ), officially the Republic of Türkiye ( tr, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti, links=no ), is a list of transcontinental countries, transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolia, Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with ...
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France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
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and
Switzerland ). Swiss law does not designate a ''capital'' as such, but the federal parliament and government are installed in Bern, while other federal institutions, such as the federal courts, are in other cities (Bellinzona, Lausanne, Luzern, Neuchâtel ...
. Most of the performances on these stages traditionally took place with the support of embassies and cultural institutions. The festival was held in compliance with all quarantine measures: the number of guests in the parterre and picnic areas was significantly reduced; to control the number of people, the entrance to the picnic areas was carried out with tickets with a symbolic price; all festival guests who bought tickets, as well as musicians, the organizing committee and contractors underwent mandatory testing for
coronavirus Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans and birds, they cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to lethal. Mild illnesses in humans include some cases of the com ...
. This year, there were three picnic zones for the guests of the festival, where concerts of the main stage dedicated to Eddie Rosner were broadcast on the large screens. The largest picnic area was traditionally located on the territory of the Yunist stadium in the Bohdan Khmelnytsky park. It was also possible to comfortably accommodate in the Kyivstar picnic area at the lower entrance to the park. At the top entrance to the park was the Staropramen picnic area. Wynton Marsalis became the winner of the International music award "Leopolis Jazz Music Awards 2021". During the festival, master classes for musicians and listeners were traditionally held in Lviv at the Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy. Leopolis Jazz Fest 2020 Leopolis Jazz Fest 2020 has been postponed until 2021. The X anniversary of the Festival was scheduled for 25–29 June 2020 in Lviv. The decision to postpone the festival was made due to the large-scale spread of COVID-19. The new dates for Leopolis Jazz Fest are 24–28 June 2021 (Thursday-Monday). Leopolis Jazz Fest 2019 On 26–30 June 2019, Lviv hosted the 9th International Jazz Festival Leopolis Jazz Fest. About 300 musicians from 15 countries gave their performances on the stages of Leopolis Jazz Fest during 5 days. Leopolis Jazz Fest 2019 headliners included Adrien Brandeis, an award-winning young French jazz pianist and composer;
Snarky Puppy Snarky Puppy is an American instrumental band led by bassist Michael League. Founded in 2004, Snarky Puppy combines a variety of jazz idioms, rock, world music, and funk and has won four Grammy Awards. Although the band has worked with vocalist ...
, modern fusion and funk musicians, winners of three
Grammy Awards The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pres ...
; Etienne Mbappe & the Prophets, a renowned Cameroon bassist and composer; American composer and arranger
Kenny Barron Kenny Barron (born June 9, 1943) is an American jazz pianist, who has appeared on hundreds of recordings as leader and sideman and is considered one of the most influential mainstream jazz pianists since the bebop era. Biography Born in Philadel ...
with his quintet; a pianist and multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer
Jon Cleary Jon Stephen Cleary (22 November 191719 July 2010) was an Australian writer and novelist. He wrote numerous books, including '' The Sundowners'' (1951), a portrait of a rural family in the 1920s as they move from one job to the next, and '' The ...
and his band, The Absolute Monster Gentlemen; a world-renowned pianist and composer, holder of 22 Grammy Awards,
Chick Corea Armando Anthony "Chick" Corea (June 12, 1941 – February 9, 2021) was an American jazz composer, pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, and occasional percussionist. His compositions "Spain", " 500 Miles High", "La Fiesta", "Armando's Rhumba", and ...
with his project, My Spanish Heart Band; American singer and pianist
Peter Cincotti Peter Cincotti (born July 11, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter. He began playing piano at the age of three. While in high school, he regularly performed in clubs throughout Manhattan. In 2003, Cincotti's debut album, produced by Phil Ramon ...
; as well as one of the most famous British singers,
Lisa Stansfield Lisa Jane Stansfield (born 11 April 1966) is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. Her career began in 1980 when she won the singing competition ''Search for a Star''. After appearances in various television shows and releasing her first ...
. The performance of well-known Canadian singer and pianist
Diana Krall Diana Jean Krall (born November 16, 1964) is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer known for her contralto vocals. She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, including over six million in the US. On December 11, 2009, '' Billboard'' maga ...
, who came to Ukraine for the first time, became a sensation for the festival guests. On the stage, she was accompanied by star musicians, including
Joe Lovano Joseph Salvatore Lovano (born December 29, 1952)"Joe Lovano." ''Contemporary Musicians''. Vol. 13. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 1994. Retrieved via ''Biography in Context'' database, May 5, 2017. is an American jazz saxophonist, alto clarin ...
, one of the leading saxophonists of our time, a unique guitarist Marc Ribot, who plays music ranging from free jazz to rock music, Robert Hurst, one of the leading jazz contrabassists, a holder of 7 Grammy awards, and a renowned drummer
Karriem Riggins Karriem Riggins is an American jazz drummer, hip hop producer, DJ and songwriter. Biography Riggins was born in Detroit, Michigan, United States, son of keyboardist Emmanuel Riggins. As a child, he would often watch his father perform with G ...
. The performance of one of the most globally famous vocal improvisers, due to which voice turned into a musical instrument,
Bobby McFerrin Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American folk and jazz singer. He is known for his vocal techniques, such as singing fluidly but with quick and considerable jumps in pitch—for example, sustaining a melody while also rap ...
with his program Gimme5 (circlesongs) was unusual and exciting. A concert hall in Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Park turned into an impromptu choir, which included about 80 persons. Winner of «Leopolis Jazz Music Awards» dedicated to Eddie Rosner became Kenny Barron. The visitors and residents of the city had a chance to visit two stages in the city center with free access, on the Rynok Square and in the courtyard of Potocki Palace. The concerts included the leading European bands and bands from Austria, Denmark, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Germany, Turkey, Hungary, France, and Switzerland. Most performances at these stages were traditionally supported by embassies and institutions. The festival guests could enjoy two complimentary picnic areas, where large LED screens broadcast the concerts from Eddie Rosner’s main stage (picnic area on the main alley of the park with the support of Kyivstar and Jazz Picnic at Yunist stadium in Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Park). The guests traditionally watched a very intense program: a souvenirs fair, entertainments for children with an interactive zone, workshops and a carousel, food courts, as well as concerts of street music festival winners. On June 28, on the
Constitution Day Constitution Day is a holiday to honour the constitution of a country. Constitution Day is often celebrated on the anniversary of the signing, promulgation or adoption of the constitution, or in some cases, to commemorate the change to constitut ...
of Ukraine,
TNMK TNMK or Tanok na Maidani Kongo ( uk, Танок на майдані Конґо, ; literally "Dance at the Congo Square") - is the most successful Ukrainian hip-hop group. They are known for clever, yet often tongue-in-cheek, lyrics; mixing hip-ho ...
, Skhid-Side and Dennis Adu’s Big Band with an exclusive Jazzy DeLuxe show performed at the Rynok Square Stage. Traditionally, Leopolis Jazz Fest became a venue for master classes for musicians and listeners in Lviv National Music Academy named after Mykola Lysenko. Vsi.Svoyi, the largest platform of Ukrainian brands, presented a separate "gift area" in Jazz Picnic zone for the first time as a part of Leopolis Jazz Fest. Leopolis Jazz Fest 2018 From 27 June to 1 July 2018, the 8th International Leopolis Jazz Fest took place in Lviv. More than 170 musicians from 16 countries around the world performed on three city stages in Lviv over 5 days. Special guests of the Leopolis Jazz Fest 2018 included legendary avant-garde jazz saxophonist and flautist Charles Lloyd & The Marvels, featuring
Bill Frisell William Richard Frisell (born March 18, 1951) is an American jazz guitarist, composer and arranger. Frisell first came to prominence at ECM Records in the 1980s, as both a session player and a leader. He went on to work in a variety of contexts ...
,
Reuben Rogers Reuben Renwick Rogers (born November 15, 1974) is a jazz bassist from the Virgin Islands. Biography Reuben Rogers was imbued with both groove and spirit from birth. Raised in the Virgin Islands by parents who were both ministers, Rogers grew up ...
, Eric Harland and
Greg Leisz Gregory Brian Leisz ( ; born September 18, 1949) is an American musician. He is a songwriter, recording artist, and producer. He plays guitar, dobro, mandolin, lap steel and pedal steel guitar. Biography Leisz grew up in the garage band cu ...
;
Jamie Cullum Jamie Cullum (born 20 August 1979) is an English jazz-pop singer, songwriter and radio presenter. Although primarily a vocalist and pianist, he also accompanies himself on other instruments, including guitar and drums. He has recorded nine stu ...
, an outstanding British vocalist, pianist and composer, and Ronnie Scotts Jazz Award winner; R+R=NOW (Reflect + Respond = Now), a project by three-time Grammy Award winner
Robert Glasper Robert Andre Glasper (born April 6, 1978) is an American pianist, record producer, songwriter, and musical arranger with a career that bridges several different musical and artistic genres, mostly centered on jazz. To date, Glasper has won fou ...
; leading fusion and jazz guitar player, as well as Grammy Award winner
Lee Ritenour Lee Mack Ritenour ( ; born January 11, 1952) is an American jazz guitarist who has been active since the late 1960s. Biography Ritenour was born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, United States. At the age of eight he started play ...
and
Dave Grusin Robert David "Dave" Grusin (born June 26, 1934) is an American composer, arranger, producer, jazz pianist, and band leader. He has composed many scores for feature films and television, and has won numerous awards for his soundtrack and record w ...
, an American composer, arranger, producer, pianist and orchestra leader, as well as a ten-time Grammy Award winner, feat.
Melvin Lee Davis Melvin Lee Davis is an American bass player, vocalist, keyboard player, producer, TV composer and engineer based in Orange County, California. He is the music director for Grammy-award winning artist Chaka Khan and has recorded with The Pointer ...
and Wes Ritenour;
Ahmad Jamal Ahmad Jamal (born Frederick Russell Jones, July 2, 1930) is an American jazz pianist, composer, bandleader and educator. For six decades, he has been one of the most successful small-group leaders in jazz. Biography Early life Jamal was born Fr ...
– a great American jazz pianist, composer and arranger;
Jacob Collier Jacob Collier (; né Moriarty; born 2 August 1994) is an English singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His music incorporates a combination of jazz with elements from many other musical genres, and often features extensive use of reha ...
– singer, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist;
Mario Biondi Mario Biondi (born Mario Ranno, on 28 January 1971) is an Italian singer. His pseudonym takes up that of his father Giuseppe Ranno, singer, aka Stefano Biondi. Early life Born in Catania, Italy, Mario Biondi is the son of a popular song si ...
– Italian soul vocalist; Stefano Bollani - Napoli Trip – a virtuoso Italian pianist, composer, singer and TV host who performed with Napoli Trip;
Marcus Miller William Henry Marcus Miller Jr. (born June 14, 1959) is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his work as a bassist. He has worked with trumpeter Miles Davis, pianist Herbie Hancock, singer Luther Vandros ...
– an American jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, arranger and two-time Grammy winner. Lars Danielsson Group Liberetto III & INSO-Lviv also performed at the Leopolis Jazz Fest. A special exclusive programme was introduced to visitors of the Leopolis Jazz Fest by Swedish contrabass and bass player, cellist, composer and arranger
Lars Danielsson Lars Danielsson (born 5 September 1958) is a Swedish jazz bassist, composer, and record producer. Biography Danielsson was born in Smålandsstenar, and was educated at the music conservatory in Gothenburg. He plays double bass, electric bass ...
, alongside the Academic Symphony Orchestra INSO-Lviv. The best jazz musicians from various countries performed on Leopolis Jazz Fest stages, among others, the US, Great Britain, Sweden, Ukraine, Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, Germany, Turkey, Canada, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, and Luxembourg. Ahmad Jamal was the winner of the International Eddie Rosner Leopolis Jazz Music Award in 2018. Over the past few years, organising concerts by popular Ukrainian musicians on Constitution Day in Ukraine has become a festival tradition. As part of Leopolis Jazz Fest 2018, the ONUKA band performed on 28 June on the Rynok Square stage. On 1 July, to celebrate
Canada Day Canada Day (french: Fête du Canada), formerly known as Dominion Day (french: Fête du Dominion), is the national day of Canada. A federal statutory holiday, it celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 18 ...
, the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine prepared a varied programme for festival visitors: a visit to Canada House/Maison du Canada featuring a traditional pancake breakfast, an exhibition by Canada House, a street ice rink for
hockey Hockey is a term used to denote a family of various types of both summer and winter team sports which originated on either an outdoor field, sheet of ice, or dry floor such as in a gymnasium. While these sports vary in specific rules, numbers o ...
, as well as performances by Canadian musicians. In 2018, the Leopolis Jazz Fest started a partnership with USAID. A project to increase the accessibility and environmental friendliness of the Leopolis Jazz Fest has been implemented with the support of the Join up! Programme to Promote Public Activism. During the festival, training sessions on accessibility for the disabled, and environmental consciousness were held for staff and volunteers. The necessary infrastructure was provided for people with disabilities at the festival: separate platforms near the stages, ramps, special rubber and metal covers and accessible toilets. To promote environmental consciousness, special containers for sorting and recycling rubbish were used at the Leopolis Jazz Fest, and for children, a playground called Sorting Together. Traditionally, the festival offered three freely accessible picnic areas where visitors could watch all the concerts on the main stage on large LED screens. Master classes, numerous jam sessions, and film screenings of rare videos and jazz films were presented for festival visitors, prepared by the leading figure of the Ukrainian jazz movement, Leonid Goldstein. Alfa Jazz Fest 2017 From June 23 till June 27 the seventh International Jazz Festival Alfa Jazz Fest was held in Lviv. Among the headliners of Alfa Jazz Fest 2017:
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, or simply The Big Phat Band, is an 18-piece jazz orchestra that combines the big band swing of the 1930s and 1940s with contemporary music such as funk and jazz fusion. The band is led by Gordon Goodwin, who arran ...
; Buika;
Yellowjackets A yellowjacket is a black-and-yellow vespid wasp. Yellowjacket(s) or Yellow Jacket(s) may also refer to: Places * Yellow Jacket, Colorado, an unincorporated town * Yellow Jacket, Florida, an unincorporated area in Dixie County, Florida Arts, e ...
;
China Moses China Moses (born January 9, 1978, in Los Angeles) is an American singer and television host. Life and career Born in Los Angeles, California, China Moses is the daughter of jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater and director Gilbert Moses. She re ...
;
Gregory Porter Gregory Porter (born November 4, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter and actor. He has twice won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album: first in 2014 for ''Liquid Spirit'' and then again in 2017 for ''Take Me to the Alley''. Early li ...
;
Chucho Valdes Chucho is a given name. Notable people with the name include: *Chucho Avellanet (born 1941), Puerto Rican singer and comedic actor *Christian Benítez (1986–2013), Ecuadorian footballer nicknamed 'Chucho' * Chucho Castillo (born 1944), former Mex ...
; trio Mare Nostrum: Paolo Fresu, Richard Galliano, Jan Lundgren;
Herbie Hancock Herbert Jeffrey Hancock (born April 12, 1940) is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, and composer. Hancock started his career with trumpeter Donald Byrd's group. He shortly thereafter joined the Miles Davis Quintet, where he help ...
;
Chick Corea Elektric Band Chick Corea Elektric Band was a jazz fusion band, led by keyboardist and pianist Chick Corea and founded in 1986 in New York City. The band was nominated twice at the Grammy Awards. The sixth band album, a tribute one named ''Chick Corea Elektr ...
. Also within the festival a joint project of jazz legends and Ukrainian musicians was presented - the Israeli jazz contrabassist, composer, singer and arranger Avishai Cohen performed his plays together with the Academic Symphony Orchestra "INSO-Lviv". Traditionally, in 2017 a wide geography of participants was presented: bands from Austria, Great Britain, Israel, Spain, Italy, Cuba, Germany, Luxembourg, USA, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Sweden participated in the festival. In total for 5 days the festival was attended by more than 200 musicians from 15 countries worldwide. The owner of the International Music Award "Alfa Jazz Fest Awards" dedicated to
Eddie Rosner Adolph Ignatievich Rosner, known professionally as Ady Rosner and Eddie Rosner (26 May 1910 – 8 August 1976) was a Polish and Soviet jazz trumpeter sometimes called "The White Louis Armstrong" or "Polish Louis Armstrong". He was a prisoner in th ...
in 2017 became
Chucho Valdes Chucho is a given name. Notable people with the name include: *Chucho Avellanet (born 1941), Puerto Rican singer and comedic actor *Christian Benítez (1986–2013), Ecuadorian footballer nicknamed 'Chucho' * Chucho Castillo (born 1944), former Mex ...
. The award ceremony traditionally took place during the festival days. Also master classes, photo exhibitions, jazz film shows and jams sessions were held within the Alfa Jazz Fest 2017. Alfa Jazz Fest 2016 The 6th International jazz festival Alfa Jazz Fest was held on June 24–28, 2016 in Lviv. Traditionally the best jazz performers of the United States, Europe and Ukraine performed at the three stages in the center of Lviv. Headliners of Alfa Jazz Fest 2016:
Pat Metheny Patrick Bruce Metheny ( ; born August 12, 1954) is an American jazz guitarist and composer. He is the leader of the Pat Metheny Group and is also involved in duets, solo works, and other side projects. His style incorporates elements of progre ...
with
Antonio Sanchez Anthony Sanchez, Antonio Sanchez or Tony Sanchez may refer to: Sports * Antón (footballer) (1914–2005), Spanish footballer born ''Antonio Sánchez Valdés'' * Antonio Sánchez (boxer) (1905–?), Spanish boxer * Antonio Sánchez (footballer, ...
,
Linda Oh Linda May Han Oh (born 25 August 1984) is an Australian jazz bassist and composer. Biography Oh was raised in Western Australia. When she was 11, she started to play the clarinet and at the age of 13 bassoon. She went to Churchlands Senior Hi ...
&
Gwilym Simcock Gwilym Simcock (born 24 February 1981) is a Welsh pianist and composer working in both jazz and classical music, often blurring any distinction between the two musical forms. Simcock was chosen as one of the 1000 Most Influential People in Lo ...
,
Branford Marsalis Quartet The Branford Marsalis Quartet is a jazz band. Current members * Branford Marsalis – saxophones *Joey Calderazzo - piano (1999–present) *Eric Revis - bass guitar (1997–present) * Justin Faulkner - drums (2009–present) Past members *Jeff ...
with special guest
Kurt Elling Kurt Elling (born November 2, 1967) is an American jazz singer and songwriter. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Rockford, Elling became interested in music through his father, who was Kapellmeister at a Lutheran chur ...
,
Arturo Sandoval Arturo Sandoval is a Cuban-American jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer. While living in his native Cuba, Sandoval was influenced by jazz musicians Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1977 he met Gillespie, who became his ...
10 time
Grammy Award The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pres ...
winner,
Dianne Reeves Dianne Elizabeth Reeves (born October 23, 1956) is an American jazz singer. Biography Dianne Reeves was born in Detroit, Michigan, into a musical family. Her father sang, her mother played trumpet, her uncle is bassist Charles Burrell, and h ...
with Peter Martin,
Romero Lubambo Romero Lubambo (born 1955) is a Brazilian jazz guitarist. Career He was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up with American jazz and classical music in the house because his uncle played guitar, lived next door, and visited frequently. Luba ...
,
Reginald Veal Reginald Veal (born November 5, 1963) is an American jazz bassist and multi-instrumentalist from New Orleans, Louisiana. Veal grew up in New Orleans where he began piano lessons at a very early age. After receiving a bass guitar as a gift from hi ...
,
Terreon Gully Terreon Deautri Gully (born December 28, 1972) is an American drummer from East St. Louis, Illinois. Career Gully has performed with various musicians and genres, including the Christian McBride Band, saxophonist Ron Blake, vibraphonist Stefo ...
,
Esperanza Spalding Esperanza Emily Spalding (born October 18, 1984) is an American bassist, singer, songwriter, and composer. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, a Boston Music Award, and a Soul Train Music Award. A native of Portland, Oregon, Spalding be ...
presents:
Emily's D+Evolution ''Emily's D+Evolution'' is the fifth studio album by American musician Esperanza Spalding, released on 4 March 2016 by Concord Records. Background The album was co-produced by Spalding and longtime David Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti. On th ...
. The ceremony of the International Music Award «Alfa Jazz Fest Awards» dedicated to Eddie Rosner was traditionally held within the festival. The winner of «Alfa Jazz Fest Awards» dedicated to Eddie Rosner in 2016 became Pat Metheny. Alfa Jazz Fest 2015 The fifth anniversary jazz festival «Alfa Jazz Fest» was held on June 25–29, 2015. More than 100 musicians from 10 countries (Germany, Austria, the USA, Japan, Sweden, Cuba, France, Poland and Ukraine) performed in Lviv during five festival days. Among the most famous - American jazz legends:
Herbie Hancock Herbert Jeffrey Hancock (born April 12, 1940) is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, and composer. Hancock started his career with trumpeter Donald Byrd's group. He shortly thereafter joined the Miles Davis Quintet, where he help ...
,
George Benson George Washington Benson (born March 22, 1943) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He began his professional career at the age of 19 as a jazz guitarist. A former child prodigy, Benson first came to prominence in the 1960s, pla ...
,
Wayne Shorter Wayne Shorter (born August 25, 1933) is an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Shorter came to prominence in the late 1950s as a member of, and eventually primary composer for, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. In the 1960s, he joined Miles Davi ...
,
Mike Stern Mike Stern (born January 10, 1953) is an American jazz guitarist. After playing with Blood, Sweat & Tears, he worked with drummer Billy Cobham, then with trumpeter Miles Davis from 1981 to 1983 and again in 1985. He then began a solo career, re ...
, Cuban clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera and Hiromi, famous jazz pianist from Japan. The winner of the International Music Award «Alfa Jazz Fest Awards» dedicated to Eddie Rosner in 2015 became Herbie Hancock, American jazz pianist and composer, 14-time Grammy Award winner, one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. The awarding ceremony was traditionally held during the festival in Lviv. Alfa Jazz Fest 2014 The 4th International jazz festival Alfa Jazz Fest was held on June 12–15, 2014 in Lviv. Headliners Alfa Jazz Fest 2014:
Larry Carlton Larry Eugene Carlton (born March 2, 1948) is an American guitarist who built his career as a studio musician in the 1970s and 1980s for acts such as Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell. He has participated in thousands of recording sessions, recorde ...
,
Dee Dee Bridgewater Dee Dee Bridgewater (née Denise Garrett, May 27, 1950) is an American jazz singer and actress. She is a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, as well as a Tony Award-winning stage actress. For 23 years, she was the host of National ...
,
Eliane Elias Eliane Elias
BrowseBiography.com, 20 November 2011; retrieved 10 September 2014.
is a Brazilian jazz pianist, sin ...
, Miles Electric Band,
Lucky Peterson Judge Kenneth Peterson (December 13, 1964 – May 17, 2020), known professionally as Lucky Peterson, was an American musician who played contemporary blues, fusing soul, R&B, gospel and rock and roll. He played guitar and keyboards Keyboard ma ...
, Charles Lloyd. In 2014 the winner of the International Music Award «Alfa Jazz Fest Awards» dedicated to Eddie Rosner became Charles Lloyd. Award ceremony was held on June 14, 2014. The last days' concerts of the festival was canceled due to the announced all-Ukrainian mourning for the perished Ukrainian militaries in the east of the country. Alfa Jazz Fest 2013 On June 13–16, 2013 the third International jazz festival Alfa Jazz Fest was held in Lviv. Headliners of Alfa Jazz Fest 2013:
Dirty Dozen Brass Band The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a brass band based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The ensemble was established in 1977, by Benny Jones and members of the Tornado Brass Band. The Dirty Dozen revolutionized the New Orleans brass band style by incorpo ...
(USA); Avishai Cohen (Israel);
Till Brönner Till Brönner (born 6 May 1971 in Viersen, West Germany) is a jazz musician, trumpeter, flügelhorn player, singer, composer, producer and photographer. History From 1989–1991, Brönner was a member of the Peter Herbolzheimer Rhythm Combinati ...
(Germany);
Al Di Meola Albert Laurence Di Meola (born July 22, 1954) is an American guitarist. Known for his works in jazz fusion and world music, he began his career as a guitarist of the group Return to Forever in 1974. Between the 1970s and 1980s, albums such as ' ...
(USA);
Charlie Haden Charles Edward Haden (August 6, 1937 – July 11, 2014) was an American jazz double bass player, bandleader, composer and educator whose career spanned more than 50 years. In the late 1950s, he was an original member of the ground-breaking ...
Quartet West (USA);
Bobby McFerrin Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American folk and jazz singer. He is known for his vocal techniques, such as singing fluidly but with quick and considerable jumps in pitch—for example, sustaining a melody while also rap ...
(USA). On June 15, 2013 the awarding ceremony «Alfa Jazz Fest Awards» dedicated to Eddie Rosner took place on the gala-concert. In 2013 Award was presented to Charlie Haden — one of the most famous American jazz musicians and composers, four time Grammy Award winner. Alfa Jazz Fest 2012 The second International jazz festival Alfa Jazz Fest was held in Lviv on June 1–3, 2012. The festival was attended by over 30,000 spectators from different countries. Headliners of Alfa Jazz Fest 2012:
Kenny Garrett Kenny Garrett (born October 9, 1960) is an American post-bop jazz musician and composer who gained recognition in his youth as a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and for his time with Miles Davis's band. His primary instruments are alto and ...
(USA),
Richard Bona Richard Bona (born 28 October 1967) is a Cameroon-born American multi-instrumentalist and singer. Early life Bona Penda Nya Yuma Elolo was born in Minta, Cameroon, into a family of musicians, which enabled him to start learning music from a y ...
Band (Cameroon),
Cassandra Wilson Cassandra Wilson (born December 4, 1955) is an American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. She is one of the most successful female Jazz singers and has been described by critic Gary Giddins as "a singer blessed wi ...
(USA),
John Patitucci John Patitucci (born December 22, 1959) is an American jazz bassist and composer. Biography John James Patitucci was born in Brooklyn, New York. When he was 12, he bought his first bass and decided on his career. He listened to bass parts in R ...
Trio (USA),
Gino Vannelli Gino Vannelli (born June 16, 1952) is a Canadian rock singer and songwriter who had several hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s. His best-known singles include "People Gotta Move" (1974), "I Just Wanna Stop" (1978), " Living Inside Myself" (1981) a ...
Band (Canada),
John McLaughlin John or Jon McLaughlin may refer to: Arts and entertainment * John McLaughlin (musician) (born 1942), English jazz fusion guitarist, member of Mahavishnu Orchestra * Jon McLaughlin (musician) (born 1982), American singer-songwriter * John McLaug ...
the 4th dimension (UK). In 2012, for the first time, there was an award ceremony, the “Alfa Jazz Fest Awards” dedicated to Eddie Rosner.The International Eddie Rosner Alfa Jazz Fest Music Award to be granted within the framework of the local jazz festival
In 2012 the prize was awarded to
John McLaughlin John or Jon McLaughlin may refer to: Arts and entertainment * John McLaughlin (musician) (born 1942), English jazz fusion guitarist, member of Mahavishnu Orchestra * Jon McLaughlin (musician) (born 1982), American singer-songwriter * John McLaug ...
, the legendary British guitarist, playing jazz-fusion. Alfa Jazz Fest 2011 The first International jazz festival Alfa Jazz Fest was held in Lviv on June 3–5, 2011. Headliners of Alfa Jazz Fest 2011:
Spyro Gyra Spyro Gyra is an American jazz fusion band that was formed in Buffalo, New York, in 1974. The band's music combines jazz, R&B, funk, and pop music. The band's name comes from ''Spirogyra'', a genus of green algae which founder Jay Beckenstein ...
(USA),
John Scofield John Scofield (born December 26, 1951), sometimes referred to as "Sco", is an American guitarist and composer whose music over a long career has blended jazz, jazz fusion, funk, blues, soul and rock. He first came to mainstream attention in the ...
(USA),
Ron Carter Ronald Levin Carter (born May 4, 1937) is an American jazz double bassist. His appearances on 2,221 recording sessions make him the most-recorded jazz bassist in history. He has won three Grammy awards, and is also a cellist who has recorded nu ...
(USA),
Bill Evans William John Evans (August 16, 1929 – September 15, 1980) was an American jazz pianist and composer who worked primarily as the leader of his trio. His use of impressionist harmony, interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, block ch ...
Soulgrass (USA),
Jeff Lorber Jeffrey H. Lorber (born November 4, 1952) is an American keyboardist, composer, and record producer. After six previous nominations, Lorber won his first Grammy Award on January 28, 2018 for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for '' Prototype' ...
Fusion Superband (USA).


References


External links

{{portal, Ukraine
Festival official web-site
Jazz festivals in Ukraine Culture in Lviv Summer events in Ukraine 2011 establishments in Ukraine Music festivals established in 2011