Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents

28 magical events in July

A new round of this joyful world jazz, swing and blues festival is scheduled to take place in some of the emblematic locations in the heart of Marseilles. 

By Maurice Gouiran

It will all kick off at the Théâtre de la Sucrière on July 8th, with a new creation by 4 young musicians (Clélya Abraham, Sintia Piccin, Ana Karina Sebastião and Ananda Brandão), as a strong sign of the festival’s artistic prowess and strength of commitment. This theater is, together with the Pierre Barbizet Conservatory, one of the new places commandeered by the festival, but which will also remain faithful to its regular haunts that are the Centre de la Vieille Charité, the Saint-Victor Abbey, the Mucem, the Silvain Theater and the Palais Longchamp gardens. Each of these concerts seeks to create a specific atmosphere, a way of listening and a relationship with the artists. This summer, the jazz festival will invite us to listen to the chords of Brad Mehldau or Dhafer Youssef, the voices of Dianne Reeves or Samara Joy, to soak up the energy of Selah Sue or the words of Oxmo or Jswiss. You will discover Sarab, Emile Londonien and Nubya Garcia, you will dream with Michael Leonhart, Morcheeba or Alfa Mist and you will rise with Ballaké Sissoko, Gabi Hartmann or the wise Kahil El’Zabar. In total, 28 concerts will channel the world’s diversity, styles and generations. Nearly 150 artists will perform in 7 locations, each embodying creations and discoveries. This 23rd edition will end in style in the Conservatoire’s courtyard gardens, which will host an ephemeral jazz club from July 24th to 27th, from 10pm (22H) to 2am (hence its name: JazzClub 222). There you can meet the artists, enjoy improvisations or jam sessions, all while sipping a drink and tasting local products.