Jazzfest Berlin celebrates 50th anniversary

One of the most prestigious and popular festivals in Germany, the Jazzfest Berlin, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. Martin Luther King’s visit to Berlin in 1964 and the fall of the Berlin Wall will be topics among this year’s program.

„Freedom Songs“ is the title of a specially designed evening which will feature the WDR Big Band and singer Kurt Elling. Also, guitarist Elliott Sharp is bringing his Tribute To MLK Berlin ’64 project to Berlin.

Recently re-emerged four mini-operas will feature the Ulrich Gumpert Workshop Band and will deal with the fall of the Berlin wall, which is also celebrated this year for the 25^th time.

Also on the schedule, Jason Moran with his group Bandwagon and with one of his other projects, the Fats Waller Dance Party which will have its European debut at the festival.

One of this year’s highlights will be Benny Golson’s concert and there is also going to be a tribute to the great Eric Dolphy.

Italian saxophonist Francesco Bearzatti is visiting the city with his adventurous Monk Project and the group Mostly Other People Do The Killing will also be part of this year’s edition.

You can find the full programme and all relevant info at www.berlinerfestspiele.de