About Me
Sofia Jazz Festival - started in 1996 - is a modern, urban festival with an international reputation among the world's jazz festivals. Being an important part of the cultural landscape of Sofia and Bulgaria, the Sofia Jazz Festival brings top-level concerts of jazz and other related areas of music production. The festival is a proud member of European Jazz Network.
The first edition of Sofia Jazz Fall took place in 1996 at National Palace of Culture, and Funky's Pub. That very first year the festival featured performances by the very popular fusion band Mezzoforte(Island) and Brazilian prima Tania Maria(Brazil) as well as the Bulgarian bands Whites Greens Reds and Akaga. Rothmans, Mobikom and Teacher's Jazz supported the first festival. Assembly Direct from Scotland representative of Teacher's Jazz label contacted us regarding their wish to be involved in the Bulgarian festival.
The year 1997 saw the introduction of a more extended festival program - 25 - 27 October, National Palace of Culture, Funky's Pub and Mr.Punch Club. Our guests were the incredible The Yellowjackets(USA), fantastic drum player Lenny White(USA) and his band Present Tense featuring bass legend Foley, the young British saxophone player Holly Slater(UK) - The Best UK Young Musician of 1997, adorable and eccentric Dutch saxophone player Saskia Laroo (The Netherlands) and her band and the great French piano player Franck Amsallem (France). The Bulgarian participation featured Akaga, Jazz Breakers, Raitcho Ivanov Rock Jazz Orchestra, Tambu, Maya Jazz Project, Om. The festival was opened by an open air stage infront of the National Palace of Culture with Sofia Jazz Ragtime Band. The festival was supported by Nescafe Classic, Mobikom and Teacher's Jazz.
The 3rd edition of the Sofia Jazz Fall was held on 22 and 23 October 1998 in National Palace of Culture, Funky's Pub and Mr.Punch Club. Some of the first-class musicians have appeared at this year's festival include the great Joe Zawinul(Austria) and his Syndicate, 8-string guitar player Charlie Hunter(USA) and his band Pound For Pound,American piano player Rick DellaRatta(USA), the extravagant French band Charlelie(France) (supported by the French Cultural Institute) and Muddy Shoes(Hungary). The Bulgarian bands presented were Infinity, Bell's Band, Jazz Breakers, Blue Spirit and Trip. The festival was supported by Nescafe Classic and Mobikom.
The next year, the 4th edition has change the name of the Festival to Sofia Jazz Festival and switched its venues to Bulgaria Hall and Swingin' Hall, 22- 23 1999 October. Two musical exhibitions and rich music stands, elegant atmosphere and incredible musicians such as the great guitar hero Mike Stern(USA) and his band, the new sound of British jazz - Courtney Pine(UK) with his band, the piano player Phil Markowitz(USA) and the well known and loved Saskia Laroo(The Netherlands) with her new band were the surprise of that year's festival. The genius guitar player Mike Stern made a free master class at National Music Academy. Infinity, Elena Koleva Quartet, Hristo Yotsoff Quartet and Jazz Breakers were the Bulgarian acts. Sponsored by Zagorka Gold Jazz and Balkan Airlines.
The 5th edition of the Sofia Jazz Festival was held from 20 to 23 October 2000 at Universiada Hall,Que Vadis Club,Dante Club,Gramophone Club,Swingin' Hall and Backstage Club. Some of the first-class world jazz musicians have appeared including piano master Claudio Dauelsberg Trio(Brazil),The Livnat Brothers (Israel) and the most respected Bulgarian bands such as Toskov/Yotcov/Benev Trio,Lot Rorien,Akaga, Vasil Parmakow,Ivan Staykow Duo,Angel Zaberski Duo and B Jazzy . The festival was supported by Teacher's Jazz and Balkan Airlines.
The last two edittions were held in 2002 and 2003 ( 2001 was canceled due to 11 September tragedy) in Hristo Botel Hall in Sofia and featured some of the best world known jazz , drum and bass and acid jazz artist such as LTJ Bukem (UK), Nookie (UK), MC Conrad (UK), DJ Die (UK), MC Dynamite (UK), Krust (UK), Hollie Grant (UK) and many more.This brings the Festival level to new dimensions and new audience.
