Jazzmadird 2026 is set to take place in early November, bringing together renowned international figures such as Richard Bona, Jessie Gordon, and Tom Ribeira in Madrid. The festival will celebrate a wide array of jazz styles, including soul, swing, Afro-American music, and contemporary trends from Ibero-America.
Organised by the Area of Culture, Tourism and Sport, Jazzmadird 2026 promises a rich programme that showcases the creative breadth of modern jazz. Musicians from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania will perform alongside a significant number of local artists, offering a journey from the roots of swing and soul to contemporary improvisational expressions.
Highlighting the international scene, the festival will feature Cameroonian bassist and singer Richard Bona, a globally recognised artist whose work bridges African traditions with jazz and global music. Also performing will be drummer and composer Mark Guiliana, known for pushing the boundaries of drumming through electronics, sound experimentation, and improvisation.
Other notable performers include Julieta Rada, a prominent voice in the new Uruguayan music scene, and Australian singer Jessie Gordon, who brings her unique interpretation to classic jazz traditions. The programme will also include the project Shrizz N' Maze featuring Greg Boyer, Tom Ribeira, and other emerging talents that highlight the vitality of contemporary jazz creation.
The festival will culminate with performances from two essential figures in modern drumming. Nate Smith, one of the most influential musicians of his generation, is celebrated for his blend of technical sophistication, groove, and compositional sensitivity. Additionally, Mark Guiliana's Beat Music project has become a reference point for those exploring the intersections of jazz, electronic music, and digital culture.
In addition to concerts, Jazzmadird 2026 will expand its reflective dimension with parallel activities such as 'Jazz in Latin America', led by Javi Bayo, and 'Tempo Futuro', dedicated to exploring new directions within the genre.
