The Jazztardor festival, an international jazz event in Lleida, is set to celebrate its 33rd edition this year. The festival was officially presented at the Alfred Perenya hall, with key figures including Pilar Bosch, the city’s councillor for culture; Andreu Vàzquez, director of the Institute of Ilerdian Studies; Anna Simó Jové, technical director of the Jazztardor festival; and Mireia González Antó, president of the Castell del Remei Foundation.
Pilar Bosch highlighted the significant contributions of Josep Ramon Jové, the festival's artistic director, who has dedicated over thirty years to bringing prominent jazz figures to Lleida and establishing the city as a key player in Spain's festival scene. She also emphasised the efforts made by the festival's organisation, in collaboration with the city council, to make the event accessible to all audiences.
Among the highlights is a free concert as part of the L'Art en l'Horta festival on 18 October at the Celler de Sanui, as well as a free, roaming concert on 1 November at the Mercadillo de Rambla Ferran featuring the Gumbo Jass Band. "Jazz is freedom," Bosch stated.
Andreu Vàzquez spoke about the performance by the Lladó-Peralta-Arguimbau trio, a group of talented emerging musicians from Lleida, who will perform at the Aula Magna of the Institute of Ilerdian Studies, showcasing the city's young talent.
Anna Simó highlighted the participation of renowned saxophonists such as James Carter, Blue Lou Marini, and Perico Sambeat, along with guitarist Jim Snidero. Snidero will perform at the Museu Morera, where he will also receive the Amigo del Jazztardor award for his significant contributions to the festival.
Simó also noted the performances of local emerging artists, including singer Jessica Abu, who will perform at the Jazztardor and at the I Congress Dones que mouen ciutats, organised by the city council. The festival will also feature traditional jam sessions at the Café del Teatro, dedicated this year to the centenary of trumpeter Miles Davis and saxophonist John Coltrane.
The festival will kick off on 18 October at the Castell del Remei with a performance by the Jim Snidero Quartet, renowned for both his recordings and his influential teaching methods used by jazz students worldwide. Mireia González, president of the Castell del Remei Foundation, celebrated seven years of sponsorship with the festival, which includes an inaugural concert pairing jazz with wine.
Additionally, the Cérvoles Celler, a festival sponsor, has been awarded the Vinari Prize for Best Catalan Wine 2026 for its Tros del Tossal 2023. The festival will also host two exhibitions: “Tocats pel jazz” by Jaume Sancho Roig at the Castell del Remei from 18 October to 30 November, and “Bob Loves Jazz” by Jordi Pou at the Café del Teatro from 11 November to 10 January 2027.
Continuing its tradition, the Jazztardor festival promises a high-quality artistic programme, featuring established artists and emerging talents, as well as a diverse representation of jazz from both local and international scenes.
