San Sebastian is getting ready to experience a historic edition of its legendary Jazz Festival: Jazzaldia celebrates its 60th anniversary from July 19 to 27 with a spectacular program of 88 concerts on 12 different stages, with an entire city vibrating to the rhythm of jazz, popular music and new creative proposals.
🏆 Three legendary awards: Bridgewater, Ribot and Bruford
The festival will award its prestigious Donostiako Jazzaldia Award to three iconic figures:
- Dee Dee Bridgewater, one of the most important voices in vocal jazz, will be recognized for her pioneering career, her fusion of styles and her role as a bridge between tradition and experimentation.
- Marc Ribot, unclassifiable and absolutely unpredictable guitarist, is awarded for his constant innovation and his unique contribution to contemporary jazz.
- Bill Bruford, former drummer for King Crimson and YES, will receive the award for his compositional approach and unmistakable melodic and rhythmic sensibility.
🎤 88 concerts for all tastes
The 2025 edition of Jazzaldia combines established artists and emerging talent, with both free and paying concerts. Highlights include Jamie Cullum (with a double performance), Brad Mehldau, Hermeto Pascoal, Dave Holland, Chris Potter, The Beach Boys, EXTC and The Amy Winehouse Band.
51 concerts will be free, including 23 on the terraces of the Kursaal, 8 on the Zurriola beach (Keler Gunea), and one at the Hotel María Cristina.
👨👩👧👦 Jazz also for kids and families: Txikijazz
From July 22 to 27, Txikijazz celebrates its 13th edition with 5 concerts aimed at children and family audiences at Chillida Leku, Fnac Gunea and Kutxa Fundazioa in Tabakalera. Artists such as Claire Martin, Old School Funky Family, Irati Bilbao and Arima Soul will perform in a format that combines concerts and workshops by age groups.
🌊 DJs in front of the Concha and cinema with a jazz soul
The Nauticool terrace, with unbeatable views of the bay, will host 15 DJ sessions from July 23 to 27. Names like DJ Makala, Jazzatik, Soulero! Satte Chica Tequila or Lidiuska will put the rhythm to the rhythm of San Sebastian’s afternoons and evenings.
And as every year, the Jazzinema series, in collaboration with the Basque Film Archive, offers screenings that explore the deep relationship between jazz and cinema.
🌟 Vibrant local talent in the spotlight
This 60th Jazzaldia maintains its commitment to the Basque scene: 31 concerts of local groups, selected for both trajectory and innovation. Artists such as Thomas Camille, Biper Swing, Oreka TX, Anari, Bulego, Soul Cream and many more.
In addition, the festival celebrates Josephine Baker with the image “The Return of Josephine” by Jose Luis Lanzagorta, inspired by a historic photograph taken at the Teatro Príncipe in 1930.
