Music lovers in Europe will want to check out the Düsseldorf Jazz Rally, which will run from May 25 to 27. Visitors can go from concert to concert on one ticket, and this year’s program is a record total of 92 concerts in 35 venues, featuring concerts in styles that range from classic jazz to funk, soul, blues, and rock. More than 300,000 visitors are expected.
Jazz legend Klaus Doldinger will perform twice during the festival. Other headliners include Irish singer-songwriter Rea Garvey, Estonian-American conductor Kristjan Järvi and American jazz trombonist Jiggs Whigham. Several artists from the US will be part of the program, including Kyle Eastwood, actor Clint Eastwood’s son.
For the first time this year, the festival includes two talent searches, one for young jazz musicians and the other for bands. The winner of the band contest will open the Friday-night opening event located at Airport Hangar 8 at Düsseldorf International Airport. Cool touch: The 92 concerts will take place on a range of stages such as train stations, rustic breweries and even five-star hotels. Most are in walking distance from each other and turn Düsseldorf into one large jazz venue for the weekend.
For more information about Jazz Rally 2012 and for tickets, visit www.duesseldorfer-jazzrally.de.