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Brecon Jazz Festival

@ Brecon International Jazz Festival

Brecon International Festival of Jazz in the Brecon Beacons National Park

Celebrating his 50th year in music, Brecon is pleased to present Monty Alexander and his trio at this years festival. Along with the sassiness of Clare Teal and Alice Russell, the raw cutting-edge sound of Led Bib and Polar Bear, and the classic New Orleans sound of Allen Toussaint, Brecon 2011 celebrates jazz at its finest and most diverse. Jazz as a genre is constantly evolving, and this year the festival showcases performances fusing jazz with funk, gospel, hip-hop, electronica, blues, folk, soul, northern soul and beyond. With international stars alongside our finest homegrown talent, and Europe's most adventurous and inventive musicians; Brecon 2011 is proud to present premiers, exclusives and some fantastic artist collaborations. We're thrilled to have some of Wales' young talent alongside the more familiar jazz-cats, and are delighted to be showcasing an array of exciting musicians on the contemporary French scene in association with Bureau Export. Brecon is about experiencing the great Jazz legends alongside contemporary superstars, and the vibrant energy of a cutting-edge younger generation of musicians; it's a festival of enormous dynamism and scope. Held in the Brecon Beacons National Park, with many of the performances set in the beautiful grounds of Brecon's Christ College, and Brecon Cathedral with its magnificent acoustics, Brecon Jazz uniquely combines the best of music, mountains, atmosphere and space. We look forward to welcoming you!

Celebrating its 28th year in 2011, the Brecon Jazz Festival mixes some of the world's finest jazz music with the stunning location of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It creates a unique atmosphere for both its audience, and the galaxy of international artistes, who perform there each year. Winner - Best Major Event in Wales, National Tourism Awards 2007 Brecon Jazz has consistently attracted the world's foremost jazz names: Lionel Hampton, Wynton Marsalis, Cleo Laine and John Dankworth - and is recognised as one of the leading jazz festivals in the UK and Europe. The programme of live jazz music aims to have wide appeal featuring jazz greats, blues legends and those making their mark on the jazz scene.

Quote from HSBC Brecon Jazz 2008 “Without a doubt the most memorable and enjoyable aspect of the weekend was the quality and quantity of jazz. Add to this the beautiful back-drop of the Brecon Beacons, and you've got yourself a perfect weekend away.” For detailed information on the Festival programme (available mid May)and to subscibe to the newsletter- click on the website link in the left hand column of this page

FRIENDS OF BRECON JAZZ Why not enhance your experience of the festival and enjoy long-term benefits by joining Friends of Brecon Jazz: For more information go to: website link

BRECON FRINGE FESTIVAL happens alongside the Brecon Jazz Festival - over 100 bands playing. Mostly in pubs, mostly free and mostly not jazz, but the atmosphere in individual venues is friendly, warm and vibrant Photographs on this site: © Crown Copyright (2008) Visit Wales and courtesy of students from Coleg Gwent

BRECON JAZZ VOLUNTEERS Are you interested in supporting Brecon Jazz and having a good time? We are looking for volunteers to help with a range of tasks at the next festival. If you are enthusiastic friendly and enjoy helping others, if you are fit and energetic and want to get involved in a live music event - contact us. www.breconjazz.org.uk

Wales's Leading International Jazz Festival