From 24 to 27 August, Albenga will host the thirteenth edition of the Albenga Jazz Festival, featuring a series of musical events held across various locations including Piazza San Michele, Piazza San Domenico, the Ester Siccardi Cloisters, and the Mondadori bookshop. The festival had begun with a preview on 7 August dedicated to the historic Serassi organ, organised in partnership with the Vallinmusica association, aiming to highlight this significant instrument.
The festival’s schedule includes three evening concerts in Piazza San Michele, four afternoon events between Piazza San Domenico and the Ester Siccardi Cloisters, and three morning sessions at the Mondadori bookshop. The official opening on the afternoon of 24 August will feature a performance by the Giuseppe Verdi Band, presenting a refreshed repertoire and joined by guests such as Gianpaolo Casati on trumpet and Roberto Moretti on baritone saxophone.
Morning sessions at the Mondadori bookshop will involve prominent jazz figures like Umberto Germinale and Guido Michelone, who will present their books “Around me…jazz” and “I mestieri del Jazz” respectively, with readings organised by the COSAVUOICHETILEGGA association. On 25 August, the EVO PROJECT quartet will perform in the afternoon, while 26 August will include a swing dance show led by instructor Giacomo Moretto, accompanied by the sounds of Yurierre Deejay. On 27 August, the historic centre will be enlivened by a group of travelling French musicians.
Evening concerts in Piazza San Michele will open with the young Rapalline Jazz Band, directed by Riccardo Zegna and supported by Corrado Trabuio. This will be followed by the Travel Collective, led by artistic director Alessandro Collina. The festival will conclude with a performance by the band Big Pulse.
Albenga’s mayor, Riccardo Tomatis, commented on the event, stating that “the Municipality of Albenga welcomes the Albenga Jazz Festival, a series which, edition after edition, has managed to carve out an increasingly important role in the cultural landscape of our area.” He further noted that “jazz, with its ability to combine expressive freedom and artistic discipline, represents a universal language” and described the festival as an example of “how music can become a means of community, growth and beauty.”
The detailed programme also includes book presentations and concerts ranging from traditional jazz to more innovative styles, featuring nationally and internationally recognised artists. The event serves as both a cultural exploration and musical entertainment opportunity for Albenga and the surrounding region.
Albenga Jazz Festival Schedule
Sunday 24 August
5:30 PM – Piazza San Domenico
Performance by the Giuseppe Verdi Band featuring distinguished guests Gianpaolo Casati (trumpet) and Roberto Moretti (baritone saxophone). A traditional event with a refreshed repertoire each year.
Monday 25 August
11:00 AM – Mondadori Bookshop
Book presentation: “Around me…jazz” by Umberto Germinale, with readings by the COSAVUOICHETILEGGA association. A photographic and narrative journey through the world of jazz.
6:00 PM – Piazza San Domenico
Concert by the EVO PROJECT quartet, blending funky, jazz, soul and fusion with an innovative use of the vocoder.
9:30 PM – Piazza San Michele
Performance by the young Rapalline Jazz Band, directed by Maestro Riccardo Zegna with collaboration from Maestro Corrado Trabuio. Special guests for a dynamic and energetic show.
Tuesday 26 August
11:00 AM – Mondadori Bookshop
Book presentation: “I mestieri del Jazz” by Guido Michelone, offering insights into the various roles within the jazz world.
5:00 PM – Chiostri Ester Siccardi
Swing show with Swing Patch and dance maestro Giacomo Moretto, accompanied by the sounds of Yurierre Deejay. An invitation to discover and join the exhilarating rhythm of Lindy Hop.
9:30 PM – Piazza San Michele
Concert by the Travel Collective, an international group led by Alessandro Collina and Marco Vezzoso, featuring vocalist Roberta Monterosso. Instrumental music blending diverse influences and cultures.
Wednesday 27 August
11:00 AM – Mondadori Bookshop
Book presentation: “Casa mia sono io” by Renato Collodoro, a poignant story about migration and identity, with proceeds donated to humanitarian projects.
6:00 PM – Chiostri Ester Siccardi
Concert by the Nola French Quartet, combining the tradition of New Orleans brass bands with classic French songs in a Creole and jazz style.
9:30 PM – Piazza San Michele
Final concert with Big Pulse, a leading contemporary jazz band presenting an innovative repertoire of original compositions and experimental arrangements.
