We’re all used to listening to music at home through speakers or headphones outside. But what could be more beautiful than live sound? In this review, we tell you about the most famous foreign jazz festivals around the world. With a music card like this, you can go on a mini-tour to experience jazz firsthand.

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

If you’re into jazz music, you probably know about the Montreal International Jazz Festival. After all, it’s the one that made the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running festival. For almost 40 years, since 1980, the heart of the Montreal Jazz Festival has been beating for its fans. And every year, for 10 days, the open-air event opens up to the world so that everyone can immerse themselves in the ineffable music of jazz.

Montreux Jazz Festival

In the years of its existence since 1967, the Montreux Jazz Festival has not only become larger and more famous, but also covers a wide range of near jazz and other music styles. Montreux annually hosts concerts by leading jazz artists from different continents. In addition, you can attend educational projects, master classes, visit an art exhibition and hear the music of the new generation of musicians.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival jazzpeople

This festival owes its jazz spirit to the famous performer and the greatest representative of the gospel movement, Mahalia Jackson. Visiting her hometown, she honored the first New Orleans Festival with her presence. Soaking up the atmosphere, the singer joined the performers and sang several pieces. Thus, since 1970, for almost 50 years, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has delighted its guests with a relaxed atmosphere.

Monterey Jazz festival

In 2017, the organizers of one of the largest jazz festivals in America will hold their 60th anniversary festival. Why is it peerless? I don’t think there’s an answer to that – only by experience can you figure out why people around the world appreciate the Monterey Jazz Festival atmosphere. Jazz Times Magazine readers have chosen it 5 times now as the world’s best jazz festival, a must-see for all jazz foodies.

Umbria Jazz Festival

If one festival a year isn’t enough for you, Umbria can please you not only in summer but also in winter. Umbria Jazz is one of the largest and most important jazz festivals in Italy itself and on the entire European continent. It has hosted such celebrities as B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Keith Jarrett, Stan Getz, Lady Gaga and a long list of stars exceeding the figure of 70 participants.

North sea jazz festival

The best foreign jazz festivals in Europe are represented by another opener – the North Sea Festival in the province of South Holland. It was first held in Rotterdam in 1976. Sarah Vaughan, Kaun Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and many other jazz legends of the past and present centuries have taken to the stage. The festival lasts for 3 days and draws up to 40,000 listeners.

Love Supreme Festival

Love Supreme Jazz Festival is a tribute to the great John Coltrane and his eponymous record that made avant-garde and hard bop famous. It’s the youngest festival on our list, but since 2013, East Sussex at Angia has hosted such maestros as Brian Ferry, Jamie Callum, Hugh Masekela, Gregory Porter, Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding, Melody Gardo, Branford Marsalis.

Jazz in Marciac

Did you know that festivals have names? No? Then let me introduce you to the Jazz in Marciac Festival, or just Jim. That’s the name it got after becoming a household name for organizers and visitors alike. If you want to hear jazz as it originally was, as well as enjoy marvelous scenery and rare delicacies, it’s time to pack your suitcase and visit the French Marciac, which in 2017 will be held from July 28 to August 15.