X Jazz Berlin - Kreuzberg, 3 - 7 May 2017

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XJAZZ Festival

With around 80 shows in 12 different venues, and 14.000 spectators in 2016, the festival is clearly the biggest Jazz festival of Berlin. We define Jazz, more as a musical approach than a pre-defined aesthetic. For us the idea of Jazz means exploration, spontaneity, and interactive groove. Opening the Jazz spectrum to, say, improvised electronica or minimalist classical music, we can encourage Jazz and its continued influence on all forms of contemporary music.

This concept is helped by a younger generation, who find an open approach that is far less academic and elitist, breathing life into and refreshing the whole musical genre. Our festival programming puts a strong emphasis on contrasting and unknown elements. At XJAZZ it’s not an uncommon sight: techno club kids and trad-jazzheads sitting together, transfixed by a Berlin Improv-trio.

The XJAZZ Festival is the „different“ Jazz Festival in Berlin. A Festival that strives to cross boundaries, merging Jazz with other musical styles such as Electronic, African, and Neo-Classical music. Through its both modern and unconventional marketing, the festival has managed to reach a far bigger and younger crowd than comparable festivals.

XJAZZ strive to represent the unique, ever-changing scene of this diverse city. Many national and international artists have chosen Berlin as their home. That makes it possible to program an intimate yet international festival, where the artists can even bicycle to their own shows. 75% of the line up consists of local artists, which is unique for German festivals.

Furthermore, the festival has been widely praised by the media, “XJAZZ seems to be able to enthuse audiences who otherwise hardly come into contact with the world of jazz” writes taz newspaper, and “[…] the marvelous concept of XJAZZ, which should definitely be issued: Music for models and freaks alike, only a stone’s throw away.” - the BZ.

Poland has been chosen as the partner country of this year’s XJAZZ Festival. There will be several bands from Poland playing as well as the Berlin x Warsaw Ensemble as the opening concert at Watergate with musicians from both cities.

The main venues are located within a radius of just a few hundred metres in Berlin-Kreuzberg. XJAZZ takes place in legendary electro - & Indieclubs such as Watergate, Lido, BiNuu, Privatclub, but also in the Emmaus Church, and in the halls of the legendary Funkhaus Studios This rather unusual locations for jazz provide the special vibe of the Festival. With free concerts (OFFJazz) in Cafés and bars along the street, the Skalitzer Straße turns into a Street-Festival.

For the XJAZZ Festival 2017 we're happy to announce: