At jazzahead! 2025, taking place on 24-26 April, Ukraine takes part with a strong delegation and exciting new releases that highlight the resilience and vibrancy of its jazz scene. Under the banner Jazz from Ukraine, the Ukrainian stand (Booth 6C03) will showcase the country’s rich musical heritage and contemporary talents to the international jazz community. The project is initiated and supported by Ukrainian Institute.
A delegation of 10 Ukrainian jazz professionals will be present, offering networking opportunities, insights into the dynamic Ukrainian jazz landscape, and fostering new collaborations. The delegation includes:
- Oleksii Kogan – jazz journalist, producer, and art director of Leopolis Jazz Festival
- Serhii Gemberg – director of Art Jazz festival in Rivne
- Liudmyla Shekera – music manager of the band ShekBand
- Arkady Mitnik – jazz photographer
And also the delegates who come for a study visit in the frame of capacity builting program launched together with Musikcentrum OeST – Resonate UA – a program to help Ukrainian musicians and managers establish themselves on the international music scene:
- Alina Zalozna, vocalist, arranger, and bandleader;
- Yevhen Dubovyk, composer, pianist, and leader of the Yevhenii Dubovyk Project;
- Maria Usenko, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and bandleader of the Maria Liu Quintet;
- Andrii Martynenko, saxophonist and composer, known as Andrii Barmalii;
- Olesia Levytska, promo agent and music manager at Dzyga jazz club in Lviv, delegate from Resonate UA)
- Ivanna Lishchuk, festival director Lesya Kva, music manager
One of the highlights of this year’s showcase is the release of "Jazz from Ukraine. Vol. 1", a compilation curated by the renowned jazz expert Oleksii Kogan. This album features a selection of outstanding Ukrainian jazz musicians, representing the diversity and excellence of the scene today.
Listen
In addition, we proudly present the note sheet "Serhii Artemov. In Memoriam", a collection of eight compositions by the talented Ukrainian jazz musician and composer Serhii Artemov. Artemov tragically lost his life in 2023 at the age of 29 while defending Ukraine. This publication serves as both a tribute to his artistry and a testament to the enduring spirit of Ukrainian jazz.
