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Previous participant: Günsu Yeşilyaprak
From: Istanbul Jazz Festival (Turkey)
To: Fasching / Stockholm Jazz Festival (Sweden)
Dates: 11 - 20 October 2024
This staff exchange experience was more than I could have ever imagined, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the Stockholm Jazz Festival and the entire Fasching team. The Stockholm Jazz Festival is organized by Jazzclub Fasching, where I worked and observed for 10 days. Like the Istanbul Jazz Festival, the Stockholm Jazz Festival spans multiple venues across the city, and their approach to programming and organization offered me a unique learning experience.
The last coordination meeting before the festival began was held online, allowing me to participate. This gesture highlighted how much Fasching values inclusivity. During my time there, I was added to their WhatsApp group, and all communication was in English to ensure I could follow along. They also provided me with an official email address and access to their files, allowing me to stay connected to the daily flow of activities.
I shadowed the festival's CEO, Eric, and gained insight into his leadership style. Observing how he managed the festival with calm and organization was incredibly valuable. I also worked as the festival’s venue representative on two separate days—one at Fasching and one at Nalen. I assisted bands with soundchecks, coordinated backstage, managed the daily schedule, and helped venue preparations before the shows.
Conversations with the marketing manager gave me a deeper understanding of the festival’s marketing strategy and press relations. One of the highlights was attending the opening concert in the concert hall where the Nobel Prize ceremony is held. Seeing legendary musicians such as Merit Hemmingson, Joao Bosco & Jaques Morelenbaum, and The Headhunters was unforgettable. I also saw performances by Vijay Iyer, Linda Mah Han Oh, Tom Skinner, Sven Wunder, GoGo Penguin and Sona Jobarteh, among others. Witnessing such a diverse range of jazz performances was enriching.
What struck me most was how a small but passionate team managed such a massive festival. It gave me renewed hope for the future of our industry. The advice and mentorship I received from Eric were invaluable, and I feel as though I’ve gained a lifelong mentor. I gained in-depth insights from Gavin about Stockholm's jazz scene and club culture. It's fascinating because Stockholm holds a significant place in Northern Europe's music scene. The jazz, electronic music, and club cultures are vibrant and diverse.
The Fasching team also made special accommodations for me, including adding a vegan option to the staff dinners. During my stay, I attended a concert by former EJN board member Sunna Gunnlaugs and met with Louise Nordgren, the Managing Director of Svensk Jazz, to discuss jazz festivals in Sweden and Europe.
This year’s Stockholm Jazz Festival featured 269 acts across 72 stages, breaking a new audience record with 31,918 visitors. It was a privilege to be part of such a dynamic event.
I am deeply grateful to the Fasching team—Eric, Gavin, Sara, Sanna, Pontus, Axel, and everyone else—for their hospitality, generosity, and friendship. This exchange has been a unique experience, and I’m thankful to the Europe Jazz Network and Creative Europe for making it all possible.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17935903658797073/
To: Fasching / Stockholm Jazz Festival (Sweden)
Dates: 11 - 20 October 2024
This staff exchange experience was more than I could have ever imagined, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the Stockholm Jazz Festival and the entire Fasching team. The Stockholm Jazz Festival is organized by Jazzclub Fasching, where I worked and observed for 10 days. Like the Istanbul Jazz Festival, the Stockholm Jazz Festival spans multiple venues across the city, and their approach to programming and organization offered me a unique learning experience.
The last coordination meeting before the festival began was held online, allowing me to participate. This gesture highlighted how much Fasching values inclusivity. During my time there, I was added to their WhatsApp group, and all communication was in English to ensure I could follow along. They also provided me with an official email address and access to their files, allowing me to stay connected to the daily flow of activities.
I shadowed the festival's CEO, Eric, and gained insight into his leadership style. Observing how he managed the festival with calm and organization was incredibly valuable. I also worked as the festival’s venue representative on two separate days—one at Fasching and one at Nalen. I assisted bands with soundchecks, coordinated backstage, managed the daily schedule, and helped venue preparations before the shows.
Conversations with the marketing manager gave me a deeper understanding of the festival’s marketing strategy and press relations. One of the highlights was attending the opening concert in the concert hall where the Nobel Prize ceremony is held. Seeing legendary musicians such as Merit Hemmingson, Joao Bosco & Jaques Morelenbaum, and The Headhunters was unforgettable. I also saw performances by Vijay Iyer, Linda Mah Han Oh, Tom Skinner, Sven Wunder, GoGo Penguin and Sona Jobarteh, among others. Witnessing such a diverse range of jazz performances was enriching.
What struck me most was how a small but passionate team managed such a massive festival. It gave me renewed hope for the future of our industry. The advice and mentorship I received from Eric were invaluable, and I feel as though I’ve gained a lifelong mentor. I gained in-depth insights from Gavin about Stockholm's jazz scene and club culture. It's fascinating because Stockholm holds a significant place in Northern Europe's music scene. The jazz, electronic music, and club cultures are vibrant and diverse.
The Fasching team also made special accommodations for me, including adding a vegan option to the staff dinners. During my stay, I attended a concert by former EJN board member Sunna Gunnlaugs and met with Louise Nordgren, the Managing Director of Svensk Jazz, to discuss jazz festivals in Sweden and Europe.
This year’s Stockholm Jazz Festival featured 269 acts across 72 stages, breaking a new audience record with 31,918 visitors. It was a privilege to be part of such a dynamic event.
I am deeply grateful to the Fasching team—Eric, Gavin, Sara, Sanna, Pontus, Axel, and everyone else—for their hospitality, generosity, and friendship. This exchange has been a unique experience, and I’m thankful to the Europe Jazz Network and Creative Europe for making it all possible.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17935903658797073/
