Green Pilot Tours

Sweden | 11–16 November 2025

Tour dates & venues
- 11 November – Halmstad Jazz Club, Halmstad (SE)
- 12 November – Lerum Jazz Club, Lerum (SE)
- 14 November – Jönköpings Jazzklubb, Jönköping (SE)
- 15 November – Ölands Folkhögskola, Öland (SE)
- 16 November – Immanuelskyrkan / Borås Jazz, Borås (SE)

The Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble Green Pilot Tour was initiated by the Lithuanian Jazz Federation and realised in collaboration with EJN member Göteborg Artist Centre (GAC) / Kuntpunkt, strengthening Nordic–Baltic cooperation through concerts, education and sustainable mobility. The tour featured the Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble, a ten-member jazz orchestra, presenting their double LP Odd Numbers.

To reduce emissions, the ensemble flew only to Copenhagen and continued the entire Swedish tour using public transport, travelling by trains and buses between cities. This approach allowed the group to test, in real conditions, what greener touring means for mid-size ensembles, where mobility, cost and logistics are significantly more complex than for small groups.

Alongside concerts, the tour included educational and community activities, most notably a full-day residency at Jönköping Folkhögskola. Ensemble members led workshops focusing on rhythm, ensemble playing and composition, culminating in a joint rehearsal and performance with the school’s big band. Post-concert discussions in several cities further opened dialogue around the realities of sustainable touring for larger groups.

The project highlighted both opportunities and limitations. While public transport proved more humane and comfortable than van travel — offering space to rest, work and move — it was often more expensive, particularly when last-minute tickets were required due to flight connections. Carrying instruments through multiple transfers and adapting technical requirements at each venue added further challenges.

Sustainability was approached beyond CO₂ reduction. The ensemble aimed to minimise equipment rental, avoid unnecessary material use, and keep backstage and technical needs intentionally light, reducing waste while preserving artistic quality.

Despite the challenges, the tour demonstrated that multi-city public-transport touring for large ensembles is possible, provided there is early planning, close coordination with venues and funding models that reflect higher costs. The experience offered concrete insights, strengthened international partnerships and expanded the conversation on how sustainable touring can be scaled beyond small formats.

Blog posts
https://www.vilniusjjazzensemble.com/post/large-ensemble-touring-sweden-edition
https://www.vilniusjjazzensemble.com/post/touch-down-sweden
https://www.vilniusjjazzensemble.com/post/hiccups-solutions-and-even-more-buses

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