Umbria Jazz 2024-2025 in Italy

Across three editions of Umbria Jazz, the charming medieval streets and squares of Perugia, Orvieto, and Terni transform into a jazz haven. Umbria Jazz is the region's most celebrated festival, showcasing top Italian and international jazz musicians at iconic venues.

Venues

Umbria Jazz features a variety of venues, both indoor and outdoor, including the Arena Santa Giuliana, Oratorio Santa Cecilia, Piazza IV Novembre, Carducci Gardens, and the Pavone Theatre. Concerts also take place in other scenic locations across the region, such as Piazza del Popolo in Todi, the Roman Theatre in Gubbio, Piazza San Francesco in Umbertide, and the Albornoz Fortress in Spoleto.

Festivals

Umbria Jazz celebrates jazz year-round in Italy with intimate fall performances at Jazz Club Perugia, the festive Umbria Jazz Winter in Orvieto (Dec-Jan), the major summer Umbria Jazz in Perugia (July), and the lively Umbria Jazz Weekend in Terni (September).

Lineup at Umbria Winter (December 28, 2024–January 1, 2025)

Highlights include the soulful sounds of the Nico Gori Young Lions Quartet, the Emmet Cohen Trio, and the dynamic "A Soulful Christmas" hosted by Mwenso & The Shakes. Family-friendly sessions like UJ4KIDS entertain young jazz fans, while Funk Off brings their lively street performances to Orvieto’s historic center. Other notable acts include Ethan Iverson’s "Simply Cinematic" with the UJ Orchestra, the Chicago Stompers, and Paolo Fresu's Devil Quartet. With daily performances across venues like the Carmine Theatre, People's Palace, and Mancinelli Theater, this festival is set to offer memorable jazz moments in the heart of Italy.

Tickets

Some of the festival's events are free, but tickets are required for the main concerts, priced at around 50 euros each. For some events, there is also an option to book a table.

History of Umbria Jazz

The Umbria Jazz Festival was first held in 1973, organized by local entrepreneur and jazz enthusiast Carlo Pagnotta, who brought acts like Aktuala and the Thad Jones & Mel Lewis Orchestra to Villalago, Piediluco. Since then, high-quality music set against stunning locations has become the festival’s hallmark.

Over the years, Umbria Jazz has hosted an impressive array of legendary artists, including jazz icons B.B. King, Burt Bacharach, Tony Bennett, George Benson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and James Brown. The festival has also welcomed world-renowned stars such as Eric Clapton, Natalie Cole, Miles Davis, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Simply Red, Carlos Santana, Prince, and Sting.