Kaunas Jazz Festival has run strong for decades, luring countless jazz buffs to Kaunas, Lithuania's vibrant hub of music, culture, and artistic expression. The annual event began in 1991, shortly after Lithuania had declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Initially, the festival used to be a small event running in April. Still, with years, it expanded into international series to be also held in the fall and just before Christmas.
The festival's eclectic program blends a whole bunch of jazz genres, from traditional old school to avant-garde and contemporary jazz, promising to please the most discerning audiences. Chords of established jazz artists and up-and-comers from about 20 countries cross the Kaunas Jazz stage yearly. Some of the past lineups' highlights were Al Di Meola, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, John Scofield, Elvin Jones, Charles Lloyd, Jan Garbarek, Bobo Stenson, Courtney Pine, Nils Landgren, Marc Copland, Palle Mikkelborg, John Abercrombie, Nils Petter Molvaer, Mike Stern, David Sanborn, Trilok Gurtu, Greg Osby, Bobby Previte, and Chico Freeman.
During Kaunas Jazz, world-class music swirls throughout the entire Kaunas, spanning disparate venues from large concert halls to more intimate and remote jazz clubs. Headliners often perform at Žalgirio arena, but other concerts and events like workshops take place at diverse theatres, museums, gardens, etc. You can find the full schedule with the list of performers, times, and venues on the event's official website, mentioned in the External Resources.
Beyond festivaling it up, you are welcome to peruse Kaunas and uncover the city's multiple historic landmarks. Just make sure you've bagged a bed and hit the streets to join the action. Feel free to use the accommodations map to find a suitable stay nearby.
