Copenhagen Jazz Festival is 4th – 15th July this year, having run every summer since 1979. Considered one of Europe’s jazz capitals, Copenhagen has been a centre of jazz since the 1950s, when American artists immigrated to the city, bringing experimental sounds with them. Since that time, jazz has been a staple of the Copenhagen music scene, with the festival as it’s epicentre.
From innovative ensembles to big brass bands to solo pianists, there’s a jazz performance in every category. There are shows for adults, children, those who are new to jazz, and those who are insiders. Get out there and find the shows that you’ll love!
Check out our recommendations for this year’s Copenhagen Jazz Festival:
Lauritsen/Mandipira/Gade/Frost
Listen to a blend of jazz, soul, and funk from the gorgeous pipes of Zimbabwe-born, Denmark-based Miriam Mandipira along with organist Kjeld Lauristen, a Danish icon. This concert is open-air and free, so take the evening and enjoy yourself in the sunshine. Restaurant Uformel will be serving New Orleans-style gumbo.
Pumpehuset
Studiestræde 52
1554 København V
Friday, 5th July
7:00 pm
Jeppe & Jazzhyænerne – Children’s Jazz
You’re never too young to get into jazz! This concert is all about the kids, and encourages dancing, singing along, clapping, and general fun. The concert is open-air and free to join. Afterwards, Sinne Eeg will play a concert for the adults, so stick around for a double feature!
Amerika Plads
Amerika Plads 28
2100 København Ø
Saturday, 6th July
1:00 pm
Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles
Seriously, get yourself to this concert! Cory Henry, the talented multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer, is performing with his bank the Funk Apostles (you may have also seen him with Snarky Puppy, one of the coolest acts on God’s green Earth). Henry’s blend of jazz, gospel, and soul is as uplifting as it is virtuosic.
Kulturhuset Islands Brygge
Islands Brygge 18
2300 København S
Monday, 8th July
8:00 pm
Sudan Archives & DJ: Astrid Engberg
American violinist and singer Sudan Archives is one of the most original acts around. Her sound mixes everything from R&B, and electronica to Sudanese fiddle music. Astrid Engberg is a Danish singer and composer who brings jazz, soul, and hip-hop into her work. The two of them together is bound to be sensational.
Loppen
Sydområdet 4B
1440 København K
Wednesday, 10th July
10:00 pm
Sarathy Korwar & UPAJ Collective
The UPAJ Collectiv, led by Indian-born, UK-based tabla player and composer Sarathy Korwar, has become one of the most important voices of South Asian jazz worldwide. Their experimental take on a variety of rhythmic traditions keeps them ever-evolving. Seeing them live is a unique and unforgettable experience, with their blend of classical Indian instrumentation with contemporary British jazz. The intimate setting of Alice CPH will make the concert even more special.
Alice CPH
Nørre Allé 7
2200 København N
Friday, 12th July
10:00 pm
Trio Azulejos – Jewish Ladino Music from Andalusia
Ladino is the medieval language of Sephardic Jews (Jews from Spain and the Iberian peninsula). Trio Azulejos sings in this language, performing songs that reflect the stories of the Jews expelled from their home in 1492 and subsequent resettlement in North Africa, Turkey, and the Balkans. They are mesmerising performers, and this is a style of music you won’t hear anywhere else. There are no advance tickets – you’ll have to pick yours up at the door (100 DKK or 50 DKK if you’re a student).
Café Cadeau
H.C. Ørsteds Vej 28
1879 Fredriksberg C
Sunday, 14th July
8:00 pm