August 1, 2025
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All stars Big Band
Hristo Yotsov unveils his newest endeavor – a big band project featuring a stellar lineup of accomplished musicians, each distinguished by remarkable artistry and extensive professional experience.
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All stars Big Band
John Beasley Trio
Pianist, composer, and arranger John Beasley has carved out an illustrious career, seamlessly bridging jazz, film, and television. A prodigious talent, he cut his teeth working with icons like Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard before collaborating with stars such as Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, and Chaka Khan.
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John Beasley Trio
August 2, 2025
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The Oldie Goldies
Hailing from Sofia, The Oldie Goldies transcend conventional musical categorization, establishing themselves as sonic historians who meticulously reconstruct the golden era of swing. This distinguished ensemble, comprising Bulgaria’s most accomplished instrumentalists alongside international talents, serves as a living bridge between 1920s jazz vernacular and contemporary performance practice.
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The Oldie Goldies
Gabriel Palatchi Trio
Argentine pianist and composer Gabriel Palatchi has emerged as one of contemporary music’s most innovative synthesists, forging a distinctive sonic identity at the intersection of Latin jazz, tango nuevo, and global fusion. A graduate of Buenos Aires’ prestigious Berklee International School and protégé of Cuban maestro Chucho Valdés, Palatchi represents a new generation of artists transcending cultural boundaries through musical alchemy.
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Gabriel Palatchi Trio
August 3, 2025
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Boris Petkov Project with Arnau Garrofé, Vasil Hadjigrudev, Stoyan Yankulov, ft Vicky Almazidou
The stage will welcome an exceptional ensemble: Vicky Almazidou (vocals) – a vocal phenomenon renowned for her emotional depth and technical brilliance, Arnau Garrofé (saxophone) – a master of lyrical phrasing and dynamic improvisation, Vasil Hadjigrudev (double bass) – one of Bulgaria’s most distinguished rhythm section innovators, Stoyan Yankoulov (drums) – a percussion legend with global acclaim.
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Boris Petkov Project with Arnau Garrofé, Vasil Hadjigrudev, Stoyan Yankulov, ft Vicky Almazidou
Catherine Russell Trio
Born into musical aristocracy – daughter of jazz luminary Luis Russell (Louis Armstrong's longtime musical director) and pioneering multi-instrumentalist Carline Ray – Grammy-winning vocalist Catherine Russell embodies jazz heritage while continuously redefining its contemporary expression.
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Catherine Russell Trio
August 4, 2025
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Sarah Lenka
With a voice that carries both the weight of history and the intimacy of confession, Sarah Lenka has established herself as a singular storyteller in contemporary jazz.
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Sarah Lenka
Nils Landgren Funk Unit
Born in 1956, Swedish trombonist Nils Landgren began his musical journey on drums before discovering his true calling at 13. Trained classically, he shifted to jazz, forging his distinctive improvisational style. By the late 1970s, Landgren was a sought-after session player.
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Nils Landgren Funk Unit
August 5, 2025
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Borislav Yasenov Quartet
Renowned as one of Bulgaria’s most influential musical figures, Prof. Dr. Borislav Yasenov has carved an exceptional career as a virtuoso flutist, innovative composer, and inspiring pedagogue. His artistry seamlessly merges classical precision with jazz improvisation, establishing him as a singular interpreter across genres.
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Borislav Yasenov Quartet
Anat Cohen Quartetinho
With her expressive virtuosity and magnetic stage presence, clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen has emerged as one of jazz’s most captivating storytellers and boundary-pushing innovators.
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Anat Cohen Quartetinho
August 6, 2025
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The CapriHorns: Velislav Stoyanov, Mihail Yossifov, Dimitar Liolev
CapriHorns is an original musical project created by three of the most prominent figures on Bulgaria’s brass scene – Mihail Iossifov, Velislav Stoyanov, and Dimitar Liolev. Beyond being among the country’s most dynamic musical innovators, the trio shares the zodiac sign Capricorn, inspiring the project’s name – a fusion of “Capricorn” and “Horns”.
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The CapriHorns: Velislav Stoyanov, Mihail Yossifov, Dimitar Liolev
Dimitris Vasilakis
Internationally celebrated Greek saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Dimitrios Vassilakis – a four-time Candid Records award-winner – joins forces with his son, Nestor Vassilakis, for a captivating father-son collaboration at Bansko Jazz Festival 2025.
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Dimitris Vasilakis
August 7, 2025
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Kaloyan Kumanov Quintet
The inspiring musical journey of Kaloyan Kumanov began in Dobrich, Bulgaria where he mastered the accordion from an early age. After rigorous training at the Plovdiv Academy of Music and at the University of Barcelona, Kumanov built an illustrious international career.
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Kaloyan Kumanov Quintet
Sultan Stevenson Trio
Acclaimed by All About Jazz UK for his “mature awareness of space and silence,” Sultan Stevenson has rapidly ascended as one of London’s most compelling jazz voices.
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Sultan Stevenson Trio
August 8, 2025
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Angel Demirev Quartet
Raised amidst the vibrant Bulgarian music scene, Angel Demirev has developed a distinctive artistic voice that fluidly traverses genres and cultures. Born in Stara Zagora and a graduate of the Academy of Music in Plovdiv, the guitarist channels his solid academic foundation into an artistic pursuit that fuses jazz improvisation, classical precision, and folk inspirations drawn from across the globe.
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Angel Demirev Quartet
Ken Okada Group with Hristo Vitchev ft YOYOKA
Bassist, composer, and arranger Noriyuki Ken Okada has crafted a distinctive jazz fusion sound shaped by Japanese-American jazz, video game music, and modern big band influences. Based in San Jose, CA, he first gained recognition arranging for Keio University’s jazz big band while studying in Tokyo. After moving to the Bay Area in 2002, he performed alongside jazz greats at major festivals like Monterey Jazz Festival and venues including SFJAZZ Center.
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Ken Okada Group with Hristo Vitchev ft YOYOKA
August 9, 2025
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Kristian Alexandrov’s F.U.J.A. ft Shannon Gaye
With roots in Sofia’s vibrant music scene, Kristian Alexandrov has forged a remarkable journey from child virtuoso to globally recognized jazz artist. Since relocating to Canada in 1995, he has emerged as a triple-threat artist – equally formidable as pianist, composer, and producer.
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Kristian Alexandrov’s F.U.J.A. ft Shannon Gaye
New York Voices
For over three decades, New York Voices has set the gold standard for vocal jazz ensembles. The acclaimed quartet – featuring Darmon Meader’s crystalline tenor, Peter Eldridge’s warm baritone, and the shimmering sopranos of Lauren Kinhan and Kim Nazarian – has mastered the art of transforming four voices into a complete instrumental orchestra.
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New York Voices
August 10, 2025
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Camellia Todorova
Camellia Todorova continues to shine as one of the most influential figures on Bulgaria’s jazz scene. With her signature elegance and extraordinary stage presence, she masterfully blends diverse musical styles – from classic jazz to pop, rock, and soul. Her upcoming project for Bansko Jazz Festival promises to be a remarkable musical event, encapsulating her rich artistic journey.
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Camellia Todorova
Jerry Bergonzi & George Garzone quintet with Peter Slavov
Two of modern jazz’s most distinctive tenor voices converge for what promises to be a historic collaboration at this year’s Bansko Jazz Festival. Jerry Bergonzi – the harmonic alchemist whose meaty tone and chromatic brilliance have defined Boston’s jazz landscape for decades – will join forces with George Garzone, the avant-garde pioneer whose revolutionary Triadic Chromatic Approach has reshaped contemporary improvisation.
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