A weekend of musical delights at the 2018 Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival

One of Spain’s most important musical events, the Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival has recently concluded their 42nd edition with resounding applause. In the past the festival has featured preeminent performers like Ella Fitzgerald and Eric Clapton and this year was no exception.

The 2018 Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival marks the 42^nd edition of this highly anticipated event.

The city of Vitoria became the Spanish capital of Jazz, this past 17-21 July, bringing together current and past music legends to celebrate jazz. The festival kicked off with Leanne Faine and Favor’s gospel talents followed by Hudson and Al Mckay’s Earth, Wind and Fire experience. Carla Bruni delighted audiences with her melodious voice and performed a wonderful version of Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Moon River.’

Other performers included Seamus Blake, the Gasteizko Ganabara Orkestra, Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles and the Mingus Big Band. The final day of the festival included performances by the Brooklyn Funk Essentials and Kool & The Gang that added a little funk to the atmosphere. Other musical events were held around the city. The Mark Braud Street Band showcased ‘Jazz on the Street’ while the Hotel Silken in Vitoria hosted the Mark Whitfield Trio and Galaad Moutoz Swing Orchestra for ‘Midnight Jazz’ sessions.

The Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival is also known for having introduced, in partnership with New York’s Julliard School the Jazz Seminary Course, an educational program open to students and professionals that continued this year as well.