Jazz

Athens Jazz, the city's longest-running musical institution, returns for its 23rd year courtesy of the Municipality of Athens at Technopolis (100 Pireos) on May 27. Greece's largest jazz celebration offers a week filled with live music, rhythm and special events - all with free admission.

Scenius [at] Athens is set to host an evening dedicated to the new jazz scene on April 16, at Plyfa (39 Koritsas, plyfa.space). The event will showcase the experimental folk psych-jazz band from London, Valia Calda, alongside the Greek jazz punk trio MOb. The performances will be followed by a vinyl listening session. Pre-book 15-euro tickets at Viva's more.com.

The City of Athens Chorus dives deep into the amazing world of African music and its evolution through spiritual and jazz music. Back in the 18th century, African-American slaves came together for impromptu gatherings where they sang, danced and chanted, blending European hymns with African beats and creating something truly spellbinding.

Malia is set to enchant Athenian audiences in four soul-awakening performances at the Half Note Jazz Club (17 Trivonianou, halfnote.gr). Known for her captivating voice and versatile style, the Malawi-born musician transcends the boundaries from jazz to soul and from blues to neo-jazz. Malia will be joined by French pianist Alexandre Saada, and German double bassist Gerd Bauder.

The B&E Goulandris Foundation's (goulandris.gr) Jazz at the Museum series of concerts continues with Sokratis Sinopoulos Quartet's "Dawn at the Mediterranean" on February 9 at the foundation's modern art museum in Pangrati.

In celebration of the festive season Gazarte (gazarte.gr) is hosting "Jazz Christmas with Crazy People Music" on Boxing Day, a hearty journey into the world of jazz, funk and New Orleans' second-line tradition.

The B&E Goulandris Foundation (goulandris.gr) will end its "Visual Journeys" series of jazz concerts on December 8 with a performance by the Filippou & Lucaciu Duet featuring Natalia Manta. Vibraphone player Evi Filippou and bassist Robert Lucaciu explore a variety of 21st century compositions, skillfully balancing between jazz, free improvisation and traditional tunes.

Greek actress and singer Tina Alexopoulou brings to life a festive musical show, blending classic hits like "Life Is a Cabaret" and "New York, New York" with seasonal favorites at the Half Note Jazz Club (halfnote.gr). Her repertoire spans from swing and Latin to Greek classics, all performed in her versatile vocal range across eight languages. Tickets range between 10-15 euros.

The music world eagerly awaits the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024, where a new category in the jazz genre field has been introduced - Best Alternative Jazz Album. This category celebrates innovators who have pushed the boundaries of jazz, redefining its sound and captivating audiences with their distinct styles.

With sounds ranging from the soothing melodies of jazz to the irresistible charm of ethnic rhythms, a collective concert is set to take place in the picturesque Megaron Garden (megaron.gr) as part of the Bridges Cycle.