Program of Baku Jazz Festival 2006 was announced

From the 19th 27th June a jazz festival will be held in the capital of Azerbaijan Baku which will feature world famous jazz artistes Al Jarreau and Herbie Hancock and musicians from many other countries (Portugal, Italy, Israel, USA, Germany, Canada, Russia and etc.), as well as Azerbaijans own jazz stars. This will be the second festival of such prestige to be held in Baku. Last years principal guest was the legendary Joe Zawinul, with his group Syndicate.

On June 21st and 22nd, in the Heydar Aliyev Palace, there will be concerts by American singer the King of Jazz Vocalists Al Jarreau. At the same venue, the Heydar Aliyev Palace, on June 27th, the headline concert will feature world class jazz musician and eight times Grammy award winner, Herbie Hancock. As in last years festival, there will be jam sessions every evening at 11pm in the Baku Jazz Centre with local musicians and visiting guest performers.

"Baku Jazz Festival 2006" will be held at six venues: Baku Jazz Centre, the Heydar Aliyev Palace, the Shovket Mamedova Opera Studio, the Muslim Magomayev Philarmony, 1033 РЎlub and an open-air stage in Fountain Square.

According to festival producer Rain Sultanov, such musical festivals are especially important for the post-Soviet nations. Today the jazz festival in Baku - the main cultural event of the year - brings together traditions and philosophies from around the world.