Overview of the 38th Eivissa Jazz International Festival
The Eivissa Jazz International Festival returns for its 38th edition, turning Ibiza into a vibrant stage for jazz, fusion, and emerging talent. This year the spotlight shines on the low strings, with American double‑bassist Tonina Saputo and Brazilian bassist Michael Pipoquinha leading the lineup.
When and Where
Festival Dates
The festivities run from September 1 to September 5, offering five nights of music.
Venues
- Passeig de Vara de Rey – opening night with local and Mediterranean‑flavored acts.
- Reina Sofia Park – home to the Big Band Ibiza City and a flamenco‑jazz fusion.
- Bastion of Saint Lucia (Dalt Vila) – the historic walled area hosts the core jazz performances, including the closing bass‑focused show.
Featured Artists
Tonina Saputo
A Californian double‑bassist, composer, and singer whose style blends jazz, classical, Latin rhythms, and African roots. Often compared to Esperanza Spalding, she moves fluidly across genres, treating jazz as an open language.
Michael Pipoquinha
A Brazilian virtuoso bassist who started his professional career at age eleven. His playing dialogues with jazz, soul, funk, and world music, and he has shared the stage with legends such as Djavan, Gilberto Gil, and Ivan Lins.
Program Highlights
September 1 – Passeig de Vara de Rey
- SANG – original compositions by Mallorcan violinist Sinéad Cormican, mixing Mediterranean, Celtic, and Andalusian sounds in a jazzy setting.
- Jive at Nine – Pitiusa regulars with special guests Claudia Ottelli and Ivan Pacheco from Swingin’ Tonic.
September 2 – Reina Sofia Park
- Big Band Ibiza City – directed by Vicente Tur, delivering a gospel‑infused repertoire featuring vocalists Jordi Sanou, Matteo Crocetti, Miss Aranzazu, Lauren, Reya Thomas, and Claudia Bardagí.
- Ibossim Flamenco Ibiza – a project that fuses flamenco tradition with contemporary Latin jazz influences.
September 3 – Bastion of Saint Lucia
- L.A.B Trio – winners of the Getxo Festival 2025 revelation award, bringing vibrant European jazz.
- The Illusions – Ibizan musicians Franco Botto and Pere Navarro share the stage with New Zealand saxophonist Nathan Haines, an acid‑jazz reference.
September 4 – Bastion of Saint Lucia
- Antoni Marí Sextet – young Ibizan guitarist leads a group revisiting 1960s modern jazz (think Miles Davis) from a contemporary perspective.
- Eivissa Jazz Experience – pianist Abe Rábade directs an ephemeral combo of past festival participants, creating a barely‑rehearsed, one‑of‑a‑kind set.
September 5 – Bastion of Saint Lucia (Closing Night)
- Tonina Saputo – opens the bass‑themed finale with her elegant, genre‑crossing double‑bass performance.
- Michael Pipoquinha – closes the festival, showcasing his innovative Brazilian bass style that blends jazz, funk, soul, and world music.
Why This Edition Matters
Carmen Dominguez, Ibiza Town Hall’s Councilor for Culture, calls the festival “an unmissable date on the calendar.” She emphasizes its growing international reputation while retaining a strong local pulse. The historic setting of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds extra charm to the performances.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the nights held at the Bastion of Saint Lucia are available on the festival website (www.eivissajazz.com). The first three days (September 1‑3) are free of charge.
Conclusion
The 38th Eivissa Jazz International Festival promises a memorable blend of world‑class bass virtuosity, vibrant local talent, and exciting cross‑genre collaborations. From the sunny streets of Passeig de Vara de Rey to the ancient walls of Dalt Vila, Ibiza will once again become a living stage where jazz speaks in many accents—inviting teens and music lovers alike to listen, dance, and discover the next generation of sound.
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es