All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Jazz and moonlight. One of our all-time favorite combinations. Music aficionados of the world, take note. This report from our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has everything you need to know about where to go and where to stay for the best summer 2022 jazz music festivals in the world, including Newport, San Sebastian, Saratoga, Umbria and more. After nearly three years of uncertainty thanks to the pandemic, welcome to a long-awaited summer of swing.
what are the best summer jazz music festivals of 2022?
From Los Angeles to Spain, there are incredible jazz festivals all over the world this summer. And if you’re open to cultural experiences of all kinds, check out our lists of the best summer classical and opera, chamber music, pop music, and dance festivals.
Tickets are already on sale for some of these events, some are nearly sold out, and others are just about to become available. This is the perfect time to get out your calendar and start scheduling.
And yes, we know jazz is all about improvisation – but a little planning ahead definitely won’t hurt. See you under the stars.
The Best Summer Jazz Music Festivals in the World 2022
1. Ravinia
Ravinia Summer Music Festival will light up the Chicago suburbs from May 25 – September 18, 2022. No matter what genre of music you favor, there’s no festival quite like North America’s oldest. Every year, they bring the best and biggest musical acts to the Midwest, making themselves a reliable summer highlight.
Jazz fans, there’s more than ten events for you throughout the program, including performances by Matthew Whitaker Quintet, Marcus Roberts Trio, and Mames Babegenush. Stay at: The Ace Hotel Chicago. Don’t Miss: Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown with special guests, on June 26.
[white_box]
Related Post
15 top classical and opera Summer music festivals to love in 2022
read more >
[/white_box]
2. Rochester
Rochester International Jazz Festival is looking forward to a fantastic summer, June 17 – 25, 2022. The festival takes place at venues across the city, offering packed days with plenty of music to enjoy. They will feature hundreds of both up-and-coming and well-known jazz artists.
This includes big names like Chris Boti, Devon Allman Project, Tommy Emmanuel, Robin Thicke, Sheila E., and Booker T. Presents: A Soul Stax. Stay at: Dartmouth House, a charming B&B in Rochester. Don’t Miss: The headliner series, which is free and open to the public.
3. Hollywood Bowl
Included in Hollywood Bowl’s epic summer program is The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, from June 25 – 26 2022. In collaboration with Festival West, Hollywood Bowl is going to bring the nation’s top jazz acts to the stage.
Though it’s only two days long, the festival will feature performances by The Roots, Cory Wong, Veronica Swift, and several other artists. Stay at: The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. Don’t Miss: “Lean on Me,” José James’ celebration of Bill Withers.
4. Saratoga Jazz Festival
The Saratoga Jazz Festival, June 25 – 26, 2022, takes place at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) each year during the last weekend in June. Performances are split between the SPAC Amphitheater main stage, and the Charles. R Wood “Discovery Stage,” the latter of which will offer attendees the opportunity to hear from some rising stars.
Among the artists in attendance this year are Galactic, Robert Glasper, Ledisi, and many, many others. Stay at: The Saratoga Arms. Don’t Miss: Sunday’s performance by Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis.
[white_box]
Related Post
12 top black musicians in the world of classical music
read more >
[/white_box]
5. Umbria
The Umbria Jazz Festival, July 8 – 17, 2022, has been celebrated in the medieval city of Perugia, Italy since 1973, with dozens of performances held in concert halls as well as in the streets.
Artists this year include Pedro Martins, Samara Joy & Pasquale Grasso Trio, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Dee Bridgewater & The Memphis Soulphony, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Krall. Stay at: The Borgo Dei Conti Resort. Don’t miss: The closing performance, played by Jeff Beck and a “very special guest” who has yet to be announced.
6. Vitoria
The 45th edition of the Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gasteiz takes place July 12 – 17, 2022 in Vitoria, Spain. It is a “must-see” on the Spanish musical calendar and is the event in the historic Basque region in northern Spain which is part of the International Jazz Festival Organization. It brings together the most important jazz festivals in Europe and the US.
Concerts are typically held in the Principal Theatre, the Mendizorroza Sports Center and the Campas de Armentia esplanade (for Jazz in the Street). This year, we’ll have the pleasure of hearing music from Arturo Sandoval, Eliane Elias, Snarky Puppy, James Brandon Lewis, Eijo, and others. Stay at: The NH Canciller Ayala Hotel. Don’t miss: The beautiful poster for this year’s event, designed by Madrid-based illustrator Javier Navarrete.
[white_box]
Related Post
10 Spring 2022 activities best to enjoy in New York City (NYC)
read more >
[/white_box]
7. San Sebastian
The San Sebastian Jazz Festival, July 20th – 25th, 2022, officially known as the Jazzaldia Jazz Festival, is in its 57th year on the coast of the Basque region in Spain.
And with its incredible program – featuring talent like Herbie Hancock, Iggy Pop, Diana Krall, Gregory Porter, and many more – it’s sure to be one of the best events of the summer. Stay at: the Hotel Maria Cristina. Don’t miss: Opening night, where you can catch Vadim Neselovskyi at 7 pm, and Simple Minds at 9:30.
8. Newport
The Newport Jazz Festival, July 29th – July 31st, 2022 takes place at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. The event was established in 1954 by socialite Elaine Lorillard and promoter George Wein. At this time, the aim was bringing great jazz to the posh resort town.
Short but sweet, the festival is packing an immense lineup into its 72 hours. There will be artists like Norah Jones, Esperanza Spalding, The Fearless Flyers, Terence Blanchard, and PJ Morton. Stay at: The Castle Hill Inn or the Chanler Hotel at Cliff Walk. Don’t Miss: The celebration of George Wein, with “very special guests to be announced” soon.
9. Marciac
Jazz in Marciac, July 22 – August 6, 2022 has been celebrating summer in southwestern France since 1978.
This year’s lineup will include Diana Krall, Samara Joy, Jeff Beck, Lakecia Benjamin, and many more. Stay at: La Villa Toscane or the Hotel La Baguenaude Don’t miss: The final performance, “A Night in New Orleans” with Wynton Marsalis.
10. Monterey
The Monterey Jazz Festival, wraps up the season, running from September 23rd – 25th, 2022 at the County Fair and Event Center in Monterey, California. It is in its 65th year. Monterey is one of the world’s longest consecutively running jazz festivals and was founded by jazz radio broadcaster Jimmy Lyons.
We are already getting excited about their lineup. It features Las Cafeteras, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Cucho Valdés, Gregory Porter, and so many other favorites. Stay at: The Inn at Spanish Bay. Don’t miss: Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, Lakecia Benjamin, Christian Sands, Yasushi Nakamura, and Clarence Penn.
The Best Summer Jazz Festivals in the World 2022
That’s everything you need to know about where to go and where to stay for the best summer 2022 jazz music festivals in the world, including Newport, San Sebastian, Saratoga, Umbria and more. What’s at the top of your list, dear reader?
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.
