Musical genre, multiculturalism, and governmental guidelines
The city of Marburg is gearing up for the third edition of the Marburger JazzSommer, a four-day celebration of jazz music and cultural diversity, taking place from September 11 to 14, 2025.
The festival, organised by the city of Marburg, Jazz Initiative Marburg e.V., Jazz Association Hesse, and supported by the German Jazz Union, will feature an international programme reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Europe.
A Diverse Lineup
The lineup for this year's festival is as diverse as it is exciting. On September 11, the improvising trio Vehicle/Passenger will kick off the event at trauma. The trio, consisting of a female-identifying saxophonist, an electronic artist, a poet from Curaçao, a US-American drummer, and a bassist from Cologne, promises a unique blend of jazz and contemporary music.
British percussionist and sound researcher Bex Burch will also perform on the opening day at KA.RE.
As the week progresses, the Waggonhalle Kulturzentrum will host a series of performances. On September 12, German jazz and fusion guitarist Michael Sagmeister will take the stage, followed by Lukas Akintaya, also known as Adeolu, who will present his new band project for the first time.
Promoting Young Talent
The Marburger JazzSommer is not just about established artists. The festival also focuses on promoting young talent and giving less-known musicians stage experience. On September 12, the jam session will continue at Cavete from 10:30 PM, providing an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to showcase their skills.
Highlighting Women in Jazz
This year's festival aims to shine a spotlight on women and female-identifying bandleaders who are less present in the industry. Athina Kontou's Mother Quartet will perform on Saturday, September 13 at Waggonhalle, while the European Jazz School / Sister City Projekt will also take the stage on the same day.
Special Performances
The festival will also feature a special concert by Museum of no art, a project by Mona Steinwidder, at Marburger Kunstverein on September 13. South African singer Dumama and Akintaya's sister Lucina will collaborate with Lukas Akintaya on his new band project, and Mongolian singer Enji will present her new album Sonor on the same day.
Workshops and More
In addition to the concerts, the Marburger JazzSommer will also offer workshops, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn from the professionals. Topics such as origin, democracy, collaboration, and diversity are central to the festival, making it not just a musical event, but a cultural one as well.
With its diverse lineup, focus on young talent, and commitment to promoting women in jazz, the third Marburger JazzSommer promises to be an exciting and enriching event for jazz lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. So mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of jazz in Marburg from September 11 to 14, 2025.
