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| Denmark is all jazzed up for summer With warmer days and longer nights, Denmark is swinging into summer with an exciting calendar of Jazz festivals and performances across the country that will have visitors tapping their toes in delight. Ideal for a short break from the UK with Denmark just under two hours flying time away, holidaymakers can easily jazz up a few days away in the Danish sunshine by visiting during one of these lively festivals. Ideal for relaxing in one of the many picturesque town squares or wiling away the hours over some delicious alfresco dining, June to August are perfect for sitting back and enjoying the outdoor vibe. Choose from some of the following: Riverboat Jazz Festival, 24 – 28 June, Silkeborg Think steamboats and pumping New Orleans sounds to the gentle backdrop of a picturesque lake setting…. Attracting National and International names, the Riverboat Festival takes place throughout the central Jutland town of Silkeborg and on its surrounding lakes. One of the biggest and most respected jazz festivals in Scandinavia, its programme includes approximately 65 bands and solo artists with this year's highlights including performances from New Orleans trumpeter Leroy Jones; UK's Colin Kingwell's Jazz Bandits and The Brasshoppers; and Cuba's Luis Dias ylos del Son. See riverboat.dk Odense Aarfart Jazz Cruises, 27 June – 15 August, Odense Every Saturday during the summer months, the waterways of Odense in Funen resonate with the Funky Feetwarmers as they turn out traditional riverboat jazz with a humourous edge. Culminating with lunch at the Restaurant Carlslund, hungry guests then dine out on one of their famous 'æggekage' (omelettes) under the beech trees to live outdoor jazz. Boat trip 60DKK (approx. £7 one-way). See aafart.dk 6 July Jazz & Blues Festival, 3 – 6 July, Fredericia Celebrating the town's victory of the 6 July1849 and now in its 23rd year, Fredericia annual Jazz and Blues festival has put this East Jutland town squarely on the music lovers' map. Organised in collaboration with the Fredericia Jazz Club and 'Double Trouble' Blues Club, relaxing blues and good old jazz takes to the streets, squares and venues for four days of lively entertainment. With many free concerts, holidaymakers can simply slip into the sounds. See fredericiajazzklub.dk Aarhus Jazz Festival, 11 – 18 July, Aarhus Summer in Aarhus is not really summer without the Aarhus International Jazz Festival. Now in its 21st year, the Aarhus Jazz Festival attracts both international and local names with over 200 concerts throughout the city producing everything from funky and funny to itchy and rough-swinging jazz. Highlights at the Musikhuset Aarhus will include one of the biggest acts amongst tenor saxophonists – The Joshua Redman Trio, as well as the super quartet of Richard Galliano, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Richard Bona and Clarence Penn. With late night jazz jams rolling into the small hours, there is literally music from dusk until dawn. The festival also includes a number of free events with performances taking place at music venues as well as street corners and squares so you can't miss out on the party. See jazzfest.dk Den Blaa Festival, 10 – 16 August, Aalborg Not purely jazz, Aalborg's annual Blues Festival sees the city's squares and wide range of venues transformed into Blues clubs and performance spaces for a fantastic week of music. Creating a very special atmosphere in the city, the programme consists of a line up of both Danish and international blues and jazz musicians. See denblaafestival.dk. Danish cities and towns offer a wide and varied musical calendar throughout the year, so if you don't happen to be able to make one of the above, you'll still be able to stay 'well tuned' all year round. Getting there Denmark can be easily accessed with daily direct flights to Billund, Aarhus and Aalborg with easy bus/train connections and a good range of car hire companies. Denmark offers an excellent range of accommodation to suit all budgets from good quality hotels and more traditional Inns, Bed & Breakfasts to holiday centres and camping. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |