Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Seeking innovative band projects with unique visions, compelling live performances and a willingness to tour across Europe and beyond, jazzahead! has put out a call for applications to its different showcase modules. The application window is open until Sept. 30.
(Photo: Courtesy jazzahead!)The jazzahead! trade fair and festival is now accepting showcase applications for its April 22–24, 2027, gathering in Bremen, Germany. Showcase applications are currently open until Sept. 30, and participating artists need to register for jazzahead! first to apply. Professionals who register for jazzahead! prior to Sept. 30 qualify for a special early bird rate that grants access to each day’s events.
Seeking innovative band projects with unique visions, compelling live performances and a willingness to tour across Europe and beyond, jazzahead! has put out a call for applications to its different showcase modules, including Baltic, German, European and Overseas/Asia Pacific. Showcase applications can be submitted via an ONLINE PORTAL set up by jazzahead! and must be completed by Sept. 30. Artists and other jazz industry professionals can register for jazzahead! 2027 HERE.
The 2027 jazzahead! partner region will be featured in the Baltic showcases, which will spotlight on Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, three closely intertwined countries that aim to present themselves as a unified export force in jazz. The Overseas showcases will be accompanied by a new three-year focus on the Asia Pacific region, dedicating at least three of the eight Overseas slots to that territory and fulfilling jazzahead!’s ongoing mission to build further and new bridges and to foster even greater exchange and connections. The Baltic states were selected as partner countries in order to promote artistic exchange between this very interesting region and Germany in connection with the important topic of green touring.
Instead of a Grand Opening concert on the Wednesday night of the festival, jazzahead! 2027 will begin on April 21 with an Exhibitors’ Preview, an evening exclusively for industry participants. The trade fair and festival will be launched at the Auftakt! Welcoming Ceremony at midday on April 22. The jazzahead! Anklang! on the evening of April 23, featuring top-class concerts and several surprises, will take place around Bremen’s historic Marktplatz. Over the course of the three-day trade fair and festival, the international jazz community will come together to network, exchange ideas, attend conferences and panels, and experience 38 showcase concerts featuring contemporary jazz from Germany, Europe and beyond.
The complete jazzahead! 2027 program will be posted online in February. Expect top musical events and unique experiences. DB
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
