FEATURE | The Funchal Jazz Festival
The Funchal Jazz Festival
By Patricia Mata
The Funchal Jazz Festival has been a growing cultural event since it was launched in 2000. International artists such as Dianna Reeves, Eliane Elias, Tania Maria, Ivan Lins, Arturo Sandoval, Nicholas Payton, Brecker Brothers have played here, along with many other international and Portuguese musicians to make this event a success.
July has always been the chosen month for this event, due to its mild weather. However the venue has changed from its original home, Quinta Magnolia, to the amphitheatrelike St. Catarina Park. This venue was chosen because of an increase in visitors and the sloping site makes this a superb venue. In addition to the stage, you have splendid views over Funchal in the background, making it a unique experience!
During the three day festival, visitors can take the night further by joining the after-hours jam sessions at the 360 º Panorâmico Bar at The Vine Hote. In addition, there is also a Disco Fair with an extensive variety of jazz, blues and world records available for sale.
This year, St. Catarina Park was home to the 13th Funchal Jazz Festival, with musicians including the Grammy and Emmy award winning musician, from the Dominican
The Funchal Jazz Festival aims not only to appeal to jazz lovers but also to attract new audiences, especially younger ones. Parallel activities to enhance the educational role of the event are organised every year, offering workshops, master classes and other activities.
Pictures courtesy of Miguel Moniz
38 | Summer 2012 | www. madeira-life. net |