If its wild coves and plains flanked by pine trees attract the crowds in the heart of summer, Menorca - a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993 - is also an incredible destination in the fall and spring. In the first case, it's the beautiful Indian summer, with its infinite golden horizons, that seduces. In the second case, it is the frenzied notes of the jazzmen who seize the music lovers! Yes, at the end of winter, Menorca becomes a first-class destination for lovers of be-bop, swing, Dixieland and cool jazz! And this year, 2023, is special: under the caress of a spring sun, the Menorca Jazz Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary.

"Poc a poc

This festival is in many ways a musical event like no other. First of all, it has always been the work of islanders of all ages who share a love of music. Gathered under the banner of a non-profit association - Jazz Obert (meaning Open Jazz) - these music lovers take their free time to organize this event which has now reached a certain maturity: 25 years of concerts featuring renowned international musicians as well as more local emerging talents. Another specificity of the Menorca Jazz Festival is that it is not located in a single place and does not last only for a weekend.

In fact, the performances are held in the four corners of the island, in the most prestigious venues and theaters. The two most breathtaking spaces are undoubtedly the Teatre Principal de Maó (Mahón), which is one of the oldest theaters in Spain (1829), and the Teatre des Born, a building in Ciutadella, no less colorful (1875).

The Sala Albert Camús de Sant Lluís (near Mahón), the Auditòri de Ferreries (in the center of the island) and the phantasmagorical and cubic amphitheater of Lithica (near Ciutadella), nestled in the colossal walls of an old sandstone quarry, are other settings of the MeJF.

Finally, the fact that it is spread over three months makes this great jazz festival more human, less mechanical. Everyone can go to this or that event of the festival according to their tastes and availability. It must be said that in Menorca, whatever the subject, there is no question of going too fast. We take the time to appreciate the good things and to make them last: "Poc a poc" ("little by little") as they say. This philosophy is reminiscent of the expression used by the Cajun jazzmen of New Orleans: "Let the good times roll", they say over and over again! And this year, the good times will roll from the end of February to the end of May.

Swing and be-bop: a dream program!

For the 25th edition of this festival, Jazz Obert has concocted a line-up of choice that will speak to connoisseurs. American Brad Mehldau, a virtuoso pianist considered one of the most influential composers of his generation, will open the ball with his trio on February 26 in Mahón. Two weeks later, on March 10, Ciutadella will host a quartet led by Antonio Lizana, a talented Andalusian singer and saxophonist at the forefront of flamenco jazz. Then it will be the turn of the trumpeter from Havana, Carlos Sarduy, to make Sant Lluis vibrate on March 31.

April is a busy month: on April 7, the trio of Emmet Cohen, resident pianist of the Smoke Jazz Club (New York), will electrify Ciutadella. Then, on April 21, the oriental layers of the saxophone of Eli Degibri, a composer who is among the leaders of the Israeli jazz scene, will fill the space of the theater in Mahón.

From April 28 to May1 , the Menorca Lindy Exchange will take place in various places on the island, a true swing festival within the festival that brings together a dozen artists and jazz bands from all over the world to make fans of the Lindy Hop dance dance, which was born in Harlem in the mid-1920s.

The jazz of the Spanish quintet Fox Encounter will open the month of May (on the 5th in Ciutadella), while the Pícnic Vega Jazz event will take place on the 20th of May on a beach in Ciutadella for a big picnic with live jazz!

In addition, throughout the month of May, the Els Novíssims program will showcase Menorcan musical talent and offer jazz masterclasses and film screenings in the island's film libraries.

Finally, to close this edition, meet on July 20 at 21h in an exceptional place. Once past the sandstone labyrinth, you'll find yourself in front of the amazing Lithica stage: from this platform framed by vertiginous mineral walls, the Vallès Symphony Orchestra will bewitch a large audience that has come to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Menorca Jazz Festival!

FUTURE INFO

When is it?

The Menorca Jazz Festival comes at a rather pleasant time to visit Menorca. Majorca's little sister enjoys a lot of sunshine all year round, but the light in March, April and May is particularly beautiful. The temperatures are also rather mild in late winter and early spring. Finally, from March to mid-June, the island is little frequented by tourists, making it even more pleasant!

Duration

Due to its proximity and small size, a stay in Menorca of 3 or 4 days planned around the date of one of the festival's concerts is feasible. It is also possible to use this as an excuse for a longer trip: a week or 10 days are not too much to discover the territory!

Public

Of course, the target audience for the Menorca Jazz Festival is... jazz lovers! But not only! Any music lover who wants to broaden their musical knowledge and taste is welcome. We should also mention the Jazz Didàctic project and its workshops for the youngest children! Of course, the event will also be an opportunity to discover all the other treasures of the island: nature, gastronomy, historical heritage, culture, outdoor activities, etc.

The pluses

- Proximity. Minorca is very easy to reach from France.

- Cheap. Minorca is not very expensive.

- A mild weather.

- A musical program of quality.

The minuses

- The language barrier. Quickly overcome if you speak a little Spanish or English.

Useful

- MENORCA JAZZ FESTIVAL - More information on the website