Saturday begins with a set by Italian violin phenomenon Anaïs Drago. Drago was a Downbeat Magazine Rising Star in 2023. With acoustic and electric violin and various effects devices, she moves between pop, jazz and new music.
Sharon Mansur’s trio combines jazz with the energy of rock and Middle Eastern sounds in a way which is colourful and amazingly coherent. The Israeli pianist/keyboardist, known for her provocative and entertaining live concerts, is now with the ACT label.
Artists from 2026 partner country Sweden will open and close the festival. Trombonist Kristian Persson is involved in the jazzahead! Grand Opening on Wednesday as a member of the Norrbotten Big Band. His sextet Nine Sparks Riots combines funk and neo-soul in the spirit of Snarky Puppy – and will convey pure euphoria in the Schlachthof on the closing night.
Earlier in the evening, saxophonist Lina Langendorf and her band Langendorf United, which promises ‘funkified, psychedelic Ethio-Jazz Fusion’, will perform in a similarly cross-genre style. In the afternoon, the Britta Virves Trio, led by one of the most sought-after pianists in Swedish jazz will play her compositions centred around meditations on the wonder of nature.
