Also the jazzahead! Opening Ceremony will be held under the motto "Close together from afar": the jazz world is getting especially close together this year, as we celebrate a cooperation with International Jazz Day for the first time. As a special guest, Dee Dee Bridgewater will speak on behalf of the UNESCO initiative. Further words of welcome will, among others, come from Prof. Monika Grütters, Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, and Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte, Mayor and Senator for Culture of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen.

The ceremony will be musically accompanied by the MARKUS STOCKHAUSEN GROUP.
Markus Stockhausen is considered one of the most distinguished trumpeters worldwide. At the intersection of jazz, classical music, new music and electronic experiments, he is constantly researching new possibilities of expression. This is also the case in a new line-up with pianist Jeroen van Vliet. Joy of playing and masterful skill - colorful compositions, inspired improvisations and intuitive playing blend into a harmonious whole. All musicians also use electronic extensions of their instruments, always searching for the 'magic moment' on stage. Through their intuitive interplay, they bring inner worlds to sound with great sonic richness.

Line-Up: Markus Stockhausen (flh,tp) Jeroen van Vliet (p, snth), Sebastian Gramss (b), Christian Thomé (dr)

Sebastian Gramss performs as guest musician in the group.

We will broadcast the opening ceremony of the 15th jazzahead! live on www.jazzahead.de as well as on the jazzahead! Facebook page for all fans.