An independent jury has selected eights acts to perform in front of a large international audience as part of the showcase programme. The selected acts represent an appealing cross-section of the Dutch jazz scene, which is seen internationally as adventurous, globally oriented and playful. These acts are: Ben van Gelder & Reinier Baas, BOI AKIH, Guy Salamon Group, Kika Sprangers Large Ensemble, Marmoucha Orchestra, Raw Fish, Tineke Postma Aria Group and Alessandro Fongaro’s Pietre. Several partners and the Dutch jazz sector are presented at the fair stand. This is also the place to do business.

Friday 12 April concludes with a Club night where six Dutch acts will perform: kotokid, WAAN, Ronny deCarlo, Lucas Santana 5tet, Alto for Two and ICP Orchestra. The jazzahead! festival wraps up on Saturday 13 April with a festive gala concert by the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest, led by Maite Hontelé. Maite is one of the most highly regarded jazz musicians today, with two nominations for a Latin Grammy Award. The concert will also feature flute player Ronald Snijders and pianist Ramón Valle. Sunday 14 April there will be a tour through the city of Bremen by bicycle to watch Dutch acts perform.

Buma Cultuur’s jazz, world and contemporary classical genre manager, Mark van Schaick: “This is a huge opportunity to boost the profile of the Dutch jazz industry and Dutch copyright. It is also an opportunity for us to talk about the legacy of North Sea Jazz and about music education.”

More information: dutch.injazz.nl