Zadar Jazz & Blues 2026

The festival opens with Zadar Jazz Forces, an evening dedicated to local musicians and the new generation of jazz artists. The programme features the Marija Kalmeta Quintet, a group of distinguished young Croatian jazz musicians performing jazz standards and classics of the American jazz tradition in contemporary arrangements. Alongside vocalist Marija Kalmeta, the quintet includes Petar Ćulibrk (piano), Jerko Jurin (drums), Ivan Džajić (double bass) and Oliver Potočnik (saxophone). The evening will also showcase young Zadar jazz musicians Ivor Lakić and Karlo Klarić. Admission to this opening concert is free.

The second festival evening welcomes renowned Italian jazz musician Mario Rosini and his quartet. In a special tribute to legendary singer-songwriter Pino Daniele, Rosini joins Mimmo Campanale (drums), Daniele Scannapieco (saxophone) and Paolo Romano (bass guitar) to present a unique blend of jazz, Mediterranean spirit and Italian musical heritage.

On the third evening, Zadar hosts legendary American trombonist Joseph Bowie, founder of the cult band Defunkt and one of the leading figures of the jazz-funk movement. Together with The Bastardz, Bowie will deliver an energetic fusion of jazz, funk and improvisation. The band features Jex Zoran Jäger (guitar), Ywek Ivica Premelč (saxophone), Ivan Ousenek (drums), Alen Svetopetrić (bass guitar) and Gojko Tomljanović (keyboards).

The festival concludes with one of the world’s most celebrated bandolim virtuosos, the award-winning Brazilian musician Hamilton de Holanda. Having collaborated with legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Milton Nascimento, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Hamilton de Holanda brings his acclaimed trio to Zadar. Joining him on stage are Salomão Soares (piano) and Thiago “Big” Rabello (drums), delivering a captivating combination of jazz, virtuosic improvisation and the unmistakable energy of Brazilian music.

Admission to the concert on July 21 is free of charge. Tickets for the concerts on July 22, 23 and 24 are available through Eventim.

Zadar Jazz & Blues continues to strengthen Zadar’s position as an important meeting point for distinguished Croatian and international jazz artists, offering audiences a unique musical experience in some of the city’s most attractive cultural venues.