Baku Jazz Festival 2006 opens today

This will be the second festival of such prestige to be held in Baku. Last year's principal guest was the legendary Joe Zawinul, with his group 'Syndicate'.

According to festival producer Rain Sultanov, such musical festivals are especially important for the post-Soviet nations. Today the jazz festival in Baku - the main cultural event of the year - brings together traditions and philosophies from around the world.

"Baku Jazz Festival 2006" will be held at six venues: Baku Jazz Centre, the Heydar Aliyev Palace, the Shovket Mamedova Opera Studio, the Muslim Magomayev Philarmony, 1033 lub and an open-air stage in Fountain Square.

On June 21st and 22nd, in the Heydar Aliyev Palace, there will be concerts by American singer - the King of Jazz Vocalists - Al Jarreau.

At the same venue, the Heydar Aliyev Palace, on June 27th, the headline concert will feature world class jazz musician and eight times Grammy award winner, Herbie Hancock.

As in last year's festival, there will be jam sessions every evening at 11pm in the Baku Jazz Centre with local musicians and visiting guest performers.

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