Yaremi Kordos & Evolution Cuban Jazz and young Croatian pianist Borna Pehar are the headline acts at Jazz in the Vineyard in Međimurje, which takes place August 23-25. Given the prime Saturday night slot, the Havana singer has already performed with the big names from Buena Vista Social Club and will be appearing here with top double bass player Roland Abreu and Polish tenor saxophonist Taras Bakovskyi. Their Latin jazz party starts at 8.30pm on August 24.
The stand-out act for Sunday’s programme, the Borna Pehar 4tet is led by the namesake Croatian musician whose debut album, Timezone, mainly features his own original compositions. Their show starts at 6pm, followed at 8pm by singer Tamara Mózes and keyboard player Zsolt Kaltenecker, who describe their style as chamber artpop.
Before then, the up-and-coming musicians from Slovenia’s respected Škola Jazz Ravne take the stage at 3.30pm.
The opening night on Friday will be headlined by Poland’s TANTYFREAKY, whose new album, Theory of Love, showcases the psychosoul and electro jungle of this fourpiece.
Now in its fourth year, Jazz in the Vineyard takes place at the top of Mađerka hill, cascading vineyards around it and a breathtaking view that takes in Austria, Hungary and Slovenia.
In addition to the concerts, musicians will be sharing their knowledge at several masterclasses, while visitors can view the exhibition, Portraits – Music in the Picture, in co-operation with a festival from Slovenia, Jazz Ravne.
In between shows, DJs such as Ozren Kanceljak and William Collins and others will be keeping the rhythm going.
The spotlight will also be given to the festival’s artistic director, a celebrated guitarist and winner of a Lifetime Achievement Award, Ratko Zjača.
The surrounding municipality of Štrigova in northern Croatia is deep in wine country, as yet unblemished by tourist hordes. Owners of the estate where the festival is held, the Štampar family, claimed one of the biggest awards in the industry, a Decanter gold for the best sparkling wine Urban white in 2023, while inspired local chef Marko Palfi will be responsible for the accompanying culinary delights.
The festival programme also includes a Cultural Centre in Štrigova, where the masterclasses and exhibitions can be found, and guests can always relax after the event in the healing waters of the nearby Terme Sv Martin.
With its unique location, top-class jazz, cultural programme, award-winning wine and superb gastronomic offer, Međimurje’s Jazz in the Vineyard festival should appeal to anyone who enjoys the finer things in life.
Jazz in the Vineyard, Štrigova, Međimurje. August 23-25.
Created in collaboration with Jazz in the Vineyard.