Acuto Jazz

Acuto Jazz: Signature jazz in the Ernici Mountains

Acuto Jazz is one of the most historic jazz festivals in southern Lazio, hosted every summer in the small village of Acuto, in the province of Frosinone, in the heart of the Ciociaria region. Established in the late 1990s and reaching its twenty-eighth edition in 2025, the event is organized by the Municipality of Acuto with the support of the Lazio Region and the Province of Frosinone, under the artistic direction of pianist and composer Paolo Tombolesi.

A festival of music, film, and words

What sets Acuto Jazz apart is its multidisciplinary nature: alongside evening concerts, the program weaves in screenings of jazz-themed documentaries and films, literary performances, and artist meet-and-greets. The festival is not merely a sequence of concerts, but a journey that juxtaposes musical improvisation with the written word and visual arts, offering the audience a broader, more sophisticated perspective on jazz culture.

Venues in the village

Events take place in the most evocative corners of Acuto's historic center. The Church of San Sebastiano, an ancient frescoed building, typically hosts late-afternoon talks and screenings, while evening concerts bring Piazza Regina Margherita and other town squares to life. Strolling through the medieval alleys between events, with panoramic views opening up over the valley, is an essential part of the experience.

Free admission and popular appeal

A defining feature of the festival is that all events are free of charge. Acuto Jazz was founded with the intent of introducing the general public to a genre often perceived as niche, bringing live music directly to the streets and squares of a small town in the Ernici range. This choice makes it a beloved event not only for jazz enthusiasts but also for residents and tourists visiting the Ciociaria region during the summer.

A summer staple in the heart of Ciociaria

Traditionally scheduled in August, Acuto Jazz is now a permanent fixture of the cultural summer in the province of Frosinone. The setting of the village of Acuto, perched at over six hundred meters above sea level, offers cool evenings and an authentic welcome, complete with local gastronomic specialties and the hospitality of the Ernici Mountain communities. For those looking to discover a side of Ciociaria beyond the beaten path, the festival is an ideal opportunity to combine great music, art, and local territory.