Atessa in Jazz

Jazz in the heart of Atessa

Atessa in Jazz is a music festival dedicated to jazz and singer-songwriter enthusiasts, held every summer—typically in July—in the historic center of Atessa, one of the most characteristic villages in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The festival transforms the town's narrow alleys, small squares, and open spaces into open-air stages, offering free concerts in some of the most picturesque locations in the municipality.

At the foot of the Cathedral of San Leucio

The beating heart of the event is the space at the foot of the majestic Cathedral of San Leucio, a religious and artistic symbol of Atessa, linked to the famous legend of the dragon defeated by the patron saint. Listening to jazz beneath the church walls, amidst the stones of the ancient village, offers the audience an experience where music engages with the city's historical heritage and identity.

The artistic direction of Lorenzo Tucci

The artistic direction is entrusted to drummer Lorenzo Tucci, a musician of Abruzzese origin who is among the most appreciated figures on the Italian jazz scene. Thanks to his network of collaborations, the festival proposes a high-quality lineup every year, capable of alternating established talents with new voices from the national and international jazz world.

A prestigious lineup

Throughout its editions, Atessa in Jazz has hosted musical projects of great value. Among the most memorable events are the tribute to Paolo Conte by the Porto Franco group and the Uneven Shorter project dedicated to the music of Wayne Shorter, featuring artists such as Claudio Filippini and Luca Mannutza. An artistic journey that confirms the festival's commitment to presenting experimental jazz and authorial reinterpretations.

Free music accessible to all

One of the hallmarks of Atessa in Jazz is that the concerts are free, designed to make great music accessible to both residents and visitors. The intimate and informal format, with the audience gathered around the stage in the historic center, helps create that warm and engaging atmosphere that characterizes the best summer evenings in Abruzzo.

Atessa and its surroundings

Attending the festival is also an opportunity to discover Atessa and the Sangro-Aventino valley: a village rich in history, churches, and traditions, nestled in the hilly landscape of the province of Chieti. The festival is part of the municipality's summer events calendar, promoted by the Department of Culture, and represents a fixed appointment for jazz lovers in Abruzzo.