Crossroads - Jazz and more in Emilia-Romagna (Casalgrande stop)

Crossroads, the thousand miles of jazz in Emilia-Romagna

Crossroads is one of the longest-running and most widespread jazz festivals in Italy: a travelling review that each year crosses the entire Emilia-Romagna region, stopping in over twenty municipalities with a packed schedule of concerts spread over several months. The organization is managed by Jazz Network ETS, in collaboration with the Department of Culture of the Emilia-Romagna Region, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the patronage of ANCI. Its distinctive feature is its international scope combined with territorial capillarity: from the theatres of large cities to small towns, jazz truly reaches everyone.

Casalgrande, the opening venue

In the Municipality of Casalgrande, in the province of Reggio Emilia, the festival finds one of its most important homes: the Fabrizio De André Theatre in Piazza Roberto Ruffilli hosts the opening concert of the festival. It is from this stage that Crossroads lights up the new edition each year, choosing top artists from the world jazz scene for the opening night. For the people of Reggio and jazz lovers throughout Emilia-Romagna, it is the event that marks the beginning of the long concert season.

A programme without stylistic boundaries

The strength of Crossroads lies in its eclecticism: alongside international superstars, there is space for historical masters of improvisation, emerging talents destined for stardom, and an extraordinary presence of female voices. The festival places no limits on genre, ranging from classic jazz to fusions with Italian, Latin, African, and singer-songwriter music. Over the years, the festival has hosted names such as Pat Metheny, Enrico Rava, Stefano Bollani, Richard Galliano, Hamid Drake, as well as a long list of world-class singers and instrumentalists.

Why it's worth it

• It is the opening night of the entire regional festival: an event of strong symbolic value.
• It is held in an intimate and welcoming theatre, ideal for listening to live jazz.
• Tickets are affordably priced compared to major city concerts.
• International-level programming close to the heart of the Reggio Emilia province.

Casalgrande, also known for its tradition in ceramics and the vibrant cultural scene of the Secchia Valley, confirms its role as a musical hub for Emilia-Romagna with Crossroads.