Magliejazz Season

Jazz at home in the heart of Salento

The Magliejazz Season is the annual festival organized by the Bud Powell Jazz Cultural Association, a cornerstone for improvised music in Maglie, in the province of Lecce. Established in November 2009, the association carries on the legacy of the town's previous "Jazz Club" and "Thelonious Monk" venues, continuing a jazz tradition that has thrived in Maglie for over thirty years. Its headquarters at Largo Stazione (Piazzetta Stazione 5) has evolved into an intimate club where jazz is experienced up close, in a focused and passionate atmosphere.

A festival of concerts, theatre, and education

Every year, between February and May, the program balances three complementary elements. The concert series brings national and local Salento jazz musicians to Maglie, featuring ensembles ranging from trios to the larger Bud Powell Jazz Orchestra. The theatrical performances, curated by the Salvatore Della Villa Company, combine music with spoken word and storytelling, often featuring texts by beloved authors such as Stefano Benni and Giorgio Gaber. There is also a dedicated space for younger audiences.

The Kids School of Jazz

At the heart of the association's educational mission is the Kids School of Jazz, a series of interactive workshops designed to introduce children and teenagers to the world of jazz through play, active listening, and ensemble music practice. It is one of the hallmarks of Magliejazz: not just a calendar of events, but a continuous effort to cultivate the audiences and musicians of tomorrow.

Maglie and Salento

Maglie, an important hub in lower Salento, Puglia, provides the ideal setting for a human-scale festival. The season is reserved for association members, with a contribution required for each event: a true cultural club formula that makes every evening a gathering of enthusiasts. For those visiting Salento outside the beach season, Magliejazz is an authentic way to experience local culture, featuring quality music, auteur theatre, and the warm atmosphere of a provincial club.