Pescara Jazz

Italy's oldest jazz festival

Pescara Jazz is a true institution of Italian music. Established in 1969 on the initiative of Lucio Fumo, it was the first Italian summer festival entirely dedicated to jazz and remains the longest-running active festival of its kind. Every summer, the Adriatic capital of Abruzzo transforms into a hub of international jazz, attracting enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

A history of legends

The strength of Pescara Jazz lies in its extraordinary heritage. The inaugural 1969 edition brought the Bill Evans Trio, the Philly Joe Jones Quintet, and the Barney Kessel Ensemble to Pescara. In July 1973, the festival achieved legendary status with a concert by Miles Davis alongside Keith Jarrett, an evening that firmly established the event on the international stage. Since then, the Pescara stage has hosted some of the greatest names in world jazz, building a unique cultural identity for the city and the entire Abruzzo region.

Artistic direction

For several years, the artistic direction has been entrusted to Maestro Angelo Valori, who has successfully renewed the event while maintaining its prestige, curating a lineup that alternates world-class stars, orchestras, original projects, and tributes to music icons. The organization is managed by the Ente Manifestazioni Pescaresi, in collaboration with the Municipality of Pescara.

Concert venues

Concerts are primarily held at the Auditorium Flaiano, a historic city venue, with special evenings taking place at the scenic Marina di Pescara tourist port, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. This combination of the intimate auditorium and the summer atmosphere of the tourist port is one of the festival's hallmarks.

An experience blending music and territory

• Renowned international jazz soloists and ensembles
• Original projects and tributes to musical masters
• The charm of the Pescara seafront in mid-summer
• Opportunities to explore the gastronomy and beaches of the Abruzzo coast

Attending a Pescara Jazz concert means experiencing a chapter of Italian cultural history in a city that has made jazz part of its identity. An unmissable event for music lovers and those wishing to discover Abruzzo through its most prestigious cultural manifestations.