The jazz festival of the Conservatory on the Gargano promontory
In the heart of the Gargano summer, the Rodi Jazz Fest brings some of the most authoritative voices in Italian and international jazz to Rodi Garganico, a small village overlooking the sea in the province of Foggia. Born within the "Umberto Giordano" Conservatory of Music, the festival has become a benchmark for spreading jazz culture in Puglia over the past two decades, serving as a place where academic training meets musical research and high-level artistic production.
The unique feature of the Rodi Jazz Fest is its deep connection with the Rodi branch of the "Umberto Giordano" Conservatory of Foggia. The stage hosts not only established guests but also students from the Jazz Ensemble classes and graduates from the New Languages Department: the festival thus becomes a showcase for young talents training within the Conservatory's halls, in dialogue with renowned masters and soloists. Artistic coordination is led by Maestro Giuseppe Spagnoli.
The festival evenings take place in the Conservatory amphitheater, an open-air space that welcomes the public during summer nights for concerts ranging from classic jazz to contemporary experimentation. The program alternates tributes to great jazz masters, such as Miles Davis, with original projects featuring faculty members, alumni, and guests from the American and European scenes.
Included in the broader summer calendar of Rodi, the Rodi Jazz Fest represents one of the landmark cultural events for the town of Rodi Garganico and the entire Gargano area. The free-admission policy makes it accessible to both residents and tourists, who can combine the pleasure of music with the beauty of one of the most picturesque seaside villages in northern Puglia.
The 21st edition of the Rodi Jazz Fest brought life to Rodi Garganico from June 19 to 23, 2026, confirming the festival as one of the most anticipated jazz events in the Gargano. Hosted in the amphitheater of the "Umberto Giordano" Conservatory's Rodi branch, the event combined concerts by students and graduates of the New Languages Department with international guests. The highlight of the edition was the honorary degree in Jazz Piano awarded to Checco Zalone (Luca Medici), accompanied by a Lectio Magistralis from the artist.
Opening concert by students of the Jazz Ensemble class, a showcase of the educational activities of the Conservatory's New Languages Department.
On stage, graduates and students of the New Languages Department celebrate young talent and high-level musical education.
A tribute to Miles Davis featuring American vibraphonist Mark Sherman, one of the most authoritative figures on the international jazz scene, joined by Conservatory faculty and students.
Ceremony for the honorary degree in Jazz Piano awarded to Luca Medici, alias Checco Zalone, with a Lectio Magistralis by the artist. Closing event of the 21st edition, by invitation only.
Artistic coordination by Maestro Giuseppe Spagnoli.
Rodi Garganico is located on the northern coast of the Gargano promontory, in the province of Foggia. By car, it can be reached via the SS89 Garganica; the Rodi Garganico train station is served by the Ferrovie del Gargano line. The nearest airports are Bari and Pescara.
Concerts are held at the Conservatory amphitheater with free admission subject to availability. Some special events, such as the honorary degree ceremony, may have reserved access by invitation only.
"Umberto Giordano" Conservatory of Music โ Rodi Garganico branch, tel. +39 0884 966580.
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Anfiteatro del Conservatorio "Umberto Giordano" โ sede di Rodi Garganico