Rhodes & South Aegean International Jazz Festival
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Description
The Rhodes and South Aegean International Jazz Festival – “Jazz Across the Water – Mediterranean Bridges” transforms two historic landmarks of Rhodes Medieval Town into a vibrant musical meeting from 22 to 24 October 2026.
This spectacular three-night event brings together world-class international jazz talent from countries including the USA, Puerto Rico, Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Turkey, Albania, Austria, and Cuba. The programme aims to unite various generations and musical traditions through the contemporary language of Jazz. Admission is free for all events.
Thursday, 22 October | Palace of the Grand Master
20:00 | Sonny & Trane Tribute (Willy Rodriguez – Fathers and Sons)
Genre: Jazz Tribute & Improvisation
About: An international collaboration celebrating jazz legends Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. Features Latin Grammy-winning Puerto Rican drummer Willy Rodriguez alongside talented father-and-son musical duos from Slovakia and Greece.
21:00 | University of Cincinnati CCM Jazz Faculty Ensemble (USA)
Genre: Contemporary American Jazz
About: A high-profile performance by a seven-piece all-star faculty ensemble from one of the USA’s top music conservatories. The lineup includes renowned saxophonist Craig Bailey, a former long-time arranger for the legendary Ray Charles Orchestra.
Friday, October 23 | Church of the Virgin Mary of the Burgh
20:00 | New Generation Greek Jazz (FLOWTET | Greece)
Genre: Modern Jazz, Funk & Hip-Hop
About: A vibrant quintet showcasing the sound of today’s emerging Greek music scene through original compositions and modern improvisation.
21:00 | Mediterranean Ensemble (Music Across the Mediterranean)
Genre: Ethno-Jazz & Balkan Traditions
About: Created specifically for the festival theme, this concert links jazz improvisation with Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan roots. Features acclaimed lyra virtuoso Sokratis Sinopoulos.
Saturday, 24 October | Church of the Virgin Mary of the Burgh
20:00 | Yaremi Kordos & Roland Abreu (Afro-Cuban Grooves | Cuba)
Genre: Afro-Cuban & Latin Jazz
About: Havana-born vocalist Yaremi Kordos and bassist Roland Abreu kick off the festival’s final night with a high-energy performance blending deep Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz.
21:00 | RIJF All-Star International Band (Jazz Across the Water)
Genre: Global Jazz Fusion
About: The festival’s grand closing concert. An international ensemble of master musicians from Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Turkey, and Austria coming together for a unique night of cross-cultural musical dialogue.
The Rhodes and South Aegean International Jazz Festival is under the artistic direction of Dimitrios Vasilakis.