Written by The 2024 XJAZZ! Festival is gearing up to be a celebration of musical diversity and discovery. With a lineup curated to challenge genre boundaries and spotlight Berlin’s thriving music scene alongside captivating international performances, this year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Since its inception in 2014, XJAZZ! Festival has been a disruptive force in the German jazz landscape. Founded with a grassroots desire to break away from conventions, the festival has provided a platform for both established and emerging artists to express themselves freely. By embracing a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and funk to hip-hop and electronica, XJAZZ! has expanded the definition of jazz, creating a more inclusive and exciting landscape for music enthusiasts.
Having earned the title of Festival of the Year at the German Jazz Awards in 2022, XJAZZ! continues to raise the bar as a premier event in the jazz scene, not only in Germany but across Europe. Drawing crowds of around 20,000 from around the world to Berlin, the festival has become synonymous with innovation and creativity in music.
For one week each year, Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood transforms into a global stage for avant-garde music and cultural exploration. Spread across venues of all sizes, XJAZZ! offers attendees the opportunity to discover new sounds while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. As founder and artistic director Sebastian Studnitzky explains, the festival was conceived as a counterpoint to established jazz culture, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
With over 60 acts scheduled to perform, the XJAZZ! 2024 lineup boasts a diverse mix of established icons and emerging talent, marking a decade since the festival’s founding. From international luminaries like Nana Sinephro and Bill Frisell to local favorites such as Sanni Est and Omer Klein, there’s something for every music lover. This year’s festival also features a strong presence from the US, with performances by legendary artists like Joe Armon-Jones and Sasha Berliner.
In addition to its musical program, XJAZZ! is committed to fostering dialogue and engagement within the music community. Through workshops, panels, and discussions, attendees have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of jazz and explore its cultural significance. Managing director Sebastian Hecht emphasizes the festival’s role as a platform for connection and collaboration, where music becomes a catalyst for meaningful interaction.
Expanding its footprint with the introduction of new venues and a larger festival area, XJAZZ! offers attendees a dynamic festival hub where they can relax, eat, shop, and attend workshops between concerts. From record markets to curated compilations, the festival provides opportunities for attendees to take home a piece of the XJAZZ! experience and continue celebrating its legacy.
With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and artistic expression, the 2024 XJAZZ! Festival promises to be a celebration of music’s power to inspire meaningful dialogue. As Sebastian Hecht aptly puts it, “Music has the incredible power to connect people, which is what drives us as festival organizers. It also requires us to listen well, a skill that we believe is more important than ever in today’s world.”
More information on the XJAZZ festival can be found on the festivals website.
Last modified: April 30, 2024
