jazzahead! 2023 – Review

The 17th jazzahead! edition was a good one, while the numbers still have room to grow

From 27 to 30 April, the professional jazz world met in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen for the 17th jazzahead! – Europe’s biggest jazz trade event felt like it did before the pandemic, only somehow better. Proximity was a decisive factor here, not only regarding the design of the trade fair and concert halls, but also in terms of interhuman exchange.

All the more surprising is the comparison of visitor numbers: With 2,800 professional delegates, jazzahead! exceeded last year’s edition, which was still strongly marked by the pandemic, by only 100 people. There is room for improvement here. However, this did not disturb the exuberant atmosphere.

The ambience was also visibly enjoyed by the 60 or so Swiss participants coming together during the trade fair at the yellow glowing SWISS MUSIC stand. Here, they met their international partners, displayed their promotional material or simply took a breather in between. The platform was offered to them free of charge by the FONDATION SUISA, Pro Helvetia and SONART – Swiss Musicians Association, who were also taking care of the front office.

There was Swiss live music on each of the three trade fair days, too: Sc’ööf, LIUN + The Science Fiction Orchestra and UASSYN delighted, without a shadow of a doubt, numerous international bookers’ ears.

The next jazzahead! is scheduled from 11 to 13 April 2024.

SWISS MUSIC @ jazzahead! 2023 ⎪ Impressions:

Photos: SWISS MUSIC @ jazzahead! 2023 ⎪ by ⓒFONDATION SUISA