Canarias Jazz & Más Celebrates 35th Anniversary With Milestone Week of Performances and Panels
The 35th Canarias Jazz & Más International Festival celebrates its legacy with a series of commemorative discussions and diverse performances featuring international artists like the Cuban Jazz Syndicate and Estelle Perrault.
The second week of the 35th Canarias Jazz & Más International Festival marks a major milestone, proving the event is more than just a series of concerts—it is a cultural institution that has shaped the region’s music scene. Organizers say this week’s lineup and events are designed to honor the festival's history while showcasing the best of modern jazz.
On Wednesday, the CajaCanarias Cultural Space in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will host a special discussion titled 35 Years of the Festival. Artistic director Miguel Ramírez will lead a panel featuring key figures who have helped build the festival since it began in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1992. Guests include Cristóbal de la Rosa from the Canary Islands government, producer Alberto Hernández Sicilia, photojournalist Luz Sosa, and sound technician Manuel Lorente. They will reflect on how the event has grown into a major regional cultural force.
The festival’s artistic program continues to stand out for its variety and its ability to blend jazz with other art forms. Drummer and composer Takeo Takahashi will present Forged Melodies at the same Tenerife venue. Joined by pianist Sergi Sirvent and bassist David Mengual, Takahashi’s performance explores the connection between sound improvisation and the sculptural work of artist Martín Chirino.
On Thursday, the festival turns its focus to international talent. In Tenerife, the Cuban Jazz Syndicate, led by drummer Michael Olivera, will showcase the vibrant sounds of the modern Caribbean scene. The group, which features a talented lineup of musicians including Carlos Sarduy and Humberto Ríos, is currently preparing for its second studio album. Meanwhile, at the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Gran Canaria, French-Taiwanese singer Estelle Perrault will make her festival debut. She will perform tracks from her third album, Promises, offering an intimate look at her unique approach to jazz standards.