Up&Down Festival Shifts to Boutique Venues for Immersive Canary Islands Concert Series
The Up&Down Festival is shifting toward a boutique format, hosting jazz and global roots performances in intimate, historically significant venues across the Canary Islands from May 9 to 17.
The Canary Islands' cultural scene is shifting, with smaller, more intimate events becoming more popular than large-scale productions. The organizers of the Up&Down Festival are embracing this trend, moving away from big venues in favor of locations with historical or architectural significance to create a more exclusive experience.
The festival, which features a mix of jazz and global roots music, runs from May 9 to 17. It kicks off in La Gomera at the Bancal Spa & Hotel with a performance by Ibolia. The main events will then move to Tenerife, where the San Felipe Castle in Puerto de la Cruz will host four days of performances.
This year’s lineup blends established artists with rising talent. From May 14 to 17, the schedule includes the Ancor Miranda Quartet, the Ana Ayala Quartet, and the Lornoar trio. A highlight of the festival is the duo Álex Abril—comprised of Abril Saurí and Álex Duato—who have gained international recognition following the success of their single Reelax. Their music, which blends traditional flamenco with modern jazz, has recently taken them on tours across Asia and Europe.
This "boutique" approach reflects a growing demand for immersive experiences where sound quality and a close connection between the artist and the audience matter more than crowd size. By hosting events in unique, decentralized locations, the festival aims to offer more than just a concert; it provides a high-quality, memorable experience for those who value both artistic excellence and a special setting.