Jazz in Marciac Festival

Jazz in Marciac

The festival Jazz in Marciac is a major event in the world of jazz, attracting thousands of spectators every year. Since its inception, it has combined musical passion and conviviality in a charming setting. This article takes a look at the history of this not-to-be-missed event, the artists who have performed there, and all the practical information you need to enjoy the festival to the full.

History of the Jazz in Marciac Festival

The beginnings of Jazz in Marciac

The festival was founded in 1978 on the initiative of a handful of jazz enthusiasts from the small town of Marciac, in the south of France. department du Gers, in region Occitaniein the southwest of France France. The idea was to create an event that would attract jazz fans from all over the world and energize the region.

The Evolution and Growth of the Festival

Over the years, Jazz in Marciac has grown exponentially from a few local concerts to an internationally renowned event. Today, it takes place over three weeks every summer, attracting artists and spectators from the four corners of the globe.

Famous Stars and Musicians at Jazz in Marciac

Jazz Legends

Jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock lit up the Marciac stages with their unique talent and energy.

Contemporary Stars

Contemporary artists such as Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis and Norah Jones continue to thrill audiences with their spellbinding performances, confirming the festival's reputation as a benchmark venue for jazz music.

Practical information

How to get to Marciac

Marciac is accessible by car, train and plane. The nearest airports are Toulouse and Pau, with shuttle services available during the festival. The nearest train station is in Tarbes, about 40 km from Marciac.

Accommodation options

During the festival, several accommodation options are available:

  • Hotels A variety of hotels are available in and around Marciac.
  • Bed & Breakfast For a more personal and local experience.
  • Campsite Several campsites are set up to accommodate festival-goers.

Prices and ticketing

Concert Prices

Ticket prices vary according to artist and date. It is recommended to book in advance online to get the best seats.

Festival Pass

Passes for several days or for the whole festival are also available, offering a complete experience at an attractive price.

 

The festival Jazz in Marciac 2024 will be held from July 25 to August 15. Reserve these dates for an unforgettable musical experience.

Jazz in Marciac 2025 program: artists, dates and highlights not to be missed

This is the full program of the 47ᵉ edition of the festival Jazz in Marciacwhich takes place from monday, july 21 to thursday, august 7, 2025 in Marciac (Gers, Occitanie)

Day-by-day program

Monday, July 21st

  • Sophie Alour - Le Temps Virtuose

  • Robert Plant (with Saving Grace) & Suzi Dian 

Tuesday, July 22

  • Madeleine Peyroux

  • Melody Gardot

Wednesday, July 23rd

  • Casuarina

  • Andrea Ernest Dias Quarteto 

Thursday, July 24th

  • Tyreek McDole

  • Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals 

Friday, July 25

  • Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

  • Santana - Oneness Tour 2025 

Saturday, July 26th

  • Veronica Swift

  • Gregory Porter

Sunday, July 27

  • Casuarina

  • Carlos Malta & Pife Muderno 

Monday, July 28

  • Christian Sands

  • Wynton Marsalis & Friends 

Tuesday, July 29

  • Oscar Peterson Centennial Celebration (Sullivan Fortner, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton)

  • Herbie Hancock 

Wednesday, July 30

  • Adi Oasis

  • Roberto Fonseca - Tribute to Ibrahim Ferrer 

Thursday, July 31

  • Salif Keïta (acoustic concert)

  • Tiken Jah Fakoly - Acoustic Tour 

Friday, August 1st

  • Rhoda Scott - Ladies & Gentlemen

  • Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet - We Exist! 

Saturday, August 2nd

  • Dabeull Live Band

  • The Fearless Flyers 

Sunday, August 3rd

  • Deluxe

  • MEUTE

Monday, August 4th

  • Stochelo & Mozes Rosenberg Trio - The Songs of Charlie Chaplin... and more!

  • Biréli Lagrène, Martin Taylor & Ulf Wakenius - The Great Guitars 

Tuesday, August 5

  • Stefano di Battista - La Dolce Vita

  • Joshua Redman Quartet 

Wednesday, August 6

  • Hamilton de Holanda Trio

  • Egberto Gismonti 

Thursday, August 7

  • Amaro Freitas Trio

  • Hermeto Pascoal & Grupo 

Highlights

  • Inauguration with fanfare with Robert Plant and Suzi Dian on 21/07.

  • Great figures Herbie Hancock (29/07), Wynton Marsalis (28/07), Dee Dee Bridgewater (01/08), Salif Keïta & Tiken Jah Fakoly (31/07).

  • Rock and blues icons Santana (25/07), Ben Harper (24/07), Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band (25/07). 

Practical info

  • Dates July 21 - August 7, 2025

  • Locations Main tent (~6,000 seats), L'Astrada hall (~500 seats), free concerts in the central square. 

  • Format A concert under the big top every evening, and free daytime entertainment in the village. 

Playlist & video excerpt

  • A official Spotify playlist features artists from the 2025 edition .

  • Video preview of Sophie Alour and Robert Plant on YouTube 

Jazz in Marciac 2024 program: A year rich in discoveries

The 2024 edition was a real success, offering an eclectic mix of jazz, world music and unexpected collaborations. The Jazz in Marciac 2024 festival was held from July 25 to August 15.

If you would like to relive the highlights of this year's event, you can consult the detailed program on the official Jazz in Marciac website: https://jazzinmarciac.com/programmation-par-date

Some highlights of the 2024 edition:

  • Pink Martini : The band opened the festival with its unique blend of musical styles from around the world, taking the audience on an exhilarating sonic journey.
  • Émile Parisien Quartet & L'Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse : An eventful concert that highlighted the talent of the French saxophonist.
  • Chris Potter, Brad Mehldau, John Patitucci, Johnathan Blake : A dream quartet that delivered a memorable performance.
  • Other highlights: Ludovico Einaudi, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chris Isaak, Ibrahim Maalouf, Richard Galliano, Chucho Valdés...

Why revisit 2024?

  • To recall emotions : Relive the concerts on video or audio, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the festival.
  • To discover new artists: If you've missed some of our concerts, this is your chance to discover new talent.
  • To wait for the next edition : While we wait for the 2025 program, we'll be reliving the highlights of the previous year.

Jazz in Marciac 2023: A successful musical journey

The 2023 edition of Jazz in Marciac left its mark with a rich and varied program. The festival celebrated its 45th anniversary under the banner of freedom, offering audiences a wide range of musical styles, from traditional jazz to more contemporary sounds.

Highlights to remember

The 2023 edition featured a number of internationally renowned artists, including :

  • Abdullah Ibrahim
  • Anne Paceo
  • Ben Harper
  • Cécile McLorin Salvant
  • Cory Wong
  • Dhafer Youssef
  • Duttronc Rosenberg Gresse Trio

These artists, from very different musical backgrounds, gave exceptional performances, demonstrating once again the richness and diversity of jazz.

Activities and Special Features of the Jazz Festival

Open-Air Concerts

In addition to indoor concerts, open-air performances are organized, allowing visitors to enjoy the music in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Workshops and Masterclasses

Workshops and masterclasses are offered for amateur and professional musicians, providing a unique opportunity to learn from top jazz artists.

City Environment

Discover Marciac

Marciac is a charming little town with many tourist attractions. Stroll its picturesque streets, discover its local markets and enjoy the regional gastronomy.

Local Gastronomy

Visitors can sample local specialties such as foie gras, duck confit and wines from the South-West, making their stay a true culinary experience.

Jazz In Marciac festival -FAQ

What is the Jazz in Marciac festival?

The festival is an annual jazz event held in the town of Marciac, France, attracting artists and spectators from all over the world.

Which famous artists played at Jazz in Marciac?

Legends like Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and contemporary stars such as Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis and Norah Jones performed in Marciac.

How to get to Jazz in Marciac?

Marciac is accessible by car, train (Tarbes station) and plane (Toulouse and Pau airports). Shuttle buses are available during the festival.

What are the accommodation options in Marciac?

Options include hotels, B&Bs and campgrounds.

What are the concert prices?

Prices vary according to artist and date, with passes available for several days or for the entire festival.

What are the dates for Jazz in Marciac 2024?

The festival Jazz in Marciac 2024 was held from July 25 to August 15.

Jazz in Marciac festival- Conclusion

Jazz in Marciac is much more than just a music festival. It's a celebration of jazz culture in a magnificent settingoffering a unique and memorable experience to all visitors. Whether you're a jazz fan or simply looking for an exceptional summer experience, Marciac awaits you with its warm hospitality and outstanding musical program.

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