From July 15 to 19, Nice will experience a new edition of the Jazz Festival in the unique setting of Place Masséna and the Théâtre de Verdure. But before enjoying this world-renowned event, another jazz festival will charm Nice.
For five days, the city will resonate with the sounds of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, jazz legends, and today’s discoveries that make the festival famous.
With this essential summer rendezvous, jazz spreads to the Colline du Château. Indeed, from July 6 to 10, Jazz OFF offers the opportunity to discover for free the best jazz groups from the Côte d’Azur through several concerts and jazz aperitifs.
The program features 5 groups performing:
DEEPLODOCUS / JULY 6 AT 7 PM – CONCERTS ESPACE CATHÉDRALE:
Deeplodocus presents their very first show: Origamix. Born in 2020, Deeplodocus is a trio of saxophone, marimba, and drums from Toulouse. In 2020, the three musicians invented the concept of “unplugged electro.” “Electro” for their musical style inspired by the greatest DJs and “Unplugged” for their acoustic instruments. Both on the street and on stage, their fuel is energy: raw, communicative, and positive. Their music acts as a magnet; their creations are hypnotic like electronic music and make a lasting impression with their originality. Deeplodocus radiates spontaneity and has only one objective: to make people dance, sing, and smile!
PEAKY SLIDERS / JULY 7 AT 7 PM – APÉRO JAZZ TERRACE NIETZSCHE
This 100% made-in-France project came to life in 2021 in Nice with a somewhat quirky idea: giving a modern twist to brass bands by imagining them on stage, amplified, thus creating a new musical genre that abolishes the boundaries between styles and audiences. Under the talented pen of Cyril Galamini, the arrangements are original, and the orchestration is unexpected. A version of Havana (Camila Cabello) revisited in a Santana-like style, Wonderwall (Oasis) swinging like a Sinatra song. From the spirit of New Orleans brass bands to hits by Taylor Swift or Beyoncé, the Peaky Sliders have drawn their brassy sound and electrifying energy to offer a supercharged cocktail! Unmatched expertise with a hint of gentle madness—this is the recipe for their festive and invigorating music.
LOOKING UP PROJECT AND BEHIA / JULY 8 AT 7 PM – CONCERTS ESPACE CATHÉDRALE
This musical quintet comprises renowned artists, seasoned on stage for many years. The gentle and beguiling voice of singer Behia pays tribute to Billie Holiday with a concert centered around the songs and compositions that marked her life. Alternating between swing and blues, Behia wonderfully succeeds in reviving both the enthusiasm and the dramatic intensity that Billie Holiday brought to jazz throughout her artistic journey. During this concert, Behia unveils the touching personality of Billie Holiday by contextualizing the pieces of her repertoire within the tumultuous life of this great Jazz lady.
SWING MASTERCLASS AND SWING DANCE / JULY 9 FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM – BALETI SWING ESPACE CATHÉDRALE
Iconic dance born in the 1920s with the Charleston, swing has since evolved into various styles, from Lindy Hop to Charleston, including Collegiate Shag, Blues, and Balboa. Initially in Paris and Lyon, this movement became highly popular throughout the 20th century, following the evolution of Jazz music. Today, swing evokes this music, this swaying dance inviting people to move on the dance floor. So come and learn to dance, in pairs or solo, at the Château de Nice! Swingin’Nice association, specialists in the genre, will guide you during its sessions on July 9 from 2 PM to 5 PM. Participation is completely free and without registration (subject to availability). Simply show up on the day and let a team of young and dynamic instructors guide your steps:
2 PM-3 PM: Beginner Introduction
3 PM-4 PM: Solo Jazz Roots (all levels)
4 PM-5 PM: Lindy Hop / Charleston (all levels)
Starting from 7 PM, Nissa Swing will host a live Baletti for everyone to shake a leg. Enjoy this dancing and joyful moment without restraint.
BOOM BRASS – ELECTRO BAND / JULY 10 AT 7 PM – APÉRO JAZZ TERRACE NIETZSCHE
This 100% Made in France project started in 2020 in Nice. The idea of offering a DJ repertoire played on acoustic instruments germinated in the minds of these 7 musicians (percussion, brass, and vocals). As their work bore fruit, Boom Brass offered their first live concert in 2021 with a style between La Meute and Lucky Chops. Success was immediate, and the challenge of re-establishing a genuine human connection with the audience through original arrangements of electro works, Trap, Dream Trance, Techno, as well as Pop/R&B Soul remixes, was met. “BOOM BOOM — SHAKE THE ROOM! Ready to Dance Into Infinity and Beyond!”
