A festival that enchants Nice and beyond! The Nice Jazz Festival 2024 concluded on a triumphant note, once again confirming its status as an essential musical event on the international scene. Over four summer evenings, the festival set the heart of Nice abuzz with a bold and diverse line-up.
The 2024 edition of the Nice Jazz Festival, marked by a desire for renewal, gathered no fewer than 40,000 passionate spectators, whether they were simple enthusiasts or informed specialists. From August 18 to 21, the Theatre de Verdure and the Masséna stage hosted 24 internationally renowned artists, representing a wide range of styles from traditional jazz to more contemporary sounds. Among them, icons like Nas, Phoenix, Jungle, Omah Lay, and Kenny Garrett illuminated the stage, offering unforgettable performances that captivated a multi-generational audience.
The festival maintained its pioneering spirit by embracing diverse musical influences while staying true to its jazz heritage. Beyond the main concerts, the Jazz Off also played a key role, extending the musical experience throughout the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis. This parallel segment helped democratize jazz by offering free shows accessible to all, thereby strengthening the bond between music and the local community.
The “Kind of Blue” Village: an immersive journey into the world of jazz
Among the major new features of this edition, the “Kind of Blue” village particularly left a mark. Inspired by the iconic album of Miles Davis, this village immersed festival-goers in a bluish atmosphere, where every corner told a story of jazz, creativity, and conviviality. This unique place successfully combined relaxation, culture, and entertainment, with a multitude of activities ranging from object personalization to makeup, including a pétanque field reinvented in a jazz ambiance.
Within the village, the Bobar Comedy Club also brought a welcome touch of humor between concerts, offering moments of lightness and laughter with comedic talents from the local scene. Children were not left out (nor were the parents) thanks to the Kid’s Club, a dedicated space where professional animators offered a fun and educational program. This initiative allowed the youngest attendees to discover the musical universe while having fun, making the festival a truly family-friendly event.
Vibrant and inclusive afters to extend the celebration
Festival-goers could extend their experience with the “Jam Session” afters, organized from 12:30 AM within the “Kind of Blue” village. These nocturnal sessions, reminiscent of the world’s greatest jazz clubs, transformed the venue into an intimate and warm space where local musicians and festival artists came together for wild improvisations. These privileged moments allowed jazz lovers to vibe until dawn, reinforcing the spirit of sharing and communion that characterizes the Nice Jazz Festival.
The 2024 edition also emphasized inclusion by deploying innovative devices to allow everyone to intensely experience the concerts. For the second consecutive year, vibrating vests were made available for the deaf and hard of hearing audience. Thanks to an audio-tactile process developed by the company TIMMPI, hearing-impaired attendees could feel the music through vibrations, making the experience accessible and immersive.
An honorary trophy for Stella Cole
Another highlight of this edition was the presentation of the Ferret trophy, an honorary award established in 2011 by the City of Nice to recognize a festival artist. This year, it was singer Stella Cole who was honored for her exceptional contribution to contemporary jazz. The trophy was presented to her during an emotional ceremony by the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, in the presence of comedian Gad Elmaleh. This prize adds to the prestigious list of previous laureates, which includes legends such as Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
A festival in constant evolution
The Nice Jazz Festival 2024 stands as a transitional edition, brilliantly blending tradition and modernity. With its spirit of renewal, commitment to inclusivity, and artistic ambition, it has once again proven to be much more than just a musical event. It’s a true place of life, exchange, and meeting, where the City of Nice and jazz unite to jointly shine the Mediterranean culture and lifestyle. The festival thus asserts itself as an essential pillar of the musical landscape, capable of captivating purists and newcomers alike, and bringing generations together around a shared passion: music.
We are already looking forward to the 2025 edition, which promises new surprises and great musical moments under the azure sky.
