Umbria's legendary jazz festival, Umbriajazz (what else?) kicks off on July 12^th. Jazz fans will rejoice in the 10 days of the festival which closes on the 22^nd with Paolo Conte on his Razmataz tour. The festival programme is teeming with international and Italian jazz legends as well as some lesser-known names to look out for in the future.
The opening concert is on Thursday 12^th of July in Perugia and stars Dee Dee Bridgewater in a set dedicated to the great German composer Kurt Weill who, along with Bertolt Brecht, penned some of the best-loved songs of the 20^th century.
The festival gets into full swing on the following day (Friday 13^th, but let's hope it bodes well) with the start of a series of free concerts throughout the city featuring Gospel singers, street bands, classical quartets and stars the like of the Ray Gelato Giants.
On Friday evening we recommend Vinicio Capossela's concert in the Giardini del Frontone, not least for his guest star the guitarist Marc Ribot, Tom Waits' favourite arranger. Classical buffs will enjoy Nicola Arigliano's recital in Marsciano.
The highlight of Saturday 14^th is undoubtedly the Gil Evans orchestra, one of the all-time favourites at Umbriajazz, featuring jazzma supreme, Miles Evans.
Another date for your diaries is Friday 20^th of July when the historic Keith Jarrett trio (Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack De Johnette) plays in the Giardini del Frontone. So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets booked, bags packed and off you go to Perugia for ten heady days of music and tourism.

USEFUL INFORMATION
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