Jazz Workshop Graz Vol. 20

- JAZZ WORKSHOP GRAZ VOL.20 - 20 Years of Jazz Workshop Graz: Anniversary at Orpheum Extra

For two decades, the Jazz Workshop Graz has been a fixed part of the local music scene. What began as an initiative by committed musicians has developed into a platform for contemporary jazz, improvisation, and stylistic boundary crossings. Now, the 20th anniversary is being celebrated at Orpheum Extra - with concerts, discussions, and an intergenerational finale.

To kick off, a prominent panel will look back at the beginnings and discuss how the festival has positioned itself in the Styrian cultural landscape - and where the journey could go next. Founders, long-time leaders, and experts will speak alongside representatives of the current generation.

Musically, the Jazz Workshop presents itself as diverse as ever: The 9-member Graz soul formation Planet Yoni brings energetic grooves to the stage with a large brass section, several singers, and a clear queer-feminist stance. The brother duo Supancic&Supancic presents "Radio FS2," a winking homage to cultural radio shows - blending composition, improvisation, and spoken word.

The Tim Scherer Trio focuses on lyrical soundscapes and finely balanced dynamics, while Chris Smith Jazz Grunge dresses familiar sounds from the 1990s in a modern jazz outfit. International flair is brought by guitarist Martin Iaies, who combines South American influences with European jazz traditions. The Vienna-based trio slowklang explores unusual sound landscapes between song form and free improvisation with voice, saxophone, and electric bass.

On the final evening, another discussion panel will address career prospects after music studies - a topic that concerns many young artists. The musical conclusion is set by the Jazz Workshop Collective: founders, key figures from the past 20 years, and the current organizing team will share the stage. At the same time, festival director Katharina Maier will be bid farewell - an emotional moment in an evening that connects the past and the future.

With this anniversary edition, the Jazz Workshop Graz once again emphasizes its commitment to presenting jazz as a vibrant, open, and socially relevant art form - right in the heart of Graz.

On April 22 at the Jazz Workshop Graz:
6:30 PM Sounds Like Jazz - 20 Years of Jazz Workshop Graz: Retrospective, Outlook, Perspectives
Moderation: Nadine Reinbacher
Guests: Siegmar Brecher, Patrick Dunst, André Doehring, among others

8:00 PM Planet Yoni
Deniz Oral - vocals
Evelina Kalnina - vocals & synth
Milica Vujadinovic - vocals, keyboards, and compositions
Alana Macpherson - alto saxophone, compositions
Kaya Meller - trumpet
Garazi Petriena Morales - trombone
Anna Gollien - baritone saxophone
Nina Feldgrill - bass
Gloria Handler - drums

9:00 PM Supancic&Supancic: Radio FS2
Fabian Supancic - piano, keyboards, text
Florian Supancic - saxophone, electronics, text

Also in the program:
April 23 Tim Scherer Trio / Chris Smith Jazz Grunge
April 24 Martin Iaies 4 / slowklang
April 25 Panel: After The Degree - Professionalization in Jazz / Jazz Workshop Collective
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On April 23 at the Jazz Workshop Graz:
8:00 PM Tim Scherer Trio
Tim Scherer - piano
Roz Macdonald - bass
Lisa Wilhelm - drums

9:00 PM Chris Smith Jazz Grunge
Christopher Pawluk - guitar
Lenart De Bock - saxophone
Valerie Costa - voice
Marko Churnchetz - keyboards
Hrvoje Karlj - bass
Chris Smith - drums

Also in the program:
April 22 Panel: Sounds Like Jazz - 20 Years of Jazz Workshop / Planet Yoni / Supancic&Supancic: Radio FS2
April 24 Martin Iaies 4 / slowklang
April 25 Panel: After The Degree - Professionalization in Jazz / Jazz Workshop Collective
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On April 24 at the Jazz Workshop Graz:
8:00 PM Martin Iaies 4
Martin Iaies - guitar & composition
Nikolaus Holler - saxophone & FX
Jakob Gönitzer - bass
Andreas Reisenhofer - drums

9:00 PM slowklang
Amina Bouroyen - voice
Robin Gadermaier - electric bass & foot organ
Robert Unterköfler - saxophone

Also in the program:
April 22 Panel: Sounds Like Jazz - 20 Years of Jazz Workshop / Planet Yoni / Supancic&Supancic: Radio FS2
April 23 Tim Scherer Trio / Chris Smith Jazz Grunge
April 25 Panel: After The Degree - Professionalization in Jazz / Jazz Workshop Collective
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On April 25 at the Jazz Workshop Graz:
6:30 PM After the Degree: Professionalization in Jazz
Moderation: Nadine Reinbacher, Thilo Seevers
Guests: to be announced

8:00 PM Jazz Workshop Graz Collective
Siegmar Brecher - bass clarinet
Patrick Dunst - saxophone
Katharina Maier - saxophone
Nadine Reinbacher - vocals
Laura Winkler - vocals
Thilo Seevers - piano
Valentin Czihak - bass
Reinhold Schmölzer - drums

Also in the program:
April 22 Panel: Sounds Like Jazz - 20 Years of Jazz Workshop / Planet Yoni / Supancic&Supancic: Radio FS2
April 23 Tim Scherer Trio / Chris Smith Jazz Grunge
April 24 Martin Iaies 4 / slowklang