...A great interplay of aggregation and disintegration, order and chaos, continuous creation and transformation, movement and ecstasy, cycles of beginning and end:
this is what we find in De Rerum Natura.
Music exists “in the nature of things” and is a universal language.
We imagine Lucretius, who sought to free humanity from fear and unrest, entrusting today’s world to jazz as a way to bring people together and guide them back to a shared sense of humanity, often lost in modern times.
The twenty seventh edition of the Festival offers a musical journey with outstanding artists, leading us through new and unexpected places while exploring the emotions of the human soul.
More information and full programme here
Photo credits:
Greg & Zooma Zooma Jive Band
Monday, July 27, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Torbole sul Garda, Colonia Pavese
“Angelina Zooma Zooma” is one of the most famous medleys by Louis Prima, and the Zooma Zooma Jive Band was created to celebrate the style of this great Italian American musician: jive, a perfect fusion of the wild energy of rock and roll and the refined harmonies of swing.
A high energy ensemble, born as a spin off of the Blues Willies, the band performs the most iconic songs of Louis Prima along with other tracks reinterpreted in the same vibrant spirit. Featuring powerful solos, dynamic brass riffs and the gritty voice of Claudio Gregori, the audience is carried by an unstoppable rhythm section into the atmosphere of the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas in 1958.
In case of bad weather, the event will take place at Casa della Comunità in Nago at 9:30 PM
FREE ADMISSION
Jazz Cafè Electric Circus
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Impavida Birra Artigianale, Arco
Electric Circus is a project born in Trentino and now based in Turin, blending funk, afrobeat, psychedelia and world influences into a sound shaped by improvisation and experimentation.
After touring in the United States, they gained recognition with the album Canicola, appreciated for its mix of cinematic atmospheres, driving rhythms and more expansive moments. They also composed the soundtrack for the docuseries Contrecourant, focused on stories between Mali and Senegal, strengthening their connection with African sounds.
These influences are reflected in tracks such as Bogaloo and Dhimma and in the EP On est ensemble, created with the Malian duo Shael Roots. Today, Electric Circus channel these elements into new compositions with a strong and immersive identity.
FREE ADMISSION
Jazz Cafè - Luca de Toni Trio
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Sottotetto Urban Space, Arco
A musical journey through warm grooves, refined interplay and improvisation. The trio captures the essence of the organ jazz trio, balancing tradition with contemporary sounds. The repertoire alternates reinterpreted standards and original compositions, blending soul jazz influences with more modern tones.
The vibrant Hammond organ of Giulio Campagnolo interacts with Luca de Toni’s expressive guitar, while Andrea Dionisi’s drums support and enrich the sound with rhythmic sensitivity and creative freedom. The result is an intense and engaging experience, creating an intimate yet energetic atmosphere.
7:00 pm – Opening act: Orchestra Improvvisata SMAG
FREE ADMISSION
Jazz Workshop with Luca Zennaro
Interplay in modern jazz from post bop onwards
Thursday, July 30 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Auditorium SMAG, Riva del Garda
A workshop focused on collective interaction in jazz, exploring:
Participants will play together in a spontaneous and open setting, focusing on listening and interaction. The goal is not to play over others, but to play with others. Technique is only a tool, interplay is the real objective, turning music into a living experience.
Open to all, including listeners. Basic knowledge of scales and chords is recommended.
Registration via email: didattica@smag.coop
Info: +39 0464 556774
Fee €30.00
Beatrice Arrigoni 4th – Terrestre
Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Parco Fluviale, Dro
Terrestre is the second quartet project by Beatrice Arrigoni, released in 2024 and selected among the top ten Italian albums of the year by Musica Jazz. The project also won the Nuova Generazione Jazz 2026 award.
Featuring original songs in Italian, it blends contemporary jazz with pop, ethnic and classical influences. The lyrics explore personal and collective reflections, focusing on the human condition. The concept of “terrestre” reflects our connection to the earth, vulnerability and emotional depth.
Beatrice Arrigoni is a singer, composer and performer, trained in jazz vocals and modern literature. She has performed internationally and gained recognition from specialised media.
In case of bad weather, the event will take place at the Cultural Centre of Dro at 9:30 pm
FREE ADMISSION
Jazz Cafè - Zennaro Bordignon Duo
Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:30 am
Hotel Villa Nicolli, Riva del Garda
Two of the most interesting musicians of the new generation of Italian jazz. Guitarist and composer Luca Zennaro collaborates with international artists such as Rudy Royston and Benjamin Clementine and has been praised for his strong musical identity. Francesco Bordignon stands out for his maturity and versatility, having already performed with leading jazz musicians.
The duo presents original compositions alongside tributes to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
Booking recommended: +39 0464 552598
FREE ADMISSION
J & The Hot Four
Friday, July 31, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Viale Dante, in front of Lorenzo Lorenzi & C., Riva del Garda
A project featuring original compositions and reinterpretations of classic jazz standards with fresh arrangements. The band places the voice at the centre, using four vocal lines like a brass section of a big band, blending improvisation and warm instrumental tones.
Their debut album Just a Simple Quartet …+1, released in 2025, reflects two years of live performances and the search for a unique sound.
FREE ADMISSION
Vincen García
Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Castello di Arco
One of the most acclaimed modern bass players in the funk fusion and jazz scene worldwide. Vincen García has gained international recognition, performing at major festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz Festival, and selling out venues in cities across the globe.
Known for his outstanding technique and creativity, he collaborates with international artists and continues to expand his audience with his latest album Vivace released in 2026.
The venue can be reached on foot through the Arco olive grove, about 15 minutes walk.
From 7:00 pm dinner option at the castle available with concert ticket
Info and booking: +39 34407533824
In case of bad weather, the event will take place at the Casinò Municipale di Arco at 9:30 pm
TICKET REQUIRED
Joey Calderazzo Trio
Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Palacongressi, Riva del Garda
One of the finest pianists of his generation, Joey Calderazzo has performed alongside legendary artists such as Michael Brecker, Branford Marsalis and Dave Holland.
With an outstanding career and numerous recordings, he brings to the stage a powerful and versatile jazz language, blending blues, swing, post bop and improvisation.
Accompanied by Orlando Le Fleming on double bass and Donald Edwards on drums, the trio presents a repertoire of original compositions and reinterpretations in an intense and refined live performance.
Jazz Cafè – Damiana Dellantonio
Monday, August 3, 2026 at 9:30 pm
Cantine Naturali Torboli, Tenno
“Rondini – Music in flight across the peoples of the world”
An international concert featuring a cosmopolitan repertoire that moves across genres and cultures, from Edvard Grieg to the Beatles, from Purcell to Lucio Dalla, from Poulenc to Paul Simon.
Languages, melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world come together in a refined performance that leaves room for improvisation, offering echoes of songs loved across generations.
Admission with drink and snacks €20.00
Booking recommended: +39 0464 500600
Jazz Cafè - Lotus Orchestra
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 9:30 pm
Hotel du Lac et du Parc Grande Resort, Riva del Garda
An ensemble of young yet established musicians, featuring the voice of Giulia Prandelli, paying tribute to early Italian swing through iconic songs from the 1930s to the post war period.
A musical journey capturing the spirit of an era, with timeless hits by artists such as Natalino Otto, Quartetto Cetra, Fred Bongusto, Renato Carosone and Domenico Modugno.
A lively and engaging show that guarantees entertainment for all audiences.
Admission with mandatory drink €20.00
Booking recommended: +39 0464 566600
Jazz Cafè – Andrea Giussani Trio
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Hotel Luise, Riva del Garda
A newly formed project born from the vibrant Milanese music scene, driven by the desire to explore jazz from the past decades through total interplay and free improvisation.
The repertoire ranges from classic standards to more contemporary and lesser known pieces, reinterpreted through the unique sensibilities of the trio members.
Booking recommended: +39 0464 550858
FREE ADMISSION
Forest School
Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Meeting point Casa degli Artisti, Canale di Tenno
An educational experience dedicated to discovering forest biodiversity, designed for children aged 6 to 12, guided by educators from the Forest School and Creativity Garden.
Free participation with mandatory booking, limited places available.
Parents of participating children can access reduced tickets for the concert “A Concerto con mamma e papà”.
Quintaessenza
“In The Name Of The Father, Daughters & Vino Bianco”
Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Casa degli Artisti, Canale di Tenno
A quintet of accomplished musicians presents a new album of original compositions by Giordano Grossi.
An intimate and authentic musical journey exploring life, emotions and personal stories. The interplay between saxophone, trumpet, piano and rhythm section creates a rich and expressive soundscape.
Dinner available from 6:30 pm with traditional Trentino dishes
In case of bad weather, the event will take place at Teatro Don Bosco in Tenno at 9:30 pm
TICKET REQUIRED
Jazz Cafè - Beppe Zorzella Trio
Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Hotel Forte Charme, Nago
A trio of established musicians from the Verona area, united by years of collaborations, recordings and performances both in Italy and abroad. Their strong connection is reflected in the music and in the refined emotions they convey to the audience.
The programme moves between international jazz standards, Italian songs and original compositions, where the elegant trumpet lines of Zorzella blend with refined harmonies and a dynamic rhythm section.
Booking recommended: +39 0464 506012
Fabrizio Bosso & Julian Oliver Mazzariello
“The sky is full of stars” – Tribute to Pino Daniele
Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Palacongressi, Riva del Garda
One of the most outstanding duos in Italian jazz today, Fabrizio Bosso on trumpet and Julian Oliver Mazzariello on piano reinterpret the music of Pino Daniele with originality and depth.
Their performance offers a fresh portrait of the Neapolitan songwriter, bringing new colours and nuances to iconic songs such as Napule è, Je so’ pazzo and Quanno chiove, alongside later works.
The project has also become an album, recorded in Naples and celebrating the timeless beauty of Pino Daniele’s repertoire through the language of jazz.
Emma Smith
Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Palacongressi, Riva del Garda
Winner of the Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year award, Emma Smith is one of the rising stars of the international jazz scene. From the Royal Albert Hall to major jazz clubs worldwide, she is acclaimed for her versatility as a singer, arranger and songwriter.
She has collaborated with artists such as Michael Bublé, Quincy Jones Orchestra and Jeff Goldblum, and gained further recognition after touring with Postmodern Jukebox.
Her albums have received wide acclaim and millions of streams, with her latest release Bitter Orange offering an intimate and expressive portrait of her artistic world.