Automne Jazz en Velay

Jazz in the heart of Velay

Since 2012, the Automne Jazz en Velay festival has been making the capital of Haute-Loire vibrate to the sounds of jazz every end of September. Supported by the Jazz en Velay association, founded in 2011, this event was born from the desire of a team of enthusiasts to promote jazz culture in the Le Puy-en-Velay urban area and throughout the Haute-Loire department. With over 50 members and a team of dedicated volunteers, the association is not limited to the festival: throughout the year, it organizes jam sessions, concerts, conferences, and even a literary short story competition on the theme of jazz, called Jazz en mots.

A festival rooted in the city

One of the festival's strengths is its integration into the heritage and cultural sites of Le Puy-en-Velay. Concerts take place in emblematic venues such as the Théâtre du Puy-en-Velay, Place du Breuil, the Ateliers des Arts, and the Foyer du Consulat. On Sundays, the festival unfolds outdoors in the magnificent Jardin Henri Vinay with La Folle journée du jazz (The Crazy Day of Jazz), a popular and family-friendly event entirely free, offering open-air concerts, vinyl and CD markets, blind tests, jazz readings, a musical nap, and discovery workshops.

A demanding and eclectic program

Each year, the festival invites artists from the French and international jazz scene, prioritizing diversity of styles and discovery. From gypsy jazz to bebop, from swing to contemporary jazz, including blues and improvised music, the program appeals to both connoisseurs and newcomers. Past editions have featured tributes to Django Reinhardt, original creations like GymnoStrophy by Possible(s) Quartet, international quartets, and tributes to Michel Legrand, a giant of French music and cinema.

More than a festival, a cultural adventure

Beyond the concerts, Automne Jazz en Velay offers writing workshops led by writers and journalists, where music serves as a pretext for literary creation. Documentary screenings about major jazz figures enrich the program. The festival collaborates with libraries, cultural centers in neighboring towns like Saint-Germain-Laprade and Brives-Charensac, and the Le Puy-en-Velay conservatory to broaden its reach and attract new audiences. This cultural and educational dimension, combined with the artistic quality of the concerts, makes Automne Jazz en Velay a unique festival in Auvergne.