Escale'n Jazz

Escale'n Jazz, twenty years of jazz in Essonne

Born in 2006 in La Ville-du-Bois, Escale'n Jazz has established itself as a must-see on the Essonne jazz scene. This local festival, organized by the commune, brings together professional and amateur musicians every spring in a warm and open atmosphere. In 2026, it celebrates its 21st edition, true to its spirit of sharing and musical discovery.

Strong local roots

The heart of the festival beats around the Woodtown Orchestra, La Ville-du-Bois's local jazz big band, which offers a high-quality concert every year. This high-level amateur orchestra embodies the soul of Escale'n Jazz: to highlight local talent while opening the program to guest artists from diverse backgrounds. The synergy between local musicians and external contributors creates a unique dynamic that builds a loyal and growing audience.

A festive weekend with global flavors

Escale'n Jazz unfolds over a full weekend, combining concerts, exhibitions, and dance performances. Each edition explores a particular musical style: after the Cuban sounds and African rhythms of previous years, the 21st edition in 2026 is dedicated to Latin music. On Saturday evening, the main concert at L'Escale welcomes several thousand spectators for a professional-quality show. Sunday afternoon is dedicated to choreographic encounters, where various dance companies present performances inspired by the music of the program.

Free and accessible concerts

The philosophy of Escale'n Jazz is resolutely focused on accessibility. Free concerts punctuate the weekend: in 2026, the municipal library hosts a Brazilian music concert by the group Ouvindo, inviting the public to discover the rhythms of Brazil in an intimate setting. This free and popular dimension is one of the festival's hallmarks, aiming to make music accessible to the widest possible audience.

Exhibitions and visual arts

In parallel with the concerts, Escale'n Jazz annually presents a selection of photographic exhibitions retracing past editions, as well as visual creations by the Atelier des Mirettes, a local artistic residency. This visual dimension enriches the festival experience and demonstrates the festival's deep roots in the cultural life of the commune.

Practical information and ticketing

The festival takes place at L'Escale, the performance and congress hall of La Ville-du-Bois, ideally located by the Sallemouille. Catering is available on-site on the evening of the main concert. Online ticketing is available at www.escalenjazz.fr. Shuttles and parking assistance facilitate access to the site for festival-goers from the entire Parisian agglomeration.