Amiens Festival - Jazz and Beyond

The Amiens Festival, Jazz and Beyond: a jazz bridge since 1982

Since its creation in 1982, the Amiens Festival, Jazz and World Music, has been an essential event in the cultural landscape of Amiens for lovers of jazz, improvised music, and world music. Initially named "Le Temps du Jazz", the festival has evolved over the decades while maintaining its artistic standards and commitment to discovery.

Each year in March, the festival takes over the concert halls of Amiens and its region to offer a dense and eclectic program: jazz in all its forms — traditional, contemporary, free, fusion —, world music, improvised music, and unique artistic encounters. The program mixes internationally renowned artists with emerging musicians, in a spirit of curiosity and sharing.

A festival of discovery and artistic risk

The Amiens Festival stands out for its unique philosophy: that of a "bridge" festival, which prioritizes artistic risk-taking and renewed imagination. Rather than relying solely on major headliners, the festival offers a showcase for emerging artists, unique projects, and unlikely encounters between musicians from different backgrounds.

This approach has allowed the festival to reveal or confirm many talents in French and international jazz, making Amiens a must-visit destination for musicians who matter.

Around forty concerts in three weeks

The festival spans three weeks in March, offering around forty concerts in various venues in Amiens and Picardy. From concert halls to unusual locations — cellars, cafes, media libraries, churches —, jazz takes over the city in all its forms. Artist meet-and-greets, conferences, and workshops complement the musical program, fostering exchanges between musicians and the public.

Jazz at the heart of Amiens

Amiens, a city of heritage and culture, offers a conducive environment for the flourishing of jazz. The proximity of Paris and Lille, the richness of the local cultural fabric, and the commitment of associative actors make the capital of Picardy fertile ground for improvised music. The Amiens Festival, Jazz and Beyond has been contributing for over four decades to keeping this musical tradition alive in the Hauts-de-France region.