Hot Marne Jazz

A Jazz Stroll in Haute-Marne

Born in the late 1990s on the initiative of ADDMC52 (Departmental Association for Musical and Choreographic Development in Haute-Marne), the Hot Marne Jazz festival has established itself as a unique event in the jazz scene of the Grand Est region. Conceived from the outset as a traveling event, the festival crisscrosses the Haute-Marne department, taking over unusual and heritage sites: municipal media libraries, village cafes, performance halls, and courtyards of historic buildings. This original format, summarized by its slogan "a jazz stroll in Haute-Marne, open your ears in Haute-Champagne!", brings contemporary jazz closer to audiences furthest from urban cultural offerings.

An Exceptional Artistic Direction

The festival's programming is entrusted to Sylvain Kassap, a renowned clarinettist, saxophonist, and composer on the French jazz and improvised music scene. Under his artistic direction, Hot Marne Jazz explores the multiple facets of contemporary jazz, from free jazz to improvised music, including fusions with classical music and world music. Kassap brings artistic rigor to the festival that does not exclude accessibility, favoring intimate ensembles and musical encounters conducive to discovery.

The Crossing of Artistic Disciplines

One of Hot Marne Jazz's major unique features lies in its openness to crossings between jazz and dance. The festival regularly features performances combining musicians and dancers, with creative residencies involving professional and amateur artists from the region. Dance workshops, improvisation, and instrumental practice – including clarinet masterclasses led by Sylvain Kassap – complement the stage programming. This participatory and educational dimension makes Hot Marne Jazz a human and artistic adventure, true to its mission of transmitting and democratizing jazz.

A Springboard for Young Talents

Hot Marne Jazz pays particular attention to promising young musicians. The festival offers them opportunities to perform in various settings across the department, particularly in partner media libraries and cafes. These intimate concerts allow emerging artists to present their work to the public in favorable conditions, while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of rural areas in Haute-Marne.

A Living Heritage

In 2007, Hot Marne Jazz evolved to become "L'Effet Papillon" (The Butterfly Effect), musical artist itineraries in Haute-Marne, expanding its scope beyond just jazz while retaining the spirit of travel and artistic encounters that defined its identity. The festival has significantly contributed to structuring the cultural life of the department and positioning Haute-Marne as a welcoming territory for jazz and improvised music in the Grand Est region.