Jazz in Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues

Open-air jazz in the heart of Haute-Provence

Born in 2015 from the joint initiative of the town hall of Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues and the KIANIM association (festival committee), the Jazz in Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues festival has quickly established itself as a must-attend summer event for jazz lovers in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Led by Max Bontoux and a team of passionate volunteers, the festival takes over the village's Théâtre de Verdure every summer, a green space set up outdoors to host concerts under the Provençal stars.

An exceptional setting at the foot of the Lure mountain

Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues is a village of character nestled at the foot of the Lure mountain, in the Pays de Forcalquier. This preserved natural setting, between lavender fields, oak forests, and limestone peaks, gives the festival a unique atmosphere. The Théâtre de Verdure, located in the heart of the village near Place Adrien Gastinel, offers an intimate and warm setting where the public can enjoy concerts in a privileged environment, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

An eclectic and demanding jazz program

The festival offers a rich and varied program, exploring all facets of jazz. From its first edition in 2015, the festival hosted The Swing Ambassador Septet and the legendary Haricots Rouges, an emblematic New Orleans jazz band. In 2016, the second edition made its mark with the performance of saxophonist Raphaël Imbert and his « Bach Coltrane » program, blending baroque music and jazz, followed by the Dancing Jazz Band with singer Marion Rampal, the Gypsy Swing Quintet de Liège, and the prestigious Rhoda Scott Ladies Quartet.

Concerts in the church and the Théâtre de Verdure

The festival's uniqueness lies in the diversity of its concert venues. In addition to the Théâtre de Verdure for the main evening concerts, some performances are held in the Saint-Étienne church, offering remarkable acoustics for more intimate ensembles. Musical conferences are also offered during the day, allowing the public to deepen their knowledge of jazz and its roots.

An accessible and friendly festival

True to its spirit of sharing, the Jazz in Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues festival offers an accessible pricing policy. Some evenings are free admission, while prestigious concerts are offered at moderate prices. This approach, combined with the event's human scale and the warm welcome from the villagers, makes this festival a special moment for encounters between artists and the public, in the authentic spirit of live jazz.