Jazz in Marciac

Jazz in Marciac: A Legendary Festival

Jazz in Marciac was born in 1978 from the passion of a handful of music lovers, including Jean-Louis Guilhaumon, who dreamed of making their village vibrate to the sound of jazz. Since then, the festival has become a global benchmark, transforming this peaceful Gascon town of 1,300 inhabitants into the international jazz capital every summer.

An Exceptional Program

The festival takes place over three weeks, from late July to mid-August. The program brings together the biggest names in world jazz: Wynton Marsalis, a loyal regular, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Marcus Miller, but also artists from blues, soul, funk, and world music. The concerts under the 6,000-seat big top offer exceptional acoustics and rare proximity to the artists.

The Off: Free Celebration in the Village

Alongside the paid concerts, the Off festival livens up the village square every evening with free open-air concerts. The streets of Marciac transform into a huge stage where professional and amateur musicians mingle, creating a unique atmosphere of sharing and conviviality. The terraces of cafes and restaurants extend the party late into the night.

A Commitment to Youth

Jazz in Marciac stands out for its commitment to musical education. The Marciac college offers jazz classes, and the festival organizes masterclasses and workshops for young musicians. L'Astrada, a performance venue inaugurated in 2011, hosts cultural events all year round, ensuring the festival's musical heritage endures.