Les Divas du Jazz

Les Divas du Jazz: A Unique Festival Dedicated to Female Jazz Voices

An unprecedented event among the some 470 jazz festivals in France, Les Divas du Jazz is the first festival entirely dedicated to the great female voices of jazz. Born in 2022 from the initiative of the Communauté de Communes Châteaubriant-Derval, in partnership with the City of Châteaubriant, this free, open-air summer event honors French and international singers who perpetuate the spirit and tradition of jazz through its multiple styles: swing, New Orleans, be-bop, bossa nova, and many others.

An Exceptional Artistic Direction

The festival is under the artistic direction of Jean-Philippe Vidal, conductor of the Côte Ouest Big Band and director of "Nuits du Jazz". His expertise and network in the jazz world allow for a high-quality program each year, blending established artists and talents to discover. Among the singers who have marked previous editions: Jany McPherson, Virginia Constantine, Katrin Merili, Nicolle Rochelle, Emilie Hedou, Hetty Kate, Ella Rabeson, Kristel Adams, Leslie Lewis, Jody Sternberg, and Mélodie Cambou.

Three Days of Jazz in a Heritage Setting

Each edition unfolds over three days with about fifteen free concerts spread across several stages. In Châteaubriant, spectators enjoy concerts on the promenade du Duc d'Aumale at the foot of the castle, on the Motte stage, at the bandstand, in the covered market, and in the rampart garden. On Sunday, the festival moves to a heritage site in a neighboring municipality: the Forge-Neuve site in Moisdon-la-Rivière or the Forges de la Hunaudière in Sion-les-Mines, offering an invitation to discover local heritage.

A Rich and Eclectic Program

Beyond the great female voices that form its common thread, the festival hosts orchestras, jazz groups, trios, quartets, and quintets, as well as late-night jam sessions. The styles represented cover a wide spectrum: from swing to be-bop, from New Orleans jazz to bossa nova, from jazz rhythm'n'blues to gypsy jazz. Each evening concludes with a jam session open to musicians.

A Popular and Friendly Festival

With over 4,000 spectators at each edition, Les Divas du Jazz has established itself as a major cultural event in the north of Loire-Atlantique. The completely free access, on-site food and drink, and contingency plans in case of rain (theater, covered market, hall) contribute to making this festival an event accessible to all, in a festive and friendly atmosphere.