Rhino Jazz(s) Festival

Rhino Jazz(s): Over Forty Years of Jazz Between the Loire and Rhône

Since 1979, the Rhino Jazz(s) Festival has consistently created events in the world of jazz music. Born in Saint-Chamond, in the heart of the Gier valley, this touring festival gradually expanded throughout the region, from Firminy to Saint-Étienne, including Vienne and especially Lyon, where the prestigious Chapelle de la Trinité regularly hosts exceptional concerts.

A Festival Rooted in Lyon's Heritage

The Lyon dimension of Rhino Jazz(s) is an essential part of its programming. The Chapelle de la Trinité, a Baroque jewel in Lyon's 1st arrondissement, offers a remarkable acoustic and architectural setting for jazz concerts. Each year, several dates are scheduled in the capital of Gaul, allowing the Lyon public to enjoy an international program without leaving the metropolis. In 2025, Japanese pianist Naoko Sakata delivered a memorable solo performance there, blending instinctive improvisation and raw power.

An International and Eclectic Program

Rhino Jazz(s) stands out for its ability to bring together artists from all over the world in a single edition: USA, Canada, Japan, Denmark, Israel, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, and many other countries. The program encompasses all facets of contemporary jazz, from blues to free jazz, including improvised music, vocal jazz, big bands, and transdisciplinary creations.

The Rhinoceros, an Iconic Mascot

The festival's visual identity is inseparable from its rhinoceros mascot, adopted in 1991 following an exhibition by Saint-Étienne painter Jacques Barry during the 1990 edition. Since then, the presence of the rhinoceros in public spaces has announced the curtain-raiser for the festival each year. This emblematic figure embodies the strength, audacity, and uniqueness of an event that refuses artistic compromise.

An Exemplary Territorial Network

With a program spread across nearly 29 municipalities over 25 days, Rhino Jazz(s) weaves a dense cultural network between the Loire and Rhône regions. More than 42 concerts are offered at each edition, in performance halls, churches, castles, and unusual venues. The festival plays a major role in the cultural animation of the territory and in the dissemination of jazz to all audiences, from seasoned music lovers to curious neophytes.

Château du Jarez, Festival Headquarters

Based at the Château du Jarez in Saint-Chamond, Rhino Jazz(s) benefits from a strong heritage base. This historic site houses the festival's administration and hosts some concerts in an intimate and warm setting. The festival is supported by local authorities, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, and the Ministry of Culture.