South Town Jazz Festival

South Town Jazz Festival: Soustons' Jazz Event

Created in 2017 by drummer and producer Guillaume Nouaux, a prominent figure in traditional French jazz, the South Town Jazz Festival quickly established itself as one of the key musical events on the Landes coast. Every year in March, the town of Soustons vibrates to the sound of swing, boogie-woogie, gospel, and blues jazz, in the setting of the Espace Culturel Roger Hanin, a modern performance hall located in Place des Arènes.

An International and Eclectic Program

The South Town Jazz Festival stands out for the quality of its programming, blending internationally renowned artists with emerging talents. Over the years, the festival has hosted musicians from all over the world: from the United States, Germany, England, Italy, and of course, France. The styles covered span a wide spectrum of jazz: swing, New Orleans, boogie-woogie, gospel, blues, gypsy jazz, and contemporary jazz.

Unforgettable Concert Evenings

Each edition offers four to five evenings of concerts at the Espace Culturel Roger Hanin, with ensembles ranging from intimate trios to big bands. The audience discovers varied musical universes in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The concerts from Wednesday to Saturday form the core of the program, featuring artists who enrich contemporary jazz.

An Open and Participatory Festival

Beyond the evening concerts, the South Town Jazz Festival promotes openness and transmission:

• Free Outdoor Concerts: Invited artists perform in Soustons' schools and retirement homes, bringing jazz closer to the residents.
• Master Classes: Workshops led by professional musicians allow amateur musicians and conservatory students to improve their skills.
• Swing Dance Workshops: Introductions to lindy hop and swing offered to the public to experience jazz through movement.
• Concert by CHAM Jazz Students: Students from the jazz program at Soustons' middle school and the jazz department of the Conservatoire des Landes traditionally open the festival with a free concert.
• Big Band Côte Sud: The local big band participates in the program with tributes to jazz legends.

The 2026 Edition: 10 Years of Jazz in Soustons

For its 10th edition, the South Town Jazz Festival celebrates a decade of jazz, encounters, and shared emotions. The anniversary program brings together artists who have made the festival's heart beat over the years, notably Nirek Mokar & His Boogie Messengers accompanied by Sax Gordon, gospel singer Bridget Bazile, saxophonist Adrian Cox and his sextet, and an opening concert by the Big Band Côte Sud paying tribute to Quincy Jones.

Strong Territorial Roots

Supported by the town of Soustons, the MACS community of communes, the department of Landes, and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the festival contributes to the cultural influence of the territory and the tourist appeal of the Landes coast at the beginning of the season.