Italian summer concerts are something special – a mix of great world-renown performers, laid-back atmosphere and summer sun. Umbria Jazz, set in the ancient stone capital city of Perugia, has grown from a small gathering to a twice yearly world-class event (there’s winter jazz as well). The atmosphere, with people sitting on stone steps beside the duomo, listening, relaxing; performers everywhere from marching bands fresh in from New Orleans to individuals and small jazz groups and a great ambience, it’s a festival not to miss.
Umbria Jazz this year, 2011, is dedicated to the 150 year anniversary of Italian reunification and features Carlos Santana, Liza Minnelli, Gilberto Gill and Sergio Mendez, Chick Corea, Randy Crawford, BB King and Prince. Yes, the purple one. Amazing artistes all.
